Soul Journaling: Days 13 through 15(ish)

I titled this post Days 13 through 15(ish) because, although the prompts for those days are complete, I'm not sure if the pages are actually done yet. I think I need some time to think about them...

Anyway, days 13 through 15 were all about paper dolls. Cool. I made a paper doll once. It was an ATC, so all of the limbs (and the head) folded up into a 2.5"x3.5" rectangle. I loved making the form, but hated the "outfit" I had put on that doll... eh. Anyway, the point is, I was kind of looking forward to making new paper dolls.

So, here we are. I have a rather large family, and most of the members have fur. In the bottom left are Pearl (the white one) and Ruby, our newest additions (we just got them on August 4 - they are guinea pigs). Next to them is Halle, then Adam (with our rat, Eve, on his shoulder), me, and Lucy.

I was surprised about a few things during the process. First, I had way more fun than I could have imagined drawing cartoon bodies for me and Adam. I knew I didn't want to do articulated joints for this project, but I didn't want five-fingered hands, either (too realistic), so I "hid" our hands behind us. I emphasized Adam's broad shoulders and gave myself extra-long pants instead of shoes to emphasize how short I am (I do know a really great tailor in Orlando, though, in case anyone needs one...).

I was also surprised at how much more difficult it was to draw bodies for my cats! I spend an extensive amount of time looking at them every day. How could I have so much trouble translating it to paper? I kept chasing them around as I was drawing. "Sit still, Lucy. Now turn this way..." (naturally, this was not very helpful). One thing that does come across in their bodies is how much rounder Halle is than Lucy. Even though Lucy is two and a half years older, Halle is shorter and weighs a pound more! I didn't really plan to make their bodies so distinct from each other!

Overall, I think this two-page spread (house + dolls) has been the most fun so far. I'm definitely thinking up gift ideas for family and friends, now that I know I can incorporate personal photos and memories into my art!

Thanks again for hosting, Sarah!