Sunday, January 28, 2018

Tongan Matryoshka

Tongan Matryoshka
Hello! This is my Tongan Matryoshka drawing in honor of the people of Tonga. Tonga is a Polynesian Kingdom in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

I find that when I begin drawing a new culture I notice similarities and parallels to cultures I've previously drawn. So I've made sub-categories in my head. For example, some cultures wear red beaded necklaces. I've been surprised how many! So when I start a drawing that includes a red beaded necklace I think, "Oh, its one of the 'Red Beaded' cultures." There are also "Apron Wearing" cultures, and "Fan" holding cultures. So when I started this one I thought, "Yay! A 'Fan culture'!" It was a really fun fan to draw too, figuring out how to capture the woven aspect and open areas. Some of my other "Fan" drawings are my Cambodian, Cuban, Queen Elizabeth I, and Filipina.


While doing research for this culture I came across many inspiring images on the web and pinned them here. Above is my preliminary design process with a pencil sketch and color design elements.


Tongan Coloring Sheet
And this is an example of my Tongan coloring sheet. Prints and the printable file coloring sheet are now available in my etsy shop and my dot com.

My Tongan Matryoshka isn't the first Polynesian I've drawn. You may also be interested in seeing my Maori of New Zealand, and my Samoan.


Peace,
Amy


Saturday, January 6, 2018

Belarusian Matryoshka

Belarusian Matryoshka
Happy New Year! New year, new drawing! A Belarusian Matryoshka inspired by the Belarusian people and their traditional dress! Prints and a printable file coloring sheet are now available in my etsy shop and my dot com. These shops are the most personal way to purchase my work. I print out the prints myself, sign and date them on the back, package them, and include a thank you note and other goodies with each shipment.

The printable coloring sheet is available for instant download, so it is fast and convenient. Purchase once and print out as many as you want, whenever you want. Fun for parties, students, groups of kids or adults!
Belarusian Matryoshka Coloring Sheet

Merchandise with my Belarusian Matryoshka is available in my Zazzle shop: postcards, note cards, postage stamps, tote bags, and phone cases. These have been the most popular items but Zazzle offers a multitude of products. So if there is any product that you are interested in purchasing, but don't see available, please let me know so I can make it available.

And because many of you have said you enjoy seeing my preliminary sketches. . .
Belarusian Matryoshka preliminary sketch and design process
You may also enjoy seeing some images of Belarusian traditional dress I found on the web and pinned here.

Again I would like to wish you a wonderful 2018. I'm excited and look forward to bringing you more drawings and designs in the coming year. Thank you for your continued interest and support!! :)

Peace,
Amy