A Llama for Sven, Copic Markers using Frisket
The complications of llama ownership weighed heavily on Sven the cat, who had been up much of the previous night trying to convince the llama that she did not belong on the bed. Or, failing that, at least not to rest her head on poor Sven. Liam the dog, Sven’s best friend and housemate, was not much bothered by the ruckus, as he is a heavy sleeper and prefers his kingly brocade cushion bed to the platform bed.
Why did you want a llama, again? asked Liam.
Sven scowled darkly at the dog. Then he glanced over at the llama and couldn’t help but smile. “Look at her. She’s so cute! And one day she’ll let me ride on her head. And we will conquer the world!” He sighed. “I do wish she was, you know, a bit quicker. About stuff.”
Liam rolled his eyes and went make a sandwich.
Before you ask, Sven is a softie so there is no way he is going to leave the llama outside. The llama he hasn’t named yet, I might add, though he’s leaning toward Doris. It all started here:
Llama for Sven Ink
Llama for Sven Frisket
Llama for Sven Color 1
Llama for Sven Color 2
A Llama for Sven, Copic Markers using Frisket
So what seems to happen, with these non-Illustration Friday illustrations, is that I pick an animal to draw (lately dogs, llamas, cats, sheep, goats, cows, mainly). Once he or she is done, I decide what other animal wants to be in the frame, too. And then another, if there’s room. And from there,a relationship becomes clear. Which is how I knew that poor Sven, the terribly weary-looking cat, had been up all night trying to take care of his new llama. And that Liam with the just slightly exasperated face, was not in favor of the llama particularly but you know, as long as he didn’t have to feed it or walk it.
Hello! Thank you for coming!
Love this story. A cat that owns a Llama, hilarious. LOVE IT.
Great drawing too. Keep us updated as to when Sven gets to sit on the head of his Llama and what her name is.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’ll try that out with with outlining on the copy.
For some reason (3 dogs and a cat) this story seems familiar…
These guys are quite the handsome family. And you are really going to town with the frisket!If I understand it, it goes down clear, dries kinda rubbery, you lay down color over it and then peel it up, right? Then, are you going over it with a paler tone to fill in the white? Whatever, it gives the animals an interesting textured look that I like.
Your “unnamed” Llama has such a sweet look about her – I’d put up w/ her too!
cats are always into world domination. love the llamas, they always have those dreamy bedroom eyes.
It seems your herd does anything but slumber, Cindy! This is a charming little family here. I just love the art and the stories you do. Your blog is one of my very favorite places. :)
Do you have any problems with frisket gumming up and becoming hard to use? I tried it a long time ago and it mostly went to waste after it dried out and gunked up.
Thank you! I am really digging what frisket is adding to the mix, though this is only my 4th or so experiment with it. I’ve found I need to apply it quickly and also try not to touch what’s already on the page or it attaches itself to the brush and makes trouble.
I go over with one or two coats of marker as soon as I can, and then pick it right up and it’s been coming off quite nicely. The main trouble I’m having is finding a good implement because it just gums up a brush. Someone suggested a pointy cotton tip and I know you can use a pointy stick, so hopefully I’ll find one or the other to try.
I’m not having trouble with it drying in the bottle, if that’s what you mean? But I haven’t had it very long. I believe the one I got is Windsor Newton Masking Fluid.
I use frisket a lot (with watercolor) and find the easiest way to apply is with a old already-ruined brush. It does eventually become a gummy glob on the brush tip, but I trim the tip (when dry) to a fine point. However, you do get this fancy tool called “The Incredible Nib” – a tool with a rubbery point with which you can apply frisket. http://www.cheapjoes.com/prod/ONP/ (for a picture) But it gums up on that too – I think it is just easier to get the dried frisket off the rubbery point – no need to cut. I do also find that the frisket becomes gummy in the bottle after a couple of months. You can try to add water and redeem some of it, depending on just HOW gummy it has become.
Love the personification in this story!
Cindy please keep drawing and sharing your wonderful creations! Love what I’ve seen so far. And thank you for your comment on my drawing, really really appreciate it! =-) x
Cindy, I just love your story! It adds a whole n’other volume to your wonderful drawing … just the right words to frame each animal’s expression. Really nice how it all comes together. More, please!
Two tips on frisket … a wooden, disposable chop stick adds a rough but interesting line quality you might like without resorting to brushes. Also, try Fineline Masquepen. It comes in a bottle with a hypodermic needle-type tip. You just squeeze it (gently) and apply a thin precise line, so you needn’t bother with brushes at all. It changes to a blue color when it’s dry, so there’s no guessing where you put it. Comes off very easily, just be sure your paper is bone dry when you first apply it.
Thank you so much for the frisket tips, Minnemie and Mardi! I have been cutting the end of the(very cheap) brush, but now I will be trying some new things. That Masquepen in particular sounds perfect!
So totally in love with your style. I have such a soft spot for Copic markers and ink from my interior design days. Your work in so unique. Love it and love seeing the process photos.
I’m siding with Liam and his most flowery snout…as long as you have a brocade cushion or two, nothing else much matters a lot. Now poor Sven just needs to be thankful that he has such a lovely llama (whose name might be Doris) and take a tidy little nap…Or make a sandwich too, because that does always change one’s perspective on things.
Beautiful work, as always! ;)
Gosh you are so darned creative…love the story, and that exasperated cat is fabulous! Such wonderful, vibrant characters and so wonderfully illustrated!
That cat is AWESOME!!!! The character comes right through! I think it is exceptionally difficult to render multiple animals or people in portraits of this nature. You do a great job! I like llamas, too!
I love the effect you get layering the swirls! Never thought to use masking with markers.
Absolutely Delightful! Love the textures and color choice! Your keeps me inspired!
Your WORK keeps me inspired!
Another fun piece! I’ll be keeping tuned for the next installment!
The textures do look fab and as for Doris – perfectly fine name for a lama, especially if pronounced with a slighty posh accent. Love the green dog… :)
The story is so fun and imaginative. Your sense of color is incredible. These pieces are all so luminous!
I love your llamas. They are such characters. But then all of your animals are, aren’t they. And the stories are delightful too. I’ve been out of town a lot the last week and haven’t been able to visit here, but I think that your idea of little book for your characters is a great one. There are so many opportunities for self publishing out there now worth investigating.
Wow! You have amazing skills for using colors and such delightful story. Love llamas and dogs and cats of course. Amazing job!
Heeheeheee! Well, of COURSE they have a llama. Everyone wants one. Who doesn’t?! What a wacky and adorable trio these make. Gorgeous patterning as ever. I always love watching your pieces grow!