Behind the Scenes of "Scared Silly":
Creating the Illustrations

Before the brush is set to paper, some preliminary sketches are completed. I consider the overall composition of the page. I also vary placement of characters until the page comes together.



Once the basic design of the page is set, I enlarge the drawing. Then I add further details to the scene. I also start to shade in the drawing.



At this point, I complete several color studies. In each one, I experiment with different uses of color. Then I feel confident to start the final painting with this sense of color in mind.



With all of this planning complete, I am ready to start the final watercolor painting. I pick up my brushes and start to paint. This is the painting featured in the book.