Tips for the dyslexic artist

Tip #1
Use quick and dirty clay models.
I use clay models when I am working because I have a lot of trouble remembering which direction my light source is coming from.

The model doesn't have to be great. It just has to show me where my shadows are.

Tip #2
Post a copy of a color wheel on the wall.

Whenever a shadow is cast on, say, a red surface, the shadow isn't black. It is gray with a certain amount of the "complement" color (or "opposite" color.)

A shadow on a red surface has more green in it, because you are removing the red.

But I can't remember complements ... ever.

So ... I have a color wheel posted on the wall.

 When I need to remember the complement of a color,

I just look up and see what color  opposite is.

Works for me!

Have a great weekend! Carolyn

www.carolynflores.com

Painting Warts on My Frog

The frog character in the book I am currently illustrating is very active. Here I am in the studio painting markings and warts on my frog so that I can be consistent with the markings from every angle.

Well...not really painting, prismacolor.

Very proud of the frog. Sat still thru the whole process.

Voila!

My frog is also posing as reference for body shadow and cast shadow. Knowing your light source and your shadows gives the illustration real depth. It also widens the range of your colors in your picture  (green for example.)

Now, we are going to take a break!

And eat some ... well ... dinner.

Have a great week,

Carolyn Dee Flores

www.carolynflores.com

P.S. Also, I  have an Art Show of oil paintings exhibiting at Joe Blues at the Blue Star Complex in San Antonio, Texas through the month of July. I will post more about that in a few days.