Wednesday, April 29, 2009

It Starts with Black & White...

Today, I thought I'd mix things up a bit, and I don't mean papier mache this time! I spent the majority of the day designing, sketching and illustrating Halloween party hats. Like the title of this post states, it all starts with black and white! My ink pens and illustration board were my main focus, and I began illustrating fanciful jack-o'-lanterns, expressive moons and stylized bats. These whimsical images will decorate the one of a kind party hats that my sculpted Halloween folk art characters will be wearing this fall. It's all part of my signature mixed media look that I began dabbling in back in 2003. I was looking for a unique way to apply my love for illustration with my fascination for sculptural work. Now, it's a tradition for me to make 2 - 3 new illustrated hats each year. Stay tuned for their finished look in full color!...

~ Johanna


* A series of thin arched lines reveals the darkened wings of a bat....


* Jack-o'-lanterns from my imagination take shape on illustration board....


* You can see the hats slowly come to life, anxiously awaiting a warm wash of Halloween hues...

* I look up to stretch my neck after hours of intensive drawing.....

Hope you enjoyed the peek in my studio!.... By the way, I have good news! As a token of my appreciation for all of my supportive collectors and friends, I will be hosting my first ever Blog Giveaway soon! I'm working on a special one of a kind to share with one of my lucky fans... In order to enter, I ask that you do one or all of the following (for multiple chances to win) = Follow my Blog.....Follow me on Twitter.... Leave me a nice comment on the upcoming Blog Giveaway post. So, stay tuned and keep checking back. :)

© 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Illustrations are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.
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21 comments:

Unknown said...

Johanna, the are marvelous! I've waited all day to see them since you "twittered" this a.m. Girl, they were well worth the wait! ~ Lori

Johanna Parker said...

Oh Wow Lori!.... My Twitter or "Tweet" actually worked!! :) How exciting.. hehe! Thank you for the nice compliments, especially considering the source!!

~ Johanna

Halloween Fanatic said...

I L-O-V-E the black and white! Beautiful! I think you need some black and white pieces!! I am following here and on Twitter and I promise I will leave a nice blog post. I am loving giving away, but of course I also like to try to get something from a give-away as well. I can't wait to see what you have in store for everyone!

snippetgirl said...

Amaaaaaaazing!!! You are just soooo talented. I love seeing these detailed illustrations. Squeal worthy, for sure :)!
Carrie

Carolee said...

LOVE your illustrations and am waiting with bated breath for the giveaway!!

Yay for Twitter and Facebook (where I found the blog update, hehe!)

~ Carolee

Southern Gypsy Moon Art said...

Wow is right! Your work always gets me in the Halloween mood Johanna ! Well done!
Nina.

magikalseasons said...

Amazing work!

Kitty Forseth said...

I really love seeing your work in B/W, it's a fun look! You are putting some amazing detail into these jol's, wow :~). Have fun!

xoxo

noodle and lou said...

Hi Johanna!
I just found you through Carrie (snippetgirl) on facebook! Just love your creations!!!
Happy Thursday to you:)
xox...jenn

Halloween Fanatic said...

Congrats! You WON the Munny in my first ever blog Give-Away I have your address, so I will try to get it out to you in the next day or so. Robert :)

Chicken Lips said...

I'm in awe of your illustration talent! Beautiful work!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

I just discovered I get your updates on facebook as well as on my blog list. How cool is that!! I'm still not twittering at this point. Too much to do!!
Love the black and whites!
Laurie

vintagepaletteart said...

Johanna, Johanna......you are one little talented momma! =O) Oh I just felt like rhyming today! *giggle*

Can't wait to see your hats all finished!

xoxoxo
*Lori

Unknown said...

Hi Johanna am excited to go find you on twitter...and will continue to visit your blog...you are quite the artist...(((hugs)))
http://dreamsofpurelove.blogspot.com

Leah's Art Magic said...

Hi Johanna,
It's really fun to see what you are creating! Thanks for the peek!
Did I read right give-away! :)
Leah

Sheryl Parsons said...

Truly spectacular! Can't wait to see the finished product. :-)Sheryl

Christopher A. Klingler said...

FUN to see your illustrations Johanna!!!

I took the plunge on Twitter 2...see you there OR here! Ha! '-)

Have a great week.

mE (-:

Halloween Fanatic said...

Two out of three already, I will leave you a sweet note too!! ;)
Robert

luvspurple said...

Hi Johanna!

I love your black and white drawings! I am in awe!!
Thanks for offering a give away, that is so awesome!
xoxoxox
celeste

nicemouse said...

Hi Johanna, I love your creations. I especially love your Halloween, Easter, and Christmas!!!!! :)
Have a great day!
Ramona in California

Johnny said...

Absolutely love your style. The retro look of the Jack-o's especially.

You have some serious talent!