December 2024
Hello, my dear friend,
First of all, Happy New Year! I hope you’re doing well and have started the year with peace, joy, and maybe even some snow! I haven’t seen any snow yet, so here’s a painted version to make up for it:
You can download this illustrated pattern as a wallpaper for your device here.
My deep dive into painting patterns with gouache hit its first real challenge with this design. Because of the pattern’s layout, I had to adapt it digitally to create a repeat. It’s not perfect but works well enough for this piece. One thing I learned is that I don’t enjoy fixing paintings digitally, so I’ll do my best to avoid needing to do that in the future.
More painted patterns
This past month, I’ve drawn quite a few squirrels. I used burnt sienna and gold for the tree branches, leaves, and the squirrels themselves. While gold paint always looks better in person than in a scanned version, I think my scanner did a pretty good job capturing the subtle glimmers.
You can find this pattern on products through Spoonflower and Redbubble.
I love reading fairy tales and fantasy stories, so this next pattern is inspired by a magical world. It’s called Enchanted Forest II. I have a feeling there will be a III and IV to follow!
You can find this pattern as well on products through Spoonflower and Redbubble.
Here are some process photos showcasing the creation of these hand-painted patterns:
With each piece, I’m learning a little—or sometimes a lot! For me, the biggest difference between working digitally and working traditionally is that digital work tends to keep me focused on the end result, while traditional painting helps me stay more in the moment. There’s something truly magical about mixing paint!
Sketchbook
I’ve been drawing in my little square sketchbook every day. Can you believe it? I’d still like to introduce some color, but I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up.
Here are some more loose pencil sketches and a painted tree:
These are the updates from the past month. Wishing you a great start to the year!
Till next time,
Ema
Find all my patterns and illustrations below:
Drawing is not about what you see as much as what you can make others see.
I am an artist and illustrator who believes in the power of images to make people happy. I’m most known for my colorful cards and patterns depicting people, flowers, and animals, in a sensitive and feminine style using flat simplified shapes.
I live in Beersel, Belgium, and I like to go on long walks with my little dog, Luther.
