for my niece...

since ananda was born, i've made her an illustration for each birthday... a tradition i plan to uphold until the age of 12... after that, if she still likes my style, i'll continue to make them... but at the least, she'll end up with a dozen of her aunt ellia's artworks... this illustration was the very first (as you can see, none of them necessarily coincide with her age)... it's my 3d illustration but unfortunately, scanning it takes away much of the depth...

for a long time, most of my illustrations were close-eyed... i loved cutting the eyelashes and making the hands all bubbly... and to this day, i love my big headed characters ... (this is the least of my favorite illustrations)... just like i am still obsessed with flowers...

for ananda's third birthday, i decided to open the eyes of my character... however, even then, there were eyelids... it wasn't until 2006 when my illustrations began having fully open eyeballs... anyhow, this piece was a tad difficult because of the chair... as you can see, each yr my characters became shorter and shorter... my style evolved, although the first one is still my utmost favorite...

tonight or tomorrow, i begin sketching out her 4th piece... at least it won't be over a month late... (i like to give myself some form of deadline...) i know this one will probably be green and definitely flat... although i like my paper sculpture work, i am really working on making my flat illustration more dimensional without actually sculpting... anyhow, i look forward to working on it!

Comments

[Nina]

Wow I really Love all of those girls .I hope your niece will treasure them all her life.Very pretty!

[Lavanotes]

These are so beautiful. LOL I actually really love the second one. I can't wait to see the fourth. :)

[risa]

what a brilliant idea! i bet she'll cherish them. it reminds me of my aunt-her sister has made her a bday card every year of her life (she's know about 50) and she has them all framed around her house.

[joyce]

your illustrations are great! --
i may have to commission you to make me one when i decide what i want =)
i already have one of your cards (from the swap)!

[Nina]

Ok since this is the latest and people will see this first (I think) I need to reveal myself. Hi everyone I am Ellias mom and yes I am her no.1 fan and have been commenting since she began as though I dont't know her lol lol lol so I could post my house items on flicker and they will be some of the same ones Ellia has posted. Thank you for reading this love you all.

[Courtney]

that is so cool to see your progress through these amazing gifts to your niece. what a great auntie you are, i have to be forced to create art gifts for family these days. ;)

[alexandria]

wow. these are really lovely. u can see your style evolving. I love the chubby hands. they are all three so darling :)

[Trudi]

These are all so wonderful! Your niece is very lucky. Look forward to seeing the latest illustration when you've finished!

[Peg Graham]

These are incredible! I would love to have a few to frame and hang in my house...seriously! I think I emailed you earlier regarding info on them.

Rock on!
Peg Graham

[Leslie]

Ellia!
You are such an inspiration -- oh you need to illustrate kids' books w/ your pieces. They are so gosh darn wonderful!

And lucky Ananda. . . lucky, lucky girl! :)

[plastic tupperware queen]

What lovely cards. You are blessed to have such a talent. I have tried to make cards for my boys on their birthdays as a keepsake but they dont look nothing like yours...

[MCaplan]

You should definitely submit your Illustrations to publishers! Your style is so fun and expressive! You should do it! Believe me, I know~!

[Snowbear]

I really like the second one even if her eyes are closed.
;-)

[carolyn]

these are fabulous ellia!
You have the ability to create so much movement and emotion out of paper. Love it...

so nice to see you've been busy, it's been a while since I've visted.
Love your new pic :)