with the new year in tow, it's time that i begin some resolutions... or not.... either way, i have that to-do list that is in need of completing.... what better way to end the old year and begin the new, than finishing a project promised nearly a year ago... yes, a whopping year.... i have a cousin named abigail who is a little over 7 months old and will be expecting a younger sibling in less than 5 months... because of the major age difference, i tend to forget she is my cousin but then again, i forgot to do an illustration for her too... either way, this past weekend was the perfect time to get it checked off the list... as you can see, it looks similar to another piece i did a few months back....
i always love adding a doll or teddy bear in the picture- laying about, waiting for the mom to come and pick it up, or the child to hug it... jhoanna makes the cutest and most unique dolls around called chibi dolls, so i thought to use hers as inspiration for this piece... keep in mind, you can buy a real plush chibi doll in her shop... but here is abigail's in cut paper form....i tried to do jhoanna's beautiful work justice...
with ramel being at home for the holidays, it gave him a chance to play with diego... actually, i didn't care what they did together so long as they had a good time, kept the place clean, and gave me some alone time... don't worry, we had our family time too as diego loves when we both chase and cuddle with him... anyhow, here is another illustration i am working on for vicki.... she ordered this piece and wanted a couple more custom designs... yes, this is a mother nursing her child and they are missing eyes for the moment... and i have all the papers taped up instead of glued in order to be able to get an okay on the patterns and such by vicki....i have this miracle scotch tape that is not at all sticky and is made to hold things only temporarily... it's the only tape that allows me to position my paper pieces and remove the tape without ripping anything...
i know most moms don't nurse this way; by pulling their shirt under their breast... but for illustration purposes, it was the only way that looked like the mom was nursing without having to show elaborate detail.... (we all know my anatomy skills are pretty simplistic).... but now that it has been approved, i can start gluing and adding the necessary details that will make it look sweet and simple...
ah, but it's the new year and i have much work to do in my etsy shop.... i have two illustrations already ready for the shop... all i need to do is work on revising the banner, fixing a few items and their details, and make more goodness to sell... can you believe that from thanksgiving until now, i finished over 9 illustrations?! not including all the cards and notebooks?! it's been a busy end of the year...
hope you all enjoyed 2006!
9 illustrations! wow! what an accomplishment, my dear Ellia. You have inspired me to do more this year.
Your nursing illo is gorgeous. The way you illustrate how she nurse her baby is natural and sexy. I do nurse my girls this way, actually.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to more inspirations this year.
Talk to you soon.
Posted by: Kristy | January 02, 2007 at 12:50 AM
It's a beautiful image of a mother, even without eyes! Well done!
Posted by: Erin | January 02, 2007 at 05:20 AM
LOL I saw your Flickr badge before the post here and asked about the tape! Hehe thanks for explaining it here! Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Heather | January 02, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Hi Ellia! Wow - you have been so productive and your art continues to inspire! I have really been enjoying all the wonderful cut-paper art you've been making. And thanks for featuring a little chibi doll (and the link too) - you're too kind!
Posted by: Jhoanna | January 03, 2007 at 05:10 AM
Wow! Your work is amazing! I love looking at your projects.
The nursing mama and babe is great and I sometimes nursed that way too.....lol.
Happy new year!
Tobey
Posted by: Tobey | January 03, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Ellia, it's like you read my mind! I do nurse that way all the time!
It's not the the conventional approach, but it is easy access this way and works well.
This illustration is lovely and I have a very contented feeling just seeing it.
Thank you so much!
Posted by: xenakiddle | January 03, 2007 at 08:39 PM
wow, you have been getting a lot accomplished. you ought to be very proud of yourself!
Posted by: amandajean | January 04, 2007 at 07:58 AM
these latest works are so wonderful! I love them :o)
Posted by: Linda | January 04, 2007 at 06:41 PM