Bilbies and Corn Cob Pipe, Copic Markers, 9" x 6"
In exchange for keeping the cottage free of insects and slugs, Cachimbo* the Corncob Pipe Maker always left a row of fresh kernels on a new pipe as a treat for his friendly rare green bilbies. The mom, an 8-yr old named Daisy, always let the little ones go first. This little one is Jade. Her brother Jasper is napping at the moment after having spent the morning chasing down a spider. (He got it.)
Several missteps with this one. I mean really, a brown and pink pipe stem the same color as the floor? A bilby too close to the color of the wall? Yikes. I always think I know what colors I’m going to use, but then sometimes I get a wild hair and grab something different. Ah, well. My last post is a recent favorite, the Shrew Hare Urn, in case you missed it! (I stuck to my original colors and it worked out just like I hoped.)
Another slideshow with lots of sketches. You will see I tried a few different tacks with the color of the main bilby. I really should have stopped messing with it about step 12 or 13. And a better composition would put the baby facing in toward mom. Next time! ;)
[portfolio_slideshow size=large]
Not going to bore you with details about the steps (but feel free to ask anything in the comments!) I will add more details for the next one I really like.
Thank you for visiting! You guys are the best.
*Cachimbo means “pipe” in Portuguese (according to an online dictionary).
You have a great style. I love your quirky animals and there beautiful textured furs.The story for this illustration is great and I love that we only get part of it in the illustration. I’m having fun imagining the other little bilby have a snooze after his busy morning.
every time i get a surprise here!
this, again, is great!!
The green bilby shows up fine against the green wall, at least on my computer. Maybe a stronger shadow on the floor would help make the pipe stem stand out better? Very cute in any case!
Aha, I wondered if anyone would do a corn cob pipe! I love yours and the story of leaving a row of kernels for the bilbies!
Your pipe and mom are so much fun…! It is hard to do so much texture work then to add colour in the mix makes your work truly impressive. Always an inspiration in design, texture, a feast in colours.
Try doing a tracing paper overlay for colours as a simple test first. An extra step, but may save later. love how you do slide show. The story just makes it all fit.
LOvely composition.I love the way you show how you do it too!What is a corn cob pipe?
Thanks! Here are some pictures of corn cob pipes
actually made out of a short piece of hollowed corn cob.
Wow, thanks for posting all those preliminary photos before you reached the final form! Fascinating!
The colors! The patterns! I just want to EAT this illustration all up. That corncob pipe is fabulous!
What a generous pipe maker to feed his bilby friends! Delicious colors indeed despite the contrast issues… & your slideshow dealie is cool!
Corn cob pipe… I just love your idea!
I always love your colors. Your green bilbie is a blast!
I love this so much! How creative you are! I love your stories almost as much as the art! LOVE it!!
Corn pipe is really cool.
Your work is soooooooo colourful!!!
A very different take on the “kernel”! Unexpected and fun.
I think the composition works like this…with the little beast facing the same way..it looks like they’ve just arrived or a queue is formed.I also never heard of a corn cob pipe…learn something each day at The slumbering heard!
I love how you show the whole process!!! Amazing work, Cindy!
♥
I like your illustration very much. I’m every week very curious what you’ve made.
I love your technique! great work! :)
Lovely illustration style! nice textures! Everytime there is something new and surprising idea you come up with and its always great!!
Cindy D,
Nice and fun illustration. Once again, great textures as always.
Great!
I like the subtle color differences between the wall and the Bilbies and the pipe stem and floor. I think those Bilbies would desire a litle camouflage anyway. Wonderful illustration!
Love how you incorporate unusual animals in your work! On this one, I particularly like the texture in the pipe, & that funky handle!!
Your fancy creatures are so delightful, Cindy. Although you’re not satisfied with the composition, I think it works well. The eye movement goes from momma to baby, down the row of light kernels, across the stem of the pipe and back to momma. The circular path keeps the viewer roving ’round and ’round, and enjoying all your delicate patterns. (We’re always our own worst critic.)
It’s wonderful!
Interesting story, and I really love the swirl patterns in your creation!
I love the patterns,colors,and overall feel of this piece. And it’s always so interesting to see your process!
I see the Mommy just fine, she pops on my screen. The pipe handle does sort of blend – but it’s still beautiful.
Again, another fun idea and creation.
And WOW, I love the Shrew Hare Urn!
I agree, great syle;)
Love Love it! once again your textures just blew my socks off! I had to go out and get those markers and see what all the fun is about.Good stuff! Very cool details! :D
Thanks so much for letting me know about the . on my blog comment. I was wondering why people have not come to visit. At least that is a good excuse. Right! :) Thanks for taking the time to explain that to me! You r the best! :)
No problem, I try to make sure everyone’s links work. It’s why he have em!