• About
  • Review Ratings
  • Author’s Information
  • Recommended Authors

Whiskey With My Book

~ And a cozy spot to enjoy them both.

Whiskey With My Book

Tag Archives: Art

An Illustrated Tail – Feature with Artist Tracy Lovett

11 Friday Oct 2019

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Art, cats, childrens books, creative process, dogs, feature, guest post, Kellen, pets, photography, Tracy Lovett

Thanks to all my blog visitors who have come back every day this week.  Furry Friends Week has been all about the pets.  Cats, dogs and otherworldly creatures (if I may use the PISA tagline).  Monday, I reviewed No Kitten Around by R.J. Blain.  Tuesday was release day for Pets in Space 4 by a lot of authors.  Wednesday I reviewed a few of my favorite stories in Pets in Space 4.  And Thursday, I reviewed Catalyst by Jodi Wallace.

*******************

To cap off Furry Friends Week, we are staying right here on Earth.  In fact, I am not even leaving town.  My guest today lives in the same zip code as I do.  I met Tracy Lovett a couple of years ago when I conned her into teaching an art class for the library. One class led to many classes as well as a new friendship.

Professional photographer, artist and author, Tracy is bundle of energy with a perpetually creative mind.  Constantly looking for ways to market her photography services, but wanting to do something other than the typical (senior pictures, weddings) she started doing pet portraits.  I took my Mini Australian Shepherd, Kellen, to her studio (with much trepidation – he was barely a year old at the time and a bundle of puppy energy).  But both Kellen and Tracy were great!  The result was a lovely bunch of photos of Kellen doing what he does best – that cute thang!

Kellen will wait for the word ‘Okay’ before he eats the treat.

From there, Tracy built on pet photography and came up with Illustrated Tails.  I selected one of the Kellen photos for Tracy to turn into an Illustrated Tails masterpiece.

*******************

The Illustrated Tails Creative Process by Tracy Lovett

When I start to illustrate, I take into consideration the color scheme of the animal, and the owner’s preference of colors. Generally, we have discussed the pose that will work the best for the illustration, and it is usually a head shot of sorts. So, I begin by blocking in basic shapes.

Eye placement is critical, as is nose, and I do sometimes revise this as I go along. If eyes and nose are wrong, EVERYTHING cascades into “wrongness” as I move forward. I usually use a colored background to provide either mid or dark tones to the illustration. This also serves as a bit of a “mood builder” for the drawing. A red background gives a much more energetic feel to the final piece than a tranquil blue background does. I take into account the personality of the dog, the personality of the owner, and the color of the dog when I make these decisions.

After basic color blocking is done, I work with more details, adding shading, highlights, and big fur details. As I move along, my brush size gets smaller and smaller, because the details become much more fine. The last portions of the drawing are fur texture and details, highlights in the eyes, and some lighting decisions. For instance, is the animal back-lit a bit, making a slight glow around the edges of the ears and top of the head? I often draw the tiny, highlighted hairs individually to give the feel of golden sunshine falling on the animal. In the very end, I make a background decision. Do I want a simple, plain background, or do I like something more complex and layered? Kellen ended up layered–it just felt right to me and to his owners.

I use a Wacom Intuos Pro graphics tablet and pen with over 8000 levels of pressure sensitivity to do the primary illustrations. My favorite media are conte’ crayon and pastel, but I do use others, depending upon the feel I want. My favorite illustrating software is Corel Painter. Between all of these digital tools, it is the closest thing to freehand drawing on paper that I can get, without ACTUALLY getting out the paper and the pastels. The pen feels the same as it does on paper, the pressure sensitivity is just as if I was drawing at my drawing table. Heavy pressure produces heavier lines and deeper color, and lighter pressure is just the opposite. I love illustrating this way, because it not only creates beautiful art, but it is art that can then be applied to different products for the owner–canvas, coffee mugs, tshirts, jewelry–the list is endless. It makes me smile when I perform this process, and it always brings the owner great joy to have their pet turned into an original illustration. It’s one of my favorite art practices.

*******************

Tracy, thank you so much for giving us a glimpse at your creative process!

In Kellen’s case, Tracy worked from one of her own photographs, but can also use good quality photos that a customer sends to her.  She ships her products all over the United States so pet parents everyone can show off their furry friends.

I don’t know about you folks, bu I absolutely love what she did!  Want to see a couple more Illustrated Tails?  Say hello Muffin and Harley……

 

*******************

About Tracy Lovett

For this part, Tracy gave me a few notes and along with editorial license to write this bio.  Even said I could make things up.  From what I know, this should be fairly accurate: 

Tracy Lovett has lived in Sidney, IA for 20 years.  She has written 9 kids books, several of which feature her cat Soda Pop.  Tracy’s photography business, Images By Tracy Lovett, has been in operation for 20 years.  She claims she is photographer by day, crazy creative person by night.  She lives by the credo “Losing my mind, one creative project at a time.”  With this attitude, she encourages other to do the same.  (I have been so encouraged.)

Tracy loves animals alot and people sometimes (Tracy’s words.  Though I share that sentiment, truth is, Tracy is always kind to everyone, so I’m not sure I believe her.)

Tracy has been married to Mike for 22 years, has 4 kids, 4 cats, and one dog.  At any time, Mike, kids and pets may become subjects in her photos, art, and stories.

Find Tracy here:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/imagesbytracylovett/
www.imagesbytracylovett.photography for commissioning sessions.
www.anillustratedlife.homesteadcloud.com for commissioning illustrations.
www.tracylovett.com for art photography.
www.inclementiowafun.com for kids books.

The Art of Piracy by Cecilia Dominic from the Rogue Skies collection – Review

11 Wednesday Sep 2019

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

5 stars, airship, Art, Book Review, Cecilia Dominic, mystery, pirates, romance, series, Steampunk


About The Art of Piracy by Cecilia Dominic

Sometimes the clearest skies hide the deadliest secrets.

Veronica Devine is determined to return home in triumph and show the family who disowned her that she’s made it as one of the world’s premier art historians. Her one chance – escort art rescued from an abandoned chateau to the new art museum in Terminus. A simple airship trip over the Atlantic aboard a luxury liner promises to be a much-needed break and a chance to get her head on straight before facing the disgrace of her past.

Luc, the Marquis de Monceau, abandoned his chateau in the face of the Prussian invasion and is determined to recover one of the pieces. The problem – he can’t reveal who he truly is, or he’ll be arrested for aiding pirates. The other problem – he’s not sure which of the paintings he’s searching for since the information he needs is hidden in the art itself. Perhaps the beautiful art historian who’s escorting the collection can help him.

As clouds gather above, the ocean surges below, and air pirates pursue the ship. Veronica and Luc – locked in a dance of hidden identity, secret passions, and past betrayals – need to figure out which piece of art holds the key to unlock a metaphysical mystery, or else the pirates will be the least of their problems.

**********************

Review of The Art of Piracy

Veronica has an eye for art. Well, maybe a feeling for art. Regardless of how one describes her talent, she manages to pick the one painting everyone else seems to want. Yes, that will cause trouble. One does not think an art curator will so troublesome. That she is, makes for a good story!

Luc is one of the people looking for that painting. Trouble is, he is not sure which painting it is. He just knows that Veronica is probably the key. Looks like he is going to have to get closer to her. Such a setup for a romance!

Most of the action in The Art of Piracy takes place on the Acadia Pearl, a brand new airship on its inaugural flight. To me, airships are the epitome of steampunk, so I always enjoy the in-the-sky setting. On the airship, Aether Physics series readers will be reunited with Inspector Davidson. At the request of the captain, he attempts to expose any possible piracy on this shiny, new luxury airship.

The title of this book is a giveaway. There will be pirates, ruthless pirates  –  as such characters tend to be. They are present throughout the story so the eventuality of the inevitable meeting with the pirates and the good guys (Veronica, Luc, and Inspector Davidson) makes for a nice bit of anticipation. Along with that anticipation, a slow-burning romance, a series of suspicious events and a bit of magic all combine to serve up a rousing good tale of adventure and love in the sky.

As a fan of Ms. Dominic’s Aether Psychics series, I am delighted with her return to that world in her new Steampunk/Romance The Art of Piracy. This might be my favorite so far!

The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

**********************

The Art of Piracy is one of 25 stories in the collection Rogue Skies.

About Rogue Skies

The skies have gone rogue. Space can’t be tamed. And magic is a law unto itself.

Transport yourself to new worlds where dark magic clashes with witty witches, diabolic demons, feisty fae, and sexy shifters. Or travel through time and space with cosmic spies, space thieves, and telepathic pirates. Add in a dash of Victorian heroes and inhuman soldiers, and you have a one-of-a-kind science fiction and fantasy collection of intoxicating proportions.

**********************

Links

Add Rogue Skies to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Rogue Skies:

 

**********************

 

Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose – Review

13 Monday Aug 2018

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

5 stars, Art, Book Review, historical, Jazz Age, M.J. Rose, mystery, romance, Tiffany

About Tiffany Blues

New York, 1924. Twenty‑four‑year‑old Jenny Bell is one of a dozen burgeoning artists invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s prestigious artists’ colony. Gifted and determined, Jenny vows to avoid distractions and romantic entanglements and take full advantage of the many wonders to be found at Laurelton Hall.

But Jenny’s past has followed her to Long Island. Images of her beloved mother, her hard-hearted stepfather, waterfalls, and murder, and the dank hallways of Canada’s notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women overwhelm Jenny’s thoughts, even as she is inextricably drawn to Oliver, Tiffany’s charismatic grandson.

As the summer shimmers on, and the competition between the artists grows fierce as they vie for a spot at Tiffany’s New York gallery, a series of suspicious and disturbing occurrences suggest someone knows enough about Jenny’s childhood trauma to expose her.

Supported by her closest friend Minx Deering, a seemingly carefree socialite yet dedicated sculptor, and Oliver, Jenny pushes her demons aside. Between stolen kisses and stolen jewels, the champagne flows and the jazz plays on until one moonless night when Jenny’s past and present are thrown together in a desperate moment, that will threaten her promising future, her love, her friendships, and her very life.

***************

Review of Tiffany Blues

Jenny Bell is my character of the month. Of all the books I’ve read in the last 30 days, Jenny is the one I loved the most. Maybe it is her tragic past. Which made me cry. Or her artists optimism. Or determination to move forward. Its all those things really.

But if she does not have good supporting characters, the story would go nowhere. Minx Deering is the rich girl that does whatever she wants and gets away with it. You really want to set her down for a good talking to sometimes. Ben is the reporter that Jenny wants to trust, but can’t because he is a reporter and reporters ruin lives.

Then there is Oliver Comfort Tiffany, grandson of the great Louis Comfort Tiffany. He is the sort of rebel without a cause who befriends Jenny and encourages her when she needs it. Jenny and Oliver will become the two halves of one heart. But they are from opposite sides of the social spectrum and really, can that ever work out?

Perhaps my favorite supporting character is the man Louis Comfort Tiffany himself. He tells his own stories to enlighten his art. He guides Jenny with both suggestions and orders. His interactions with Jenny are beautiful and even spiritual. It is his line “…there is beauty even in broken things.” that brought tears to my eyes.

In addition to these exceptional characters, there is jazz, art and philosophy. And there is a mystery. While I did not find the mystery all that mysterious, it was critical in leading up the the climax, so pay attention!

In Tiffany Blues, the author’s notes are at the beginning of the story, which I liked. One of the reasons for the placement, I believe, is to tell the story of Laurelton Hall, the place Jenny and her fellow artists go to study with Mr. Tiffany. There is a mystery there too. In 1957, the magnificent hall was burned down and no explanation was ever made. The thing is, despite the precisely worded Author’s Note, while I was entranced by Jenny Bell’s Jazz Age story, I forgot all about Laurelton Hall’s unfortunate demise until the very end. Tiffany Blues is Ms. Rose’s brilliant explanation for the fire.

Tiffany Blues is a heartachingly beautiful story set in the Jazz Age amidst the exquisite art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Art lovers will be drawn to this story, but anyone can savor it, as I did.

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book so that I could bring you this honest review.

***************

Links

Add Tiffany Blues to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Tiffany Blues:

 

 

← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 425 other followers

Tags

4 stars 5 stars Adventure aliens Art book feature Book Review cats excerpt fantasy giveaway guest post historical magic mystery paranormal Pauline Baird Jones reading romance scifi scifi romance series space opera Steampunk urban fantasy

Recent Posts

  • Exiled (Arcadia, #3) by Mary Brock Jones – Guest Post with Excerpt
  • A Curious Invasion (The Adventures of Smith and Jones, #1) by Marie Andreas – Review
  • Below Stairs Mystery by Jennifer Ashley – Series Review
  • Ascendant (The Made Ones Saga, #3) by Vicki Stiefel – Review
  • CabeX (A Project Enterprise Story) by Pauline Baird Jones – Review

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016

Currently Reading

NetGalley Challenge 2016

2016 NetGalley Challenge

Copyright Notice

© This site's content is protected by copyright.

FTC Disclaimer

Some of the books reviewed on Whiskey With My Book are provided by authors, publishers, or other third party promoters. Other than review copies, no compensation is accepted for reviews.

Affiliates

This blog uses affiliate links to direct you to sites where you can make purchases. Use of these links supports this blog and is much appreciated!

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Whiskey With My Book
    • Join 425 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Whiskey With My Book
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...