The Art Behind The Adventures of Kermit the Newf, Book 1 Dog Tales - Part 1

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Illustrating my first children's book has got to be one of the most amazing creative experiences I've ever had.  To say it was a learning experience is the understatement of the century!  It was my first large scale project as an artist, certainly the largest body of work I've ever created around a single theme.  Throw in human characters, unfamiliar landscapes, action, expressions, and more detail than I'm used to - it was monumental!  

The best part of the whole experience was working with Bonnie, Molly, and Steve.  They allowed me to run with my vision of the story, but backed me up with opinions and suggestions along the way - I couldn't have asked for a better support team!  Their no-pressure attitude to the project and encouragement kept me going even when I was feeling overwhelmed.  

When the final artwork was submitted and we fell into the lap of our publisher within weeks of completion, well, we just sighed and said it was meant to be.  Now, holding the finished book in my hand, it still feels like a dream!

Would you like to see some of the rough, messy work that came before the polished illustrations?  Read on!  I'll sprinkle my blog with original sketches, clips of my sketchbook diary, and even some pieces that didn't make it into the book.

Of course, we have to start with our main character, Kermit the Newf!  I wanted a cartoony feel, but felt it was best to start with semi-realistic drawings so I could "generalize" his markings but still keep the Kermit feel.  Here are my initial sketches of Kermit.

Of course, he ended up looking like this in the final illustrations:

Prior to working on this book, I had avoided drawing and painting the human form.  I've never enjoyed it, it always intimidated me.  This was the biggest hurdle I encountered with this project.  Luckily, I wasn't looking to create realistic characters - that might have done me in!  I spent countless hours sketching kids, adults, kids with adults, kids with dogs.. I played with eyes, eyebrows, mouths, you get the idea.  I felt like I was reinventing the wheel at times.  Creating Kermit's human family and friends really gave me the opportunity to grow as an artist - I'm grateful for that opportunity.

My original Michael character sketches - as you can see, he evolved a bit before the illustrations were complete.

The Michael that went to print:

Miss Bonnie was another challenge.  I wanted a pretty face, big happy eyes and mouth, and memorable hair.  I went through many phases of Miss Bonnie - some were downright spooky!  Here are just a FEW that I discarded...

Luckily, Miss Bonnie came to look like this in the final illustrations:

Grandma just fell into place.  Sometimes things just work that way.  It may have helped that she came to be after months of human sketches and I was starting to get more comfortable.

Here is the one and only character sketch I did for the Grandma character - as you can see, she's just the same as in the book!

Grandma in the book:

That's the main cast! Of course, there were several adorable children, some library staff and a couple of Kermit's friends in there as well.  Next time, I'll show you how some of the scenes evolved from rough sketch, to painting, and then into print.

Thank you for your interest in my art!

Amy

Here is a link to order the book, you will be redirected to Kermit's Book Shop: www.kermitthenewf.com/dir Please put Far Out Art in the notes at checkout, I will get a referral bonus!