Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Tortoise Crosses the Finish Line

I just finished the illustrations for my next book, The Lord's Prayer. I have been working on it for about a year. Yeah, I know. These are some of the illustrations for the end sheets inspired by images taken around the world by World Vision International photographers. I used to work on their magazine and it often broke my heart to see the pain and struggle of the children of the world.

I wanted to set the stage for my illustrations of The Lord's Prayer with these images, because this simple poem begins, "Our Father..."

early title page concept sketch

I've woven a sun motif throughout the book as metaphor for the glory of God. Why the sun? It's the biggest thing I could get a handle on. Also I was born in the desert and the sun was always up there cooking my brain. Hey, maybe that's why my favorite color is yellow. The technique was an experiment combining serigraphy with oil painting.

This book was a painful struggle because life is a painful struggle. But it was also a time of many miracles, mountain top views of the cosmos, and life changing grace.

This is the cover. See the tortoise? That's me, slow--but covered by the lion.

14 comments:

Karin Corbin said...

Congratulations on reaching the finish line and in great style! I am sure this book will become a treasured favorite for many families.

Amanda said...

Wow, just so gorgeous. I would love to buy this for my girls. Where will it be available?

Lorraine said...

I love it!!

Kat_RN said...

Congratulations, it looks lovely. I adore your illustrations. (maybe now we will hear from you a little more?)
Kat

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Thanks a bunch, Karin. I hope the book appeals to young and old alike. I enjoyed exploring the lightness, the depth, and the power of the words.

Thank you Amanda. The book is supposed to be available this coming Spring, but I saw somewhere that it may be available in January. I'll let you know if I find out more about sales in Australia.

Hey Lorraine, glad you like. Brings back memories of our many One Wintry Night adventures. Hugs.

Kat, I have been a certifiable moon walking space cadet for months now, so yes, I hope I will come back down to earth and interface with the other earthlings now. Thanks for your kind words.

June said...

What beautiful young faces of our world :)

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Thank you June. Young faces hold such hope and optimism. The young remind us where we have come from, but also show us the freshness of God's new ideas.

Faith Pray said...

Who cares how long it took (other than your waiting publisher) - the Sistine Chapel guy probably had people breathing down his neck too.
In retrospect, it doesn't bother us if he was a few months turtle-ish on his deadline.
Brilliant work, Richard! Congrats on the finish line!

Mariah said...

This book is beautiful. I'm sure we contributed to your "turtleness" with all the grandchildren drop offs this last year. We love you! Great Job!

Julia Kelly said...

It looks absolutely beautiful- the kiddos- what spirit you gave each of their little faces, thus why your work is so wonderful!please do a post of your technique- I need a step by step process with pics- I'm curious. Glad to connect with you again.

Julia Kelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BJW said...

Best illustrations yet, and that's saying a whole lot.

The first two at the beginning are my very favorites, maybe ever, that you've done.

Robin Weiss said...

Hi Richard! Congrats on this wonderful work! Can't wait to see it!

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Whew! Look at the time~ I didn't respond to these comments. Thanks Faithy. Yeah old Mick and I we go way back, only...you know.

Thank you sweet Mariah. Turtles all around! And inspiration from the grandkids! YaY!

Ahoy there Benny! Golly gee Wally.

Thanks lots Robin. Sure enjoyed seeing the other night at the Bainbridge Library exhibit. Muchas gaçias.