a whole bunch of new work
February 22, 2007
Wanna see some of the goodies I’ve been working on? I just updated the Work section of my site. (click refresh if you don’t see new stuff.)
I think I’m finally starting to hit a stride in my work. A confidence and peace with it. I know more solidly what I do and what I can produce… That feels SO good. (let’s just hope I can maintain that feeling.)
What’s interesting to me is that I’ve slid backward in my technique a little bit. For a few months I started to get more into the small details of the piece… playing up highlights and adding shadows, messing with tiny areas, etc. But it just wasn’t as fun for me… And while the pieces were still in “my style”, they weren’t as distintive in my opinion.
So now I’ve gone back to more of a limited palette with blocks of chunky color and much less finagling over fine details. I am playing with more pattern and pushing my color palettes even more, while keeping it simpler overall. (My college prof always said: KISS… Keep It Simple, Silly). And for me, I think that’s really good advice. I really like working simply, focusing on ideas. It feels very natural for me. And it’s fun.
Here’s an example of one of my favorite older pieces:
Compared to this newer piece, which has the same simple, not-too-detailed look:
And then one of the more detailed pieces I did:
See what I mean?
(This makes me wonder what would happen if I repeated the same assignment every 6 months or so, just to see where my work has wandered and how it compares… Maybe worth looking into.)
Anyhoo, check out the work section.
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Oh yeah, the first image above was for the Baltimore Sun… A story about Maryland’s famous Wye Oak living on due to the acorns that were sold before it got the chop. (and a good example of me pushing new palettes).
February 22nd, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Your artwork is great. I really like your style and am inspired by how you renew your creativity. Thanks for sharing your new work!
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Dang, girl.
That’s all. Just dang!
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I know what you mean about a stride. I’m finally feeling that myself. Although I’m not in your field, I find that what rejuvenates me professionally and gives me back my sense of “technique” and edge is when I go to workshops and seminars. I’m not sure what opportunities are available in that vein in the art world, but maybe if you could get together more frequently with other artists in your area, you all could bounce ideas off of each other and give each other constructive criticism and feedback. As I mentioned, this may not be applicable or practical in your line of work, but I just thought I’d give my two cents. By the way, I don’t see that your technique is slipping, and I think you should embrace the journey that your talent takes you on. xo- YSIL
February 22nd, 2007 at 8:15 pm
i love all your new illo’s. and the new fresh colors.
February 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 am
It was really fun to see all your new work - and for such mucky-muck publications! And I really like the direction you’re headed - I’m always biased toward simplicity. “Amish” is so fantastic - I could look at it for a long, long time. Perfect capture of the theme of the story - and the ways the colors and composition work together to support the idea…wow. I also love the expression on the girl’s face in “Report Card” (and her cotton candy pink cheeks : ) - a little bit proud, a little bit mischievous…
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:34 am
Really gorgeous and fresh Penelope! The colour pallette of the top illo is just delicious. :o) I like your simpler, more screenprint stuff, in my opinion it lets the ideas breath and the colours sing.
x
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:52 am
It all looks great!
February 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 am
Terrific work (as usual!) and a very interesting self-critique of each piece. I’ll have to remember the KISS rule. Your self assignments have inspired me to do quick 2-minute sketches with black paint on paper this week. It’s been a while since I just DREW. I foresee lots of practice time in my future! Hee! Thank you for the inspiration, Penelope!
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I’m dancing to these! They are musical somehow…the top illo is superb. Its a good thing to fall, whether back or forward, its still a brave move. (Did you ever play that game as a kid where someone stands behind you and you fold your hands over your chest and fall back?)
February 23rd, 2007 at 2:02 pm
yes, your newer work is awesome, penelope
like it very, very much :-)
February 26th, 2007 at 11:40 am
First, I’d like to thank you for answering my emails and giving great advice. It’s great to know that there are artists out there that are willing to help.
I’ve always enjoyed your style. Great line work and color. I myself have been trying to simplify my palette, but always come back to shading and such. How do you fight the urge to put in shading and fine detail? I’ve tried to, but keep following the same path.
Keep up the great!
February 26th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Keep up the great work, that is! Hit the “enter” key to fast…
February 26th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Wow! Really really great stuff! Impressive!
February 26th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
i just LOVE that new piece, it’s amazing to look back on your work and see your style emerge. (that KISS saying is great!)
February 26th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
you know you are a champion right?
a total freaking champion.
:)
xoxo
February 27th, 2007 at 12:05 am
I love these new works. The design, the simplicity and love, love, love the color!
February 27th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Love the new stuff! I have to agree with you that the details were taking away from your style. Keeping it simple really lets the pieces shine! Great job!
March 1st, 2007 at 8:10 pm
i adore your work, i love love love love LOVe your new work! xo melanie