It’s about time that I created a new holiday card. The one pictured above was my previous new design… and was made more than a decade ago!
Crazy how time flies!
It’s not that I didn’t have any ideas. It was more that after our second child was born, I struggled to find a work-life balance and frankly, she was a sh*tty sleeper. So, creating was shoved to the back burner. Or I found other creative outlets, like baking cakes or decorating for birthdays and holidays. Then came kid number three surprised us and again threw a loop into my creative comeback.
But now that our kids are a little older, a little more independent and a little better at sleeping, I’m feeling my creativity flowing a bit more.
The problem now is these guys…
Mainly this guy, who thought the paint and cup of water were tasty treats for him.
Not so much this guy.
Or this guy.
But then again, they are also the inspiration!
I knew that I wanted to draw our new family members at some point and incorporate them into my shop designs. What better way to contrast cute with ugly? Ugly sweaters, of course! Not our kitties!
Here are a few in progress shots:
I traced my initial sketch onto some smooth watercolour paper using a 4H or 6H pencil and a light table that Matt built. Then I inked the pencil lines with some pens that Matt picked up on a whim at Walmart of all places when we were in Arizona.
After inking, I began painting in mostly watercolour, with some gouache additions. I discovered that it is incredibly hard to paint an all black cat, not only at the size I was painting but just in general. At least, I have yet to find my groove. Suki was black and white, so painting her face was a little easier. Black cats, often referred to as voids, can appear as if they have only eyes on their faces!
I also discovered that it is time for me to get some new art supplies! Trying to squeeze paint from tubes that are more than ten years old is like that saying “trying to squeeze water out of a stone.“
Nearly impossible.
Thankfully, watercolours simply require water, so in a pinch, I dipped my brush in water and then into the tube of paint. But I don’t mind an excuse to get new art supplies. Having to borrow paints and pencil crayons from your daughter – which I did – also works.
This is how the final image came out.
And this is how it looks on the front of a greeting card.
My timing is impeccable, as I just finished designing the card last night and Canada Post decided to strike at 12:01 am this morning! If you are local (to Saskatoon) and are interested in this card, please send me a message and we can arrange for pick up or drop off. Otherwise, I will be listing the new card in my shop soon and hopefully the strike will end in time for people to get their holiday greetings sent out!
