Lauren j. Patton
 
I felt fortunate to have been able to attend Kerry Martin and Jamie Weiss Chilton's presentations at Wik 10.  It worked out to be the perfect combo of information for me as a picturebook author/illustrator.

Kerry suggested that we all use the storyboards we created as jumping off points for creating 3 or more finished portfolio pieces. Following her direction I am doing exactly that. Below is what is on my drafting table right now.  Right now I am working out the details of the composition before I move on to the next phase. I would love to hear what you think about the composition so far.
Picture
 


Comments

10/22/2010 16:32

Hi Lauren,

I love the feel of this illustration so far. I prefer A's receding background to B's more flattened one. Creates greater depth. It doesn't take away from the central figures at all: all the figures are facing the main one so the viewer's eye goes right where you want it.

Two things that catch my eye: 1) The central figure is pretty centered. You may want to off-set her a little for a stronger composition (maybe try this in Photoshop). 2) Watch the sizes of your children to your adults. The woman in the center of the image is a little large compared to the boy on the right.

I love the movement of the figures on the left, that little girl really draws me in.

Good luck! Can't wait to see the finished piece.

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mary uhles
10/24/2010 12:36

Hey Lauren

I prefer background A as well. Love the little dancing girl and the details of the pots and items around the pueblo. I also really like the willowy shape of the girl on the left, how she is leaning into the group, creates a nice "circular" shape that directs the eye back around. One thing I might try on the background is push your angle even farther.... actually have the roofline of the pueblo break the top border of the image and therefor have a greater downward left line pulling the eye into the image.

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Constance Lombardo
10/28/2010 05:24

Hi Lauren, I love the composition in this final drawing and the feeling of all the different characters and their placement. I would say I think her eyes are spaced a little far apart. I know it's a rough sketch, but just wanted to point that out.
Looking forward to seeing your finished.

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