.
Behind the Scenes:
Text and Illustrations copyright © Jane Tanner, 2012
Testing colours before using them in the drawing
These models were photographed to study the lighting inside a tree hollow.
Beginning the final art work for the front cover, I like to balance the colours before adding background.
Fully realised cover roughs help to show how the finished art will look.
I made a model fairy house from a shoe box so I could see it from inside and out. Paperbark strips made it look organic and natural.
Pencil drawing of Grevillea from life with watercolour wash added.
Fairy drawn from photo: child posed as per storyboard. Costume invented to match Grevillea
This study was taken from a real nest in a silver bush and the natural action of child placing an egg in it.
I protect the background with tracing paper so I can still see the image underneath.
I take great care with the pencil drawing even though this can still be corrected.
As you can see, the tiny scale makes fine detail very difficult.
I make careful, detailed studies from nature whenever possible.
Once satisfied with the image, it is time to add more permanent watercolour.
This action drawing came from a photo of the child jumping on a trampoline.
Both characters are looking into the cover picture...
Here you can see the water colour on Lily’s hands and the stronger coloured pencil started on her face.
I like to use light and shadow for definition.
Now the background colour is established and I can make the fairies stand out from Lily’s face with lighter colours.
Follow up activity for children: Making a Leaf Boat.pdf
