And now for something completely different...

I know I said yesterday that I have a relatively well-formed illustration style, but every once in a while I like to try something different. Who doesn't right? Since I normally lean towards colorful brights, pattern, and ink outlines, this little drawing seems out of order for me. Yet these exercises in exploration always inspire me creatively and often help me narrow my focus when it comes to fleshing out story ideas. Here are two little winter cardinals cuddling in their tree hollow home. I am always mesmerized when I see a cardinal flitting amongst the snowy landscape and in this drawing I wanted to share the feelings I experience when I do magically catch a glimpse of one. So in an attempt to reflect the stillness, cold, and heavy quiet of that atmosphere, as well as the tiny yet powerful ray of delight and warmth the cardinals' red color adds to the equation, I came up with this. I'm also intrigued by the idea of the house off in the distance with it's warm golden color and plume of smoke. What are they cooking in there? Who is sitting in front of that hearth? Have they seen the birds? Do I need to add footprints in the snow?

And so the process begins...