Skating away

I’ve always loved illustration and this year I’ve resolved to do more of it. Thus begins a (hopefully) monthly series of illustrations that capture the spirit of the month.

The January image was inspired by memories of ice skating as a kid. I grew up in the Northeast where winters were cold enough for skating outdoors. Even though I live in California now, where frost is rare, I carry the memory of drinking hot chocolate to warm up while on the ice.

I brought my memory to life with a whimsical illustration style, evoking Mary Blair and old New Yorker covers. The palette is icy blue with a touch of rosy red cheek.

My inspiration images: vintage and whimsical.

My rough hand-drawn sketch, which I later finished using Adobe Fresco.

The final image.