The best tribute I can think of to Penelope Dullaghan, who is stepping down from IF to pursue her own illustration career, is to highlight someone who is perhaps my very first "blog friend"--thanks to Illustration Friday. When I started up my blog a few years ago, a whopping three people left comments on my first post. Sarah Melling was one of them, and I'm fairly certain she was my very first "follower." Here's the image I posted:
The topic was "Swarm"
copyright, 2011, Elizabeth Rose Stanton |
Ever since, I have been an ardent follower of Sarah's. She is a master of colored pencil technique ... you can be sure my scientific illustrator brain lights up big-time whenever I see her work!
Here's a little teaser from her post this week:
Copyright, 2013 Sarah Melling |
To sum it up ...
the following is what Sarah wrote about her Illustration Friday experience under Ms. Dullaghan's watch. I quote Sarah because she says it so much better than I ever could ...
From Sarah Melling Pencils and Paper:
"One of the reasons that I started blogging a few years ago was so that I could participate in Illustration Friday. For a long time, I was a very consistent contributor—I rarely missed a week! Early on, one of my drawings was even selected to be IF's "Pick of the Week" which gave me lots of exposure and encouragement. But most importantly, I got to know many fellow artists that also participated in IF regularly. (Once I realized that if I commented on a drawing, that person often commented back, the communication floodgates were opened!) I consider a number of these people to be friends: I still visit their blogs regularly, chat with some on Facebook, and a few of us even check up on one another when we haven't posted in a while. For these reasons, I send my heartfelt thanks to Penelope for her devotion to this website that gave rise to such a wonderful supportive community."
That about sums it up. So thanks, Sarah! Here's to you, Penelope, and all my talented blog buddies-- past, present and future! :)
I loved, :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Guto!
DeleteGosh, what a sweet post...I'm honored and humbled. You've just beautifully illustrated (no pun intended) how warm and supportive the IF community is. I'm truly thankful for my blog buddies!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sweet and lovely post, Lizzie. Those illustrations are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. (I always light up at the sight of you, dear blog friend, Suze.) xo
DeleteHoly shoot...I never knew that IF existed. Excuse me while I jam on over there right now!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute!! LOOK how far you've come -
ReplyDeleteLove your first IF contribution!! Made me chuckle!
Thanks, Michelle! It seems like yesterday ...
Deletelovely tribute. I was so excited finding IF and at the start (must be 3 years ago now)somehow managed to contribute every week! I very clearly remember finding your work Elizabeth because it stood out from the others with such a quirky, slightly left of centre, take on the ideas and so beautifully executed. Have followed you ever since (you are a far more dedicated blogger than I could be) as your blog is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI could have written this very same comment about you, Catherine. I adore your work!
DeleteNice tribute Liz...Well I'd like to add that its been a good place Illustration Friday...for two things... 1) to kick my arse into gear and draw something for fun each week. 2) To have met people like you ERS...which wouldn't probably have happened otherwise.
ReplyDelete1. I love your quirky, funny characters, Mr.MacGregor. 2. Right back atcha!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful to make CONNECTIONS through blogging so that we eventually find our own harmony? Wonderful tribute dearest Elizabeth, and like always, your art is a masterpiece of vision and beauty. Anita
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Anita! Your blog is a sanctuary of harmony!
Deleteevery so often i stumble upon amazing artists, thank you so much for sharing your gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Patrick!
DeleteLovely! And what a good idea for the word.
ReplyDeleteTerrific tribute! I've often encouraged artists I meet online to participate in Illustration Friday. It's the community just as much as the topic and the deadline. You've summed it up perfectly in your post and your tribute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy. I know we connected through IF, too -- and I continue to delight in your whimsical, colorful characters!
DeleteHere, here! That was an EXCELLENT tribute! I feel exactly the same way as Sarah, but she said it way better. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Sarah said it best (which is why I borrowed her quote :)) Thanks, Bella!
DeleteA lovely tribute both to all concerned and another wonderful artist to discover and appreciate. Your wonderful work is already very much appreciated, Elizabeth. I just love the look on your lady's face, trying to stay calm.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Axxx
Thanks! To discover and appreciate--yes!--this is the wonder and fun of blogging. I'm always so glad when you stop by, Annie :)
DeleteGreat post! I have had the same experiences as both you & Sarah - it's how MY blog began, & what keeps me coming back to it! So thank you to Penelope, & kudos to you!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mit! Thank YOU! So glad we are blog-buddies :)
DeleteThank you again, Guto!
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate the art connections I've made through IF. Like you! I participated every week for at least two years. And it was so fun to get the pick of the week once during that time. Plus a mini interview. I haven't been posting of late. Because I'm not getting much blog traffic from it anymore. But I'm not giving up on it. I'll still pick some themes to post with.
ReplyDeleteI hope you keep on with it, Sharon. I, too, have been missing some weeks here and there. So glad we connected, too :) :)
DeleteRight back atcha, uber blog friend, Robin :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to answer this week's IF. I did not know the history, so it was enlightening. I have only been blogging for a year. Jennifer Mann introduced me to blogger and IF, then I met supportive people like yourself...
ReplyDeleteSarah's work is amazing indeed! And I love your tribute here. Thanks for visiting my blog every now and then. i really appreciate your comments and you being a blog buddy!
ReplyDeleteLove it:)Great post:)
ReplyDelete