Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Rats! It's raining!

The theme for this week's Scribble Picnic is UMBRELLA.

I had lots of images swimming through my head for this one.  At first, I was thinking I could go with one of those umbrella style hats until — it got put to the wayside when the following idea popped into my head. 

Initially the image started out with a rat in an upturned umbrella. This is a rough sketch I did which was still in the planning stages.

It developed to this - a little rat wearing fisherman-style rain gear.

I sketched it into my sketchbook and outlined with pen, then started to add colour.

I started developing a dark, stormy sky also. I use an orange-yellow undertone for reds as it helps to brighten them.

The end result.

Will Mr Rat make it to land before his makeshift boat takes on too much water and sinks? 

I have to say that I'm loving Scribble Picnic! The weekly themes are motivating me to use my imagination. I never thought I could come up with my own whimsical designs but I'm thrilled to see them come together — from the initial image in my mind to the end result on paper. What fun! 

Thanks for hosting this wonderful challenge, Michael.

To see what the other participants have done for this week's challenge, click HERE.

Next week's theme will be LANTERN. Come join us!  To find out how, click HERE.
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48 comments:

  1. linda (dots n doodles)8 March 2017 at 23:46

    This is just delightful Serena and I love how your imagination went with it. The little touch of his tail anchoring him on the boat is wonderful Definitely red spotted umbrella's are the day.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:06

      Thanks, Linda. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. :)

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  2. Michael9 March 2017 at 01:14

    Wow, Serena, love how you've taken this idea and developed it to the incredible finished piece! I especially love how you used your imagination and even did something quite different (subject-wise) for you. The sky is perfect, the end product, like something right out of a children's illustrated book, alongside, "Wind in the Willows" or something! Wonderful.

    You know, another part I truly enjoyed. Your write up. When I read such things, it sets my heart alight with joy and a goofy smile. That is exactly the idea of these themes is to engage our right side of the brain in ways we don;t get to do often, which in turn, allows us to think more creatively. That too can bring a certain sense of freedom when we feel we have reached beyond our normally defined parameters, all while having innocent fun adn expression. Thank you so much for writing that. I hope others take the time to read it too as it is such a great sales pitch for why one might want to consider such an art collective. I LOVE seeing people who don;t normally do art, venture into too, or maybe pick it up after a really long absense--seeing people like professional bakers and hairstylists here thrills me no end too.

    Thank you again for your contribution this week. Hope your winning picnic gift(s) get there to OZ land soon. Wait until you see what I have for next month. I'm even excited. Hahahha.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:16

      Thanks for such a lovely comment, Michael! I'm truly having so much fun with these challenges and it's opening up a whole new world for me. I think my right brain is very happy now that it's coming out to play and I feel so uplifted by it. I hope more people will join in on the fun...I'm so glad I did.

      I will let you know when the package arrives...it will be a treat for sure. I look forward to seeing what you have lined up for next month. :)

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    2. Michael9 March 2017 at 13:01

      All smiles here, reading this. :)

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  3. lissa9 March 2017 at 01:22

    I kind of wished you had stayed with the yellow umbrella but it probably would not stand out as much as the red. I'm reminded of Michael's mushrooms with the red and white colors. what a lovely take on the theme. well done.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:23

      Thanks, Lissa. :) The umbrella was always going to be red but I use an orange-yellow as an undertone for red. I so agree though — it did look nice in the yellow stage. I was even tempted to leave it that colour but I felt the red would stand out better and, as Mr Rat was going to be wearing yellow, I didn't want them competing for attention. :)

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  4. joeks9 March 2017 at 02:17

    Poor Mr. Rat! At first he was just enjoying a leisurely ride, but as the storm progresses he's becoming more concerned. (I think he'll make it!) Thanks for showing all your steps along the way to the great finished product.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:26

      Thanks, Joeks. I think Mr Rat will make it too. :)

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  5. Wanda9 March 2017 at 03:04

    I can't believe we were on the same wave length. Oh I do love your different ideas, and the color versions. This is so darling!!! Wasn't this fun? Great progression.....

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:27

      thanks, Wanda! I just went and checked out your take on the challenge and, yes, we were definitely on the same wavelength...COOL! Nice to see you in the challenge, Wanda.

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  6. Janis Cox9 March 2017 at 04:12

    Serena,
    What a delightful picture! And I love how you take a picture at various steps in your journey. The final product is truly worthy and I can see it used in a story.
    Blessings
    Janis

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:31

      Thanks, Janis! I almost forgot to take a pic before the colouring stage. I had started to colour the rat when I realised and quickly reached for the camera. haha I like to do progress pics as it might helps others but it's also fun to look back on at a later date. :)

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  7. Tammie Lee9 March 2017 at 04:36

    They are wonderful themes, I agree.
    I enjoyed seeing your stages. Love the detail of the tail wrapped around the umbrella handle.
    A charming piece.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:33

      Thanks, Tammie Lee. I liked his tail around the umbrella handle too...he is hanging on tight. :)

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  8. Christine9 March 2017 at 05:12

    Serena this is so delightful, we all seem to be doing red umbrellas today.

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    1. Serena Lewis9 March 2017 at 06:34

      Thanks, Christine...I noticed the red umbrella trend too for this challenge. What fun it is to see everyone else's takes on the theme. :)

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  9. Lisabella Russo9 March 2017 at 07:10

    How wonderful and whimsical this is! I love it!

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  10. Jennifer McLean9 March 2017 at 08:10

    Serena, this is absolutely adorable. I'm so loving your umbrella and who wouldn't fall in love with Mr. Rat in his rain slicker? Have a great rest of the week.

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  11. Mary9 March 2017 at 09:25

    ...................eeeeeeek!!!!!! If only rats could really be this cute!!!!! You made him so adorable in his waterproofs, and your brilliant red umbrella is gorgeous. The stormy sky is awesome with the big raindrops splattering into the sea - and Ratty hanging on with his tail make it all the more powerful.

    Really great Serena - have a wonderful week.
    Mary -

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:39

      I actually do think rats are cute although I do admit that their long tails can creep me out a bit. hehe Thanks for your lovely comment, Mary. :)

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  12. Cassandra9 March 2017 at 09:44

    This is too stinking cute!! The hat!! And his little tail holding on!! Great take on the theme.

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  13. Jennifer Rose9 March 2017 at 11:12

    aww that is so cute :D you are doing some great work for these challenges

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  14. Rita9 March 2017 at 13:04

    OMGosh! This turned out so cute!!! :)

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  15. Lorraine 9 March 2017 at 13:49

    Your post title cracks me up but it is sooooooo perfect. What a great imaginative piece. I have to say I was excited too to see you use the yellow under the red. I was taught to do that when I was learning tole painting and recently when I was with some friends at a paint studio doing one of those 2 hr. canvasses, I asked for yellow paint to start my red Christmas ornaments with and they looked at me like I had two heads. I still think it helps the red cover quicker and looks more vibrant as does your beautiful umbrella.

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:43

      haha...thanks, Lorraine! A yellow base truly does help the red to pop because a lot of reds are quite transparent...and it does help with coverage too.

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  16. Sandra Busby9 March 2017 at 21:52

    I saw this li'l fella on Fcaebook... He is adorable!!!

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  17. Victoria Zigler10 March 2017 at 00:33

    I'm glad you're having so much fun with the themes.

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  18. stapeliad10 March 2017 at 01:33

    Awww such an adorable rat! <3

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  19. Alexandra MacVean10 March 2017 at 02:39

    I so love seeing your thought process and where you landed for your final illustration. I know some mentioned they liked the yellow umbrella but personally (and from my artistic eye), I LOVE the red as it sets apart your ADORABLE mouse in his yellow rain coat and hat. Well done, you! :)

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:47

      Thanks, Alexandra! I agree...I had always intended it to be a red umbrella but I always use a yellow base which helps brighten reds. While the yellow umbrella looked good, I knew it wouldn't stay because it would then compete with the yellow rain-coat, and yes, they wouldn't be set apart from each other. :)

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  20. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures10 March 2017 at 04:06

    Loved seeing the process and progression. Wish my brain worked like that.

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:48

      Thanks, Tammy! My brain has surprised me these past few weeks...I never realised I could do cute and whimsical. haha

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  21. Sue (this n that)10 March 2017 at 10:07

    Hello Serena, fabulous artwork!! So colourful and happy and Mr Rat is so sweet in his raincoat... I love that cute little tail holding him anchored against the storm. Wonderful work and thanks for the process pics and your thoughts :D)

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:49

      Thanks, Sue! I'm glad you enjoyed the process pics too. :)

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  22. Stephanie Faris11 March 2017 at 09:17

    Aww, so adorable. I love the colors!!! I'd hang this one on my wall, for sure.

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:49

      What a lovely compliment! Thanks so much, Stephanie! :)

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  23. Unknown12 March 2017 at 23:25

    This is fantastic! I really love the undertone of yellow on the umbrella, that was a brilliant touch.

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  24. Pattie Wall14 March 2017 at 02:24

    A Children's Book is screaming to be illustrated here - very nice!

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    1. Serena Lewis14 March 2017 at 13:50

      WOW...thanks for that lovely comment, Pattie! :)

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