My process of children's book illustration
From conceptual drawing to watercolor painting

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Children's book illustration

Recently I presented to a college senior portfolio class about my children's book illustration process, from conceptual drawing, search, finding models, drawing again and again, to finish with watercolor painting.

Because of my realistic painting style for my children's book illustrations, I'm often asked if I start the illustration process by taking photos of my models, then paint from the photo reference. My answer is, as always, it is not that simple.

Here, I am using one of my watercolor illustrations from my newest children's book "Finding Joy" as an example to show you how I start my process.