a lot of inspiration for a lack of postings

children's illustration, inspiration, sketches

update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry for the lack of updates. i was not online, which was a blessing actually.
I’ve been traveling extensively, in and around Southeast Asia. I’m based in Singapore with my honey, where there has been lots to see and do. And eat! But we’ve made several trips out of the country: Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Malaysia and Thailand are very close to Singapore, and Taiwan is north, in between the coast of China and Japan. All these countries have provdied their own unique inspiration to my art, life, and well being.

I’m back in Singapore for the rest of my time in Southeast Asia, so here’s a peek at some of my sketches and collages. They are ideas more than finishes, but they are what I’ve been up to nonetheless!

lots of the work is sketchy, but some paintings will follow in my next post.

until then,
happy travels!

love,
n

asian papers #1

inspiration

there’s so much to say about how much i’ve seen so far.
i’ll start with the creative stuff. people watching at the markets has begun and sketches will come, but paper stores have also caught my attention. from sophisticated to cute-cute, the patterns are everywhere and will be integrated into collage i’m sure.
sketch pages and my collages-on-the-go will be updated soon!



mushroom paper!

❤ nicole

lily and sam in the night

children's illustration, lily

“Moon, come home!” Lily and Sam called out.

Below is a sample image for the above line from my newest story Lily’s Moon

This is the first version. I have a tendency to paint in warm colors, even when I know a scene should be done in cooler tones.

So here’s the second version where I cooled down the reds:


better eh?

And here’s the final version where I laid a cool blue over the whole image in Photoshop:

let me know which is better – 1, 2, or 3?

on a side note, I’m looking to purchase a scanner or printer. I don’t know which to print because RISD prints was so good to me!! oy vey!

on another side note, vacation is beginning THURSDAY to SINGAPORE and beyond, so stay tuned!!!
<3, n

sketch sketch

children's illustration, sketches

Here are some recent sketchbook pages of some characters I’ve been thinking about recently:



I’ve been really inspired by the Up Movie Soundtrack too. I just love these lyrics:

Adventure is out there, it’s heading our way
So grab your scarf and goggles, lets fly!
I’ve mapped out our journey, were up here to stay,
A sunset is our home,
A moonbeam we will own,
My Spirit of Adventure is you!

recent collages

collage, diners, watercolor

I have developed a cut paper-collage style of working in the last two years at RISD. I paint into xerox copied images and assemble them into full page illustrations – some full color, some limited pallete playing with the white of the page. Recently though, I’ve fallen back in love with my diner series, and here’s the latest one:

I also started playing with farmstands and farmer’s markets. In today’s Green Movement, it only seems appropriate:

I can’t wait to build up this portfolio!

Until then,

N

apples to apples

Uncategorized

When I put together my Senior Show, I came across a fun little piece I made in the Fall, and forgot how much fun I had with apples!

I made these apple sketches in the fall as part of an 88 Series Project. It was really inspiring, and I’m feeling nostalgic in my final weeks of RISD…..



this one is kinda different, just me playing with my watercolors and a liner brush. it was so loose and free to draw with paint.

the rest are some character based sketches:


love, n

i think the sun is coming back out!

bunnies, children's illustration, watercolor


**bea and bop play hip-i-tee-hop at the sun flower stop**

So, I’ll be posting very shortly with new work, new directions, and sketches! For now, here are my bunnies. I have characterized them in vests and overalls, as I think they would live in a little farm story or series.
I’m really excited to get all my sketches up though because I have so many, and they are inspired by all my friends and family!
love, n