Hearts and Diamonds - an illustration I did for a magazine. "Futures for story tellers". Murder, mystery and mayhem. Short stories.
Women in urban setting with coffee at a cafe, and some men.
Can't say more - can't give the story away. :)
~Jillian
http://www.JillianCrider.com
Today's art effort was this watercolor of 2 kittens. A 'tuxedo' and a 'tabby'. I've just listed it on ebay - item 3639449536.
I did a watercolor nude a few days ago that is also listed as well as a proven favourite of a Yorkshire Terrier.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
The final one of the 3 is actual also one that I had a different idea in mind, first, and even submitted it.
But as it was partially photographic, it was unsuitable.
This version then came to mind, and was accepted.
It's about a police woman, some shooting, and a pick-pocket. Pen and Ink.
Hope you like them all.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Another FMAM magazine illustration for a story that was about a woman that runs a boarding house, and she is always trying to save money to keep it afloat but there is also death associated with the people she deals with.
I found this one difficult to come up with something. I started off with totally different images to the final.
The editor really liked this one, so was worth it. I rather like it, too.
It wasn't an easy one to think of something to show for that particular story.
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Well, for quarterly publication 'Futures for Story Lovers' it's that time again...
I got asked to do 3 illustrations this time.
It's an interesting magazine - stories with twists.
http://www.futuresforstorylovers.com is the site - go look!
One story was about death and time travel.
It had the title something like Time Travel Death - I suggested renaming it 'Killing Time', and that was accepted. :)
Fun to do things like that.
Anyway, my illustration is shown above.
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
A couple of weeks ago I went with a 'Plein Air' art group to old town Norcross, Georgia. It's a delightful place, and the weather was stunning.
I have long wanted to paint outdoors - I grew up thinking that was what artists DID do, anyway, when saw photos of them at canvases painting outdoors. I had made some solo attempts in the past, but not with a group.
I didn't have the right equipment but made do with a folding stool & tv table.
Straight away my eyes were drawn to the barber shop, and despite the temptation (and perhaps a little trepidation), I settled down to draw with pen & ink. I felt that paints were such a BIG step for me to take.
(UPDATE: This was later purchased by the shop owner. I was delighted.)
I dashed into it, and in hind-sight I should have taken more time to plan it, but it turned out quite well. All who saw it became smitten with the olde-world look I'd given it, and the owner actually ended up asking to buy it.
There was a lovely lunch with my new artist friends as it was the first time meeting with them, also.
Later I explored the shops. Loved the 'Best of British' shop and plan to go back, and the antique store next door to it yielded a host of treasures - it's one of the best antique shops I've been in since I've been in Georgia.
Stay tuned for more adventures (when I remember to write them).
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Two more illustrations done. Black and white. These are for futures magazine. I've been doing 2 each quarter for 5 issues now. One story is of a thief on a ship cruise eating exotic food, the other is of Nazi's after death. (That's all I'll say without giving the stories away.) The Futures magazine is available at Borders in the USA, and not sure about Barnes & Noble.
Think the website is: http://www.futuresforstorylovers.com .
They are 5x5"
I like 'pretty' things and so is way off the track with doing these. But enjoy that they make me think a lot, as to how to best depict what the story is about, and maybe look at it differently than trying to tell a picture with words - more it's a matter of impact and symbolism.
They are only quick works as I don't get paid much at all. Fun!
You be the judge!
Regards,
Jillian
http://www.JillianCrider.com
What am I doing right now?
Doing a second book & CD cover for a murder mystery by Ruthe Furie.
The first one was (see above):
I am following on with the theme of 'hot' citrus colours - the next to be either tangerine or lemon.
The dagger with blood is to be repeated.
The illustration is in 'black and white' - reminiscent of the murder/mystery movies, etc of the 50s - Hitchcock, etc.
I'm expecting to finish it in the next couple of days.
As an artist viewing my unfinished work I am just SO tempted to throw it away as 'trash' as it's not up to a standard I want to present.
And yet I have to have faith to continue on, as know that will nearly all my work I have that stage to pass through, and rarely does my work go on to being NOT acceptable - transforming unbelievable before my very eyes!
Jillian
http://www.JillianCrider.com
