May Storm WIPs

KevinTreaccar

Hi. Thanks for stopping by. I’ve got two ideas in my head right now, so I figured I’d better get going.

I appreciate any and all feedback and tips. You should never stop learning, but I’m still super green in my illustration skills so it all helps. As a dad of two toddlers, my art time comes and goes, but I’ll apply any and all feedback eventually – even if it’s not on the said piece, every piece is a learning journey.

Anyways, here’s a sketch (and super rough hint at tone) of my first idea. Is the story clear?

Thank you

AlliFaith

@KevinTreaccar Its really cute! However, maybe there should be a window to see the storm outside to make the story a bit more clear. Where is the boom coming from? Just a thought.

KevinTreaccar

@AlliFaith Good idea! I intend to add background, so this is very helpful. Thanks!

Melissa_Bailey

@KevinTreaccar neat concept! Love your idea to spotlight the main character with lighting.

I was going to suggest the same thing as @AlliFaith -- put a window in the background so that you're not relying on words to tell the story. Putting some movement lines or shaking of windows/house/characters might amp up the feeling and emphasize the difference between the freaking out adults and calm kid!

KevinTreaccar

@Melissa_Bailey While I loved the CRACKOW from one of my reference pieces (Bear Is A Bear, illo by Dan Santat), I love the idea of action lines – paired with the lighting outside – doing the work for that, too! Thank you!

KevinTreaccar

Some progress on adding background to show the storm…

PenAndrew

@KevinTreaccar So, are your 2 toddlers are training you to do quick art sketches then?!

ArtMelC

@KevinTreaccar can't wait to see where you get with this! Such a nice concept. Cheers from one toddler parent to another!

KevinTreaccar

@PenAndrew I’m also training their art skills so they can take over the stages I don’t really want to do. Free interns.

KevinTreaccar

More progress. Shading is next. Will add a little more chaos inside the home when I get this foundation settled.

KevinTreaccar

Yay or nay on the bowl of popcorn flying/thrown through the air?

Valerie Light

@KevinTreaccar yes popcorn. I think the more chaos the better. Freaked out pets. knocked over plants. etc.

KevinTreaccar

Might be finished. Tried putting action lines around the painting, but I didn’t like their look in this style. See anything that needs tweaking? I can always try.

Thanks

Kristen Lango

@KevinTreaccar What about putting a cat or a dog who is afraid in the foreground as @Valerie-Light mentioned?