Blushing Beavers and Dijon Donkeys – ABC Colorful Animals
Introducing my latest collection and work-in-progress: ABC Colorful Animals
Exactly one year ago, I began my first art challenge for Making Art Everyday, hosted by my fantastic online art teacher, Lisa Bardot. The theme was “Animal Alphabet,” and I tasked myself to combine each animal with a musical instrument. The project led to my first book, ABC Musical Animals, which you can learn more about and purchase here.
This summer, we’re continuing the ABC tradition, this time with “Alphabet Anything.” Art Makers Club members are tackling subjects like desserts, textures, Kitsch, Lake Tahoe, Cabinet of Curiosities, art supplies, and more – I love following along with everyone’s imaginative collections.
When deciding my theme, I was intrigued by drawing animals again. Last year, I loved studying reference photos, learning about animal anatomy, and creating silly animal characters. Also, my toddlers are my favorite audience members, and they love animals! I am looking forward to comparing the experiences by remembering what challenged me with each piece and seeing how my style has evolved to this year’s practice.
Here I’ll be sharing pieces of my artistic process, references, and musings around my first batch of animals, A-D. Thanks for following along!
Planning & Process
I wanted to combine my animals with an alliterative element, and ultimately decided on color. I created a large spreadsheet, searched Benjamin Moore and Pantone databases, and selected 26 colors that are spread somewhat evenly across different color families (if you include pink and blue-greens as their own categories). This was a brain-teasing challenge in and of itself!
A color for every letter of the alphabet, spread evenly-ish across color families.
I intend to use these illustrations to create a book, where each page resembles a paint chip – a curated swatch of color, creativity, and character. I’m especially selective about fonts and the emotional tone each lettering style evokes. So I was thrilled to discover Stolzl, a typeface designed in honor of Gunta Stölzl, the only female master of the Bauhaus. Her bold, structured textile work inspires both the visual rhythm of this project and the quiet strength I hope each page carries.
My next challenge was to decide on style and select brushes. I also created a Pinterest mood board that is simultaneously inspiring and intimidating, and then was off to begin sketching.
Animal sketches.
Procreate brush selections, all available from Bardot Brush and Art Makers Club
I made Procreate brush selection harder for myself by cherrypicking from different brush sets. I pick based on the look, yes, but also on the experience of using each. Some brushes just make ya feel like a better illustrator, ya know?! (Looking at you, Loyal Liner!)
Alabaster Alligator
Alabaster is a soft, pale mineral used for carving and making plaster. I am not a reptile gal, so I wanted a creamy, friendly white to help make a more adorable subject.
Mr. Croc – a bespoke embroidered pillow stitched by @madebyswimmer, hanging on my vintage flower hooks.
Artie the Alligator plays Accordion
Other alligators in my life (who knew there’d be so many?):
While researching references I discovered a real-life albino alligator named Alabaster! Seemed like a good boy, although kinda freaky to behold.
My toddler loves Nero and Brutus from The Rescuers.
I recently commissioned a stitched Mr. Croc by @madebyswimmer
Artie from last year’s ABC Musical Animals
Blushing Beaver
This bashful guy would definitely be friends with Otis the oboist otter from Musical Animals. Although the beaver looks almost like they’re sneaking/hiding something...
Blush has been used to tint cheeks since ancient Egypt with crushed red ochre. The word “blush” comes from the Old French bloschir, meaning “to redden.”
Otis the Otter plays Oboe
Coral Camel
Just a silly camel and last year's Leonard Llama, also from the camelid family... which I just learned at this very moment since I noticed they were similar to draw, but had no idea they were related 😅. Making Art Everyday is teaching me all sorts of things!!
Leonard the Llama likes to Listen
Dijon Donkey
Peeking beyond the frame, just like a real donkey over a fence.
