I taught a plasticine workshop in late February for the Nursery School CO-OP organization in my area. My children had attended one of these schools, and I still keep in touch with the lovely ladies that teach and run the school. I had gone into their classroom to do a workshop with the JK kiddos, and they were kind enough to welcome me back to give a workshop to all the teachers in the organization. Turns out I am WAY more nervous talking to a group of adults then a bunch of kids-ekk!
Anyway, while I was there, I was asked if I might be interested in designing and donating a plasticine illustration to their annual fundraising Gala. Well, I was honoured and excited to get started. This nursery school is simply outstanding. Not only are the teachers phenomenal, they're so patient, caring and nurturing. I was continually amazed at the imaginative and interactive ways they would introduce new curriculum to the students- BRAVO!!!
So I got sketching, and I tried not to copy, but rather be inspired by this gleeful expression:
And of course, my little mousy has boots! Surprise, surprise, I love boots ;)
I composed a scene around this little fella, and once I was satisfied, after playing around with the composition, I got to work on rendering the sketch in plasticine. The really fun part. Here are some WIP pics with my iphone:
Did I tell you I love making boots?! LOL I even put some tread on the boot! Hee hee, too fun. I also decided to add a mouse pilot flying a hummingbird:
And here is the final illustration. I think it just might be a new favorite! I an just loving the expressions of the mice, and their little cricket friends too.I delivered it to the school yesterday, and they loved it! YAY!!! I can't wait to see it once it is matted and framed. I sure hope it gets lots of bids- fingers crossed. It would look great in some "little one's" bedroom, don't ya think?
I feel honoured to have been asked to create this illustration. It feels pretty nice to be able to give a little something back after having had such a wonderful experience with their school. My kiddos learned so much and it helped shape them into the kids that they are today!