Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

A Special Request

One of Bob and his llama's  lovely Instagram followers suggested that Bob try out a pair of slippers from his own collection. I picked a pair of SWAV embroidered Belgian slippers, which looked like they might be right at home in the 1930s. Of course, slippers go well with robes, so Bob is pairing his new footwear with an art deco wool blanket robe inspired by the one to the right. The llama's smoking cap has a gold crown motif embroidered on it, to match the slippers. I hope I did the beautiful slippers justice.   

Winter Wonderland

Bob and his llama are exploring the wintery landscape. The weather may be chilly, but that up-hill climb will get them warm in no time. 

Happy Halloween!

Bob and his llama are all ready for their Halloween party. It's anyone's guess, which is whose llama. 

Happy Halloween everyone! 

Bob's new Speedboat!

Bob and his llama have yet another vehicle in their garage! This illustration was inspired by lovely Chris Craft motorboats from the 1930s. 

On the right is a picture of the painting in progress. I always start with a light pencil sketch.

Below is the finished piece. Bob and his llama are rushing over the water in their shiny wood boat, reveling in the crisp autumn breezes, and churning up lots of spray.  

Bob at the Beach Part II

 Bob and his llama have found a nice spot at the beach to set up their umbrella and blanket. Bob takes note of the local fauna, while his pal indulges in a light snooze.

Bob at the Beach

Bob and his llama are bringing a picnic lunch to the beach. The llama is also bringing a beach umbrella, and some blankets to sit on. Bob is ready for the sun and the sand in a short-sleeved sweater, shorts, and espadrilles. I love "shopping" for Bob's pieces in old photographs and fashion plates. In this pen sketch, his look is a mish-mash of the resort-wear in the two beautiful 1930s fashion plates below.

 

Playing Cards

At last, another larger scale illustration complete! Here, Bob joins his llama in a game of Gin Rummy. The llama can't really hold up his hand, so, Bob has to be a good sport and keep his eyes off his buddy's cards. I used my new colored pencil technique on both their faces.

Experimenting with Colored Pencils

I decided to try out a new pencil technique for Bob's face. I wanted something a little softer than what I was getting with paint. This is my little tester image, and I'm pretty happy with the results, so I will go ahead and try it out on a larger sketch. 

I think Bob is regaling his llama with a really good story here. 

Bulbs

The first crocuses of spring are blooming. 

A Stretch

Bob and his llama warming up.

This illustration was inspired by the wonderful videos of old-timy group exercise demonstrations that you can find on youtube. Here is one example.

A Clip for the Llama

Spring weather isn't quite here, but that doesn't stop wooly critters from beginning their annual shed. Bob is giving his buddy a little trim, to keep him tidy while he blows his coat.