Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Illustration Friday: Round


It's about time I posted something new, isn't it? Gosh, the past couple of weeks somehow flew by with work and assorted holiday comings and goings—it's rejuvenating to have a day to draw, and to catch up on my blog visits. It's been almost a year since I started my blog, and when I don't have time to tend to it, I miss all of you!

My entry for the topic "round" on Illustration Friday is an homage, of sorts, to The Polar Express, a holiday favorite of mine. In fact, I love it so much that, on my forays into antique shops and websites, I'm often on the lookout for antique sleigh bells like the ones in the book. There are some gorgeous ones, but they're usually  brass, not the silvery (nickel?) ones in the story. A couple of years ago, after my father-in-law passed away, we were sorting through some things in his home and I came across this single, old sleigh bell. Right away, it reminded me of the one that Santa gives the boy at the end of the book. So, with apologies to Chris Van Allsburg, here's my sleigh bell—for all of us who truly believe.

23 comments:

  1. Hmmm, would you believe I've never heard of this story? How odd. I googled it to find that it was made into a movie quite some time ago, so there must be a DVD version *even* in our local video rental shop. One more thing to look forward to this holiday season!

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  2. Lovely work. The bell has a soft warm glow that gives the drawing character.

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  3. Beeyouteeful, Sarah! We love that story and ah, the sound of the bell during the holidays..it's part of the magic of Christmas! This is lovely and I do agree..the time sure flies..glad you had some good holiday time. I did as well, and am back to work..full steam ahead! Take care - as I hear the wind will be whipping up this week 'round the peninsula.

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  4. Sarah-thanks for your email. I will look for the book!

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  5. Aaaawwww!!! That is a beautiful story and a beautiful illustration to accompany it. I like stories like that. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Oh my goodness!!! I just checked on your chicken link. They are soooooo beautiful!!! I grew up with chickens all borne from one hen.

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  7. How pretty you've drawn it. This would make a super card for the holidays.

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  8. Such a lovely, simple thing! Really great rendition of this intricate little item.

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  9. Beautiful Sarah....My children love this story. This would make a gorgeous card.

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  10. Simply.....beautiful. I love your drawings.

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  11. What a delight to find your jingle bell post tonight. I really like how you've captured your special bell with the ribbons and shadows. It is nice to see you posting again (p.s. I've had a quiet spell too).

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  12. It is gorgeous ! I'm in love with the movie but did not read the book... yet.

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  13. Simple but lovely, love the bright red ribbon.

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  14. Perfect for Christmas too... beautiful drawing Sarah!

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  15. Sarah,
    i love the Polar Express story! We have the Hallmark version hanging on our tree. Hope all is well with you and your family.

    Love,
    Debby

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  16. Sarah...I hope you're going to use that for your Christmas cards! I absolutely love it. It's marvelous in it's round simplicity. And, as usual, so beautifully rendered!

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  17. Absolutely beautiful! You've captured the essence completely.
    I love it!

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  18. Beautiful!, very well worked, perfect for the theme, and for the time.

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  19. Lovely rendering and choice of red to contrast gray scale.

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  20. I love it, Sarah. It's as lovely as my mistletoe.

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