Tuesday, March 29, 2011

IF ... Toy


           Rabbit bought me a little something today. I just love it!
           It has an interesting terrain for running and climbing.
           And lots and lots of places for playing Hide and Sleep.
           Come on, Mr. Buns! Let's go have some big, fat fun!


      Below is the illustration in it's entirety. I cropped illustration to create
      two images, with the goal of creating more storytelling drama by unfolding
      the visual gradually.

      ©2011 Mardi Speth All Rights Reserved • Watercolor and Ink
Posted by at

15 comments:

  1. LindaMarch 29, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Oh the cuteness!! I love this!

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  2. VikramMarch 29, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Very nice use of water colors.....I love it.

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  3. trudetteMarch 29, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Very very sweet , great painting !

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  4. Sally TaylorMarch 29, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    These are adorable characters that you are developing.

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  5. Giselle Vidal McMenaminMarch 29, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    These illustrations are beauuuuuutiful! Goodness gracious. Love all of the subtle blues. Great interaction between characters.

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  6. Alice AndreiniMarch 29, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Nicely done. The separate frames works well with the narrative (however, I would like to see these together as well). There is an intriguing subtle play of space and light. The treatment of the fabric is beautiful. This really brings to mind some of those Scandinavian illustrators.

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  7. Richard EwingMarch 29, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    The simple way you create depth in the images with one or two washes creates a nice balance for the compression of the detailed figures and doll. Goes easy on the viewer's eye.
    Dividing your one image into two for the blog makes for nice storytelling, much like a punchline in a comic strip. Your pacing is ready made for this convention. nice

    Also, I think both characters are growing into their personalities with each illustration you do; the mouse seems more active and alert than in your first pieces, and the rabbit, in particular, seems to have risen from the anonymity he had before... seems to be developing an agenda of sorts... (that likely includes the mouse).

    hmmmmm...

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  8. PattiMarch 29, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    really wonderful. Your bunny character is terrific.

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  9. Sarah MellingMarch 29, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Am loving these characters....and your style of painting. Lovely.

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  10. MrBibleHeadMarch 29, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Hey Mardi! This is definitely my favorite of the week. Nicely done!

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  11. Mardi SpethMarch 29, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Thank you! Your comments are so inspiring. Alice, your suggestion of posting the full illo was a good one, so I added it. I'll keep an eye on the rabbit, Richard. Most people think he's all adorableness and fluff, but you've uncovered a truth within ... he's really a man of intrigue and action.

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  12. Janet Dibbydabby.com.auMarch 30, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    Mardi, I would love to be able to paint like you, your art reminds me of the magic of childhood and the belief that fairies and little creatures existed in wonderful little societies in our gardens. I still carry that magic deep inside and art like yours reminds me others do too

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  13. AlisonApril 1, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Your animals are so sweet.

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  14. trickyApril 1, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I love your characters. your each illustration is like reading a new chapter of a story. i can't wait to see their next adventure :)

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  15. studio loloApril 11, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I actually loved the drama (and composition) with just a hint of the doll, but the entire drawing holds your usual magic too.
    And I love the way you draw us in with words as well!

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