Self Portrait

You may have noticed a new portrait on the header of this blog and on my website. Drawing a self portrait is always very hard for me, but the image I was previously using was over five years old. It was time for an update.

I made an attempt last year, but it was too weird to work on. I was staring at myself in the eye on paper:

I prefer the new one where I'm looking down at the paper. It fits my personality better. Here's a look at the preliminary drawing:

I did have to edit the face for the final so it would look more like me. here's a look at the work in progress from my Instagram stories:

I've also been using this portrait on my promotional materials:

The Little Red Hen

"Not I, said the cat!"

I'm trying to include more children's art in my portfolio. Here's a little red hen spread.

I always hated the ending to this story. Her friends weren't helpful, but maybe she should give them another chance.

Here's a look at the preliminary drawing:

I also thought that the cat would make a good card:

It's available on Etsy here.

A Few Steps Back

I got back from the winter SCBWI conference and immediately got the flu!

February has been a month to rest and recover.

Arthur Conan Doyle SCBWI Conference Homework

I had the opportunity to take a workshop about references from the wonderful Barbara McClintock and Eric Velasquez at the winter SCBWI conference.

The homework prompt was about a young Arthur Conan Doyle. The part of the prompt I focused on was that his first story was about a man eating tiger.

Here's a look at the preliminary drawing:

Missing Dinosaur Books

Here's an illustration I included in my portfolio for the SCBWI conference. It's a completed version of an illustration I worked on back in September.

To see the preliminary drawing, plus two other drawings from this story, check out this blog post.

BIlly Goats Gruff

Billy Goats Gruff, watercolor, gouache, and pencil on Rives BFK, 11x14", 2018.

I'm going to the SCBWI conference next month!

One of the workshops is about learning where your art fits in. There's an assignment where you have to depict a villain from children's literature. I had a hard time choosing what to do. In the end I decided to stick with my strengths, and illustrate a story that has animals.

This is kind of a funny version of the Billy Goats Gruff. Poor troll!

I posted a bunch of in progress shots on Instagram:

🐐🐐🐐Super rough beginnings. I've been working on one of the assignments for the #scbwi conference next month. It's to depict a classic children's book villain. I have to much left to do!! . . . . #ny18scbwi #billygoatsgruff #goats #ogre #kidlitart #illustration #illustrator #art #sketchbook #sketch #drawing #portfolio

A post shared by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Jan 6, 2018 at 2:07pm PST

🐐🐐🐐 This has become the drawing that never ends 😭. I should have been done ages ago. At least I'm ready to transfer to good paper and do the color version now. . . . . . #sketchbook #sketch #ny18scbwi #scbwi #kidlitart #childrensillustration #billygoatsgruff #goats #pencil #drawing #art #illustration #illustrator

A post shared by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Jan 12, 2018 at 2:20pm PST

What are the weirdest colors I could use?? K, I'm doing that. . . . . . #wip #gouache #illustration #illustrator #art #drawing #watercolor #gouache #scbwi #process #kidlitart #childrensillustration

A post shared by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Jan 13, 2018 at 5:57pm PST

Pet Portrait: Anya

I had a great time with Anya's portrait! 

See the preliminary drawing below:

Winter Events

This post is an ENORMOUS thank you to everyone who came out and bought artwork, cards, or ornaments from me this past holiday season. I left my wonderful day job in September to work as an artist full time. This can be a super unpredictable career, but I feel so supported by all of you!

Here's a look at just a few of the events from November and December:

This one could be it's own post... it was a big one! I set up a shop with 4 other members of the Independent Makers of Philadelphia at Philadelphia's Christmas Village. We were in a special "Handmade in Philadelphia section". The market lasted from the week before Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

Here's the beautiful setting:

Here are a few more photos from December events. There were a ton more, but how many pictures of my table do you need to see? Sometime I'll have to post a tour of what my set up looks like for indoor and outdoor events, and what fixtures/ display items I use.

Last Call Holiday Haul at Philadelphia Brewing Co.

Punk Rock Flea Market at Bok

Go West Craft Fest at the beautiful Rotunda