August 13, 2012

A Freeze Frame

When I read that the Illustration Friday topic this week is "freeze,"  I immediately thought, "chicken." So for a few days I cogitated on a frozen chix illo.  Nothing came to the fore (no doubt Henny was silently objecting ;)).
Then I stopped off at the library to pick up a couple of books.  There she was.  She was so little, and I wanted to capture the moment--frozen in time, if you will.
This little doll was completely enraptured -- a testament to the power of the book.

pencil  on paper

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83 comments:

  1. BeccaAugust 13, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Love this!

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  2. the dogs' motherAugust 13, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Looks like Daughter, a long time ago, but the book was upside down :-)

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  3. Rubye JackAugust 13, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    This says so much about who we are. What a precious drawing Lizzie!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 6:58 PM

      That it does, I think. What a wonderful observation. Thanks so much, L. :)

      Delete
  4. Gatepost productionsAugust 13, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    If you look at it clinically ... there are very few lines in the eyes and mouth, yet they work perfectly to capture the moment. Lovely job, Lizzie!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM

      It's amazing how one little line can change a whole picture. It is especially true in portraiture and character expression. Your observations are spot-on, John. Thanks!

      Delete
  5. Ted BlackmanAugust 13, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    Ohh... that's that excellent pamphlet on Executive Management. It's a page turner.

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  6. FrikoAugust 13, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    She's concentrating, there are big words on that page!

    She's adorable, thanks to you.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:02 PM

      Yes...either big words or captivating pictures! She was so beguiling, and concentrating so hard! Thanks, F. !

      Delete
  7. Lisa G.August 13, 2012 at 12:29 PM


    Precious.

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  8. PearlAugust 13, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    That little girl is adorable.

    I like your work so much, Elizabeth. Have I told you that? I would very much like to write something that you could illustrate some day... Wonder what you could do with my Liza Bean Bitey (of the Minneapolis Biteys)?? Am I over-reaching? Perhaps.

    Would love to hear from you...

    Pearl
    whyioughta2@gmail.com

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:04 PM

      Hey Pearl! I am immensely flattered. I will try and send you some thoughts on the matter. Thanks so much for your kind comments :)

      Delete
  9. SuzeAugust 13, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    I think you are a genius, Lizzie.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:06 PM

      I think you overestimate me, Suzzze dear. But I am blushing, nonetheless.

      Delete
  10. Cindy D.August 13, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    What a beautifully intense but peaceful face! Wonderful pencil style. She is just too cute.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:07 PM

      Thanks, Cindy! She had the most amazing big cheeks. Captivating!

      Delete
  11. 24 CornersAugust 13, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    What a doll, and you've captured such a special moment in a child's life...the act of being captivated by a book, it's delightful!!
    Glad Henny was having none of it (being frozen that is)!
    xo J~

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 13, 2012 at 7:08 PM

      Yes. I couldn't believe how long she sat there, engrossed in her little book. Her big sister was nearby, doing the same thing. Both unbelievably cute!

      Delete
  12. UnknownAugust 13, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    This is really lovely, Elizabeth. Beautiful!

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  13. HermanTurnipAugust 13, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Awesome! Totally agree about the power of a book. I get through 35+ books every year, and am counting down the days until Tyler is old enough that I can read him The Hobbit before he goes to bed :-)

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  14. robin cox walshAugust 13, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    I think this needs to be a poster promoting reading, to hang in schools and libraries. She is just adorable!

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  15. FunaekAugust 13, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    I love this! As a book lover, I totally understand the moment you're capturing here, when you're so into a book you're just frozen. The whole world feels like it's moving in a separate dimension and you're just in a different world. Lovely!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:52 AM

      Great description! That's just how this little girl looked. You are obviously a book lover!

      Delete
  16. Jane and Lance HattattAugust 13, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Hello Elizabeth:
    Absolutely charming in every possible way. And Henny is let off the hook, so to speak!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:54 AM

      Thanks so much J & L! As per Henny--you always know just how to turn a phrase to make me laugh :)

      Delete
  17. UnknownAugust 14, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    I love how you balanced the energy of the pencil mark making and the perfect quiet moment. Simple and beautiful.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:54 AM

      Hey Alicia! Thanks so much...and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  18. SymdaddyAugust 14, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    Lovely picture!

    And also an excellent card ('All Dogs Go To Heaven') which I saw over at Friko's World.

    It was a very thoughtful gift! My own dog, Sym, has lymphoma so I know just how she must have felt at the loss of her faithful friend.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:56 AM

      I'm so sorry about your dog. It's truly one of the harder things to face, I think. I wish you the best.
      Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  19. Paula KuitenbrouwerAugust 14, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    That is so sweet such an adorable old fashioned sweety-girl.
    Well done, Elizabeth.

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  20. Rod MacGregorAugust 14, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    OMG I thought of chicken too (nice confident pencil work Chica!)

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:57 AM

      Great minds think alike, my dear Mr. MacGregor ;) :)
      Thanks!

      Delete
  21. Castles Crowns and CottagesAugust 14, 2012 at 4:44 AM

    OMG. YOU are so good my dear, SO GOOD! It takes time to ruminate about an idea; I usually get a SUDDEN flash of an idea then is morphs into something better. GOOD JOB MY DEAR! Anita

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 8:58 AM

      Anita! YOU are so GOOD to say so! I always love your sweet, thoughtful comments.
      Btw, your flashes, as far as I can tell, morph into the most beautiful of things :)

      Delete
  22. Creations By MitAugust 14, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Such a beautiful, quiet moment in time, skillfully & perfectly rendered. In a day of technology, I LOVE to see that things like this still exist. Reminds me of my own childhood & passion for reading.... this one really resonates with me, Elizabeth!!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 9:03 AM

      Mit! For me, this is one of the best kind of comments to get--the ones about resonating :) You're quite right about good old-fashioned pencil drawings. I haven't done one like this in a while--it was quite satisfying.

      Delete
  23. HeatherAugust 14, 2012 at 6:32 AM

    oh this is just so right on and perfect...you've captured the moment!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 9:04 AM

      Thanks, Heather. When I saw her, I knew it was definitely a moment to be captured!
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  24. Studio at the FarmAugust 14, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    What a wonderful and innovative take on "frozen"!!! I love your sketch.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 9:07 AM

      Thanks so much, Kathryn! I thought maybe I might be stretching it a bit...but a picture is always open to interpretation--and worth a thousand words ;) :)

      Delete
  25. Mardi SpethAugust 14, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Well, the thought of frozen chicken puts me in stitches, although I can appreciate Henny's cold shoulder treatment.
    Lovely and sweet drawing, Elizabeth.

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  26. D. Isnaini FadhilahAugust 14, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    Hi, Liz! This artwork is really inspiring. I think I'll try to capture a life-object, too - while it's freezing. :D

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 14, 2012 at 10:59 AM

      I hope you do, Dewi-- and be sure and post it so we can see it! I'm so glad you are inspired :)

      Delete
  27. SL VitaleAugust 14, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Elizabeth, you are so versatile!

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  28. fados do larAugust 14, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    This is a great IF illustration!
    It's the trully power of a good book, isnt't? :)

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 15, 2012 at 7:41 AM

      Thanks so much and, absolutely! -- there's nothing quite like it!

      Delete
  29. Richard EwingAugust 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    I like how your value structure lends itself to the far away she's experiencing.
    well done!
    A low contrast chicken wouldn't have had the same effect.
    .

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 15, 2012 at 7:42 AM

      Richard, your comments are great--so insightful, and then you make me laugh :-D

      Delete
  30. Stephen MacquignonAugust 15, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    you blow me away

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  31. MarisaAugust 15, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    Lovely work, Elizabeth! seems she is enjoying the book :)

    Have a beautiful day!

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  32. Jannie aka ChickengirlAugust 15, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    awwwww you captured her so well. Beautiful...

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  33. Claire WildishAugust 16, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    A precious moment captured beautifully!

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  34. Curious ArtAugust 17, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    There is something so magical about the way a child can ENTER a book... I guess we do it too as adults, but probably less often in public. Lovely drawing; it really captures that intensity, & with a great sensitive line.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 19, 2012 at 1:00 PM

      I agree--it is the magic of books :) Thanks for stopping by !!

      Delete
  35. roberto M.August 19, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Rose, I apologize for not having come sooner!
    I want to tell you something:
    This is the most most most (3 veces, and is not a typographical error) beautiful sketch of a child, that I've seen lately
    congratulations!

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 19, 2012 at 12:59 PM

      Hello Roberto! I am MOST grateful for your kind comment! Thank you :)

      Delete
  36. ColleenAugust 20, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    Beautiful portrait! I hope more children are as enthralled by a good book!

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  37. Koosje KoeneAugust 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    oooh! She's just too cute!

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  38. Melissa MackieAugust 21, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    Really Gorgeous Elizabeth... your talent covers many genres.

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  39. Laurie A. ConleyAugust 22, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    This is a special little drawing. Isn't it great that kids still get engrossed by books? I worry that someday books will be gone but hopefully there will always be children like this little one and libraries they can go to to get lost in books. Really touching illustration.

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    1. Elizabeth Rose StantonAugust 22, 2012 at 8:29 PM

      Thanks, Laurie! I think books will always be around...and I think you are quite right about this little girl and her library. Kudos to her mom, who I observed as a newcomer, for introducing her to it!

      Delete
  40. ArtyZenAugust 23, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Perfect! If I was her mother, I'd so want this picture! Axxx

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  41. Katy NoelleAugust 23, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    OMG!!! I'm going to go post up an image on my photo blog that I've been thinking of for the past two weeks - an old image.... of me... I think that I'd seen this one of yours - glanced at it - when you first posted but didn't have a chance to comment, here. I wonder if that's partly why my image has been in my mind so much.... I, also, know that there were other reasons I was thinking about it but, woah! The power of the subconscious! =/ =] Anyway, I just realized the connection! =]

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  42. UnknownAugust 26, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    How perfect for the theme and beautifully drawn!

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  43. AtelierBrigitteAugust 27, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Such a precious piece.

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  44. Dario TucciSeptember 18, 2012 at 6:57 AM

    This poetic and beautiful drawing reminds me the time when I discovered the existence of books. When a drawing is so evocative, then it’s Art!

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  45. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Wow, this is such a lovely illustration--your delicate pencil goes so well with her gentle expression!

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