Character development is something that I really enjoy. Illustrating the
wonderful whimsical people that live inside my head. I am a people
watcher and living around the metro area of New Jersey and New York
I get to see a whole lot of fun and exciting characters. I also get the joy
of putting some of my family and friends into the my mix as
well. Now there is a bunch of hilarious characters. Here are just
a few. Meet Betty Needlemayer, The Magical Chauffer, and the
Family and friends of Auntie Mabel. The last illustration was used in
my latest book," Don't Let Aunt Mabel Bless the Table" we used it
as the end papers for the book. As you can I have been busy, but
not to busy to say thanks to everyone who comes to visit and leaves
a message. I appreciate you all taking time out of your busy day and
schedules to do so. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Have a great week everyone.
Me.
Delightful! Your love and joy for the characters really shows in your work. Great energy and expressions!
ReplyDeleteFun stuff...lots of character in ur work!
ReplyDelete"No room is empty if your mind is full" - this saying reminds me of you Vanessa!
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting your characters out to romp. I, and the rest of your readers, enjoy it so much!
All God's best! ~Eve
i love them all.
ReplyDeleteyour people AND sweet animals.
they dance their way
into my heart,
as you have.
xoxox
he he he! I always love seeing your characters....you have such an amazing illustration style. Thanks for letting us sneak a peek into that creative brain!
ReplyDeletexo
heather
Oooh, Vanessa, have you seen today's post at SLJ's Fuse #8 Production? She does a preview of Blue Apple Books and talks (very nicely!) about your new book "Don't let Aunt Mabel bless the table."
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! :-)
Here's the link:
http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/08/09/librarian-preview-blue-apple-books-fall-2010/
You have a real gift for creating memorable, lively characters that viewers want to spend time with. And your work has put a smile on my face once again! Congrats on the Fuse 8 mention of Aunt Mabel.
ReplyDeleteYour people look so happy and delighted to have been given life and voice from your wonderful imagination!
ReplyDeleteThis week you are the featured artist on the Picture Bookies Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa! Wonderful characters...their always fun with great personalities! I going to definitely add "Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table" to my book collection! You have a bless week!
ReplyDeleteTamara
amazing work! love it!
ReplyDeleteCharming characters! I like that chauffeur serving a ride ;)
ReplyDeletei meet and see many many people every day but lose memories for them all...
ReplyDeleteI happen to know that in each one of those characters is a little bit of the divine Miss V... and then you share them with us!
ReplyDeleteYou are a gem lady.... so happy to call you friend!
Left Brained people would say that you are crazy for having people in your head, but we right brained creative types know exactly what you are talking about!
ReplyDeleteTakes a character to create a character... so of course you are great at this! I know I tell you this all the time, but I love the way you capture people's expressions. Brilliant work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to start the week with three illustrations and a cheerful post from you! You continue to amaze and inspire! Thank you for bringing so much joy today with your charming characters! :o)
ReplyDeleteYep, I agree with Eric, you always seem to be able capture a feeling and express it so well. Your characters are always so alive! I love the end pages, it's going to be an incredible book I can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteHey VAnessa!
ReplyDeleteI bet you have been working your nether-regions off!
Love the characters...you have such a gift for expressing through them.....and I don't know how I missed this post..I'd blame Blogger but I am sure it was completely *operator-error*!!!
Take care....oh.....BIIIIIIG pot of gumbo at my house! *wink*
XXOO!!
Anne
..wonderful characters!! i love the joy and happiness on their face..your works always inspiring me..great job!!
ReplyDeleteWow Vanessa!!!! The characters are so nice and happy!!! I love them all!!!
ReplyDeleteXO
Sonata :)
:-) Love all of their personality. Your illustrations always have so much life.
ReplyDeleteadorable as always! Thanks for the inspiration, Vanessa!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful characters, Vanessa!!!
ReplyDeletelove these - there's something about your style that's so warm and optimistic (and it's not just all the smiles!)
ReplyDeleteHi there, girl! Glad you came out long enough to let us look into that crazy head of yours! I'm glad you're so busy, we need as much Vanessa out in the world as is possible! :–)
ReplyDeleteyour work is ALWAYS such a delight + joy! what an incredible style you have...and always perfectly refined.
ReplyDeleteHi Auntie V! I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove it!!
ReplyDeleteHello you are lucky to be surrounded by such happy smiling people. Your people make me happy!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh La la!
:)
OH Vanessa...this post shows how truly gifted you are. You are such a huge inspiration to me...being able to illustrate all of these fantastic people and giving them character, charm, and most of all that undeniable Vanessa SPUNK, is truly a gift. I love that you represent all ethnic groups with a hit of sweetness and positive energy. There is definitely a love of people in your work. I see it and feel it. Your awesome expressions of lovely Betty are outstanding...I especially love that "tude" on the far right with her little upturned nose...perfect! And Mr. Chauffeur is awesome too - I am just blown away. You HAVE been busy..I do hope you have taken some time to yourself and enjoyed this bit of summer...we have one last week of break before school (I can't believe it)..so I am going to try to squeeze everything in and treat the girls to some FUN. : ) Hugs to you!!!
ReplyDeletehey V, whatsup?...well, a sure sign that you love character design is the fact that you give them all names! your characters are so appealing, charming, and especially inspiring! you make it look so easy-and you always nail the expressions and gestures just right. thanks for being such an inspiration! have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt's just amazing to see your work so prevalent. You are so multi-talented, it's scary. I am honored to know you. Love you so very much, Girlie.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week as well.
Vanessa, we were just in NYC last week. I kept feeling like it would be so much nicer there without all the people. SO many crowds, SO many lines. I can't imagine living with people in my head too! I'm glad you do though, because you are SO entertaining. I like watching your people too! :)
ReplyDeleteLook at all these fabulous characters! So happy and full of life. They practically jump off the page. Amazing! I just love your blog, V! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love all these pictures of different people, everyone with its own personality.
ReplyDeleteAnd that chauffeur is so cool :D
Hey V, how is your summer going, did you get to see some mermaids out there?? lot's of fun I'm sure :D
ReplyDeleteWhoa!!! I always love your characters, so fun and full of personality. I LOVEEE the Chaufer, his expression is just AHHHMAZING!! :)
Lots of hugs from Lisbon! :)
Francisco
Hi, Your illustrations are very sweet!Especially the character development was great.I am an artist/animator and I could never get it perfect, however hard I tried!Congrats on your beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteLove this 'family'!!
ReplyDeleteHey Vanessa! Just popped by to see what you were up to... Wow! You've been busy! Must be kinda crowded with all those lovely people in your head! Great characters. Grandma and grandpa are my faves. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteHey Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by. You and your family will definately be in my prayers. For wisdom, discernment and guidance. "When you trust in the Lord, you will be blessed. The Lord will show you that He can be trusted." (Jeremiah 17:7)
ReplyDeleteYour characters are so much fun - and I can tell that you have fun creating them. You inspire me - I can't wait to get started on my own storybook characters somewhat soon.
ReplyDeleteand what a brilliant place for them to be! i always come here knowing you are going to knock my socks off, because you R-O-C-K. my favorite is the chauffer, but all these characters are amazing. have a magnificent weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour work is always so much fun! I love how every character is unique with their own personality-- kind of like real people-- HA!
ReplyDeleteGosh, all these people must keep you busy in the head all day!! Oh, V, you are such a magician and the coolest one I know!! (^___^) HUGGSSSS!!
ReplyDeleteWow - I just found your blog... stunning!! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa -
TheHive – A Social Community for the Arts and Crafts Industry
The people in your head look beautiful. I don't know what's inside my head but it hurts!
ReplyDeleteOkay, that's it. I'm moving in. Those people in your head had better make room for one more!
ReplyDeleteWoooooweeee, is that a small car, or is that one really giant chauffeur? Heeheeeheeeeeee!
These are fantastic!
ReplyDeletevanessa, your style and design is second to none! man o man i love looking at your character designs, such charm and personality. you have a gift and thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDelete