Rayon Shirt

Shirt done

Rayon Shirt for a valued client - needs finishing and buttons

The Moon in the Morning

Newest illustration for my in process juvenile fiction novel The Moon in the Morning

I am working on editing my manuscript and have discovered a way to focus: I use Garageband to record it as an audio book, then listen to the playback while knitting, painting or beading to get a better feel for the trouble spots in the story.

Marble Cake Shawl

Rovings spun into 2-ply yarn and then knitted into a shawl

Bauman Dress forms c. 1951 and 1955

I am currently cleaning up two of my old dress forms that have been idling in the cellar for years. I dealt with the rust on the metal sections and now I am making new covers out of a nylon (or maybe polyester?) warp knit imitation suede with no stretch to speak of in the lengthwise direction but some give in the cross.

Size 14 1/2 done!

The Moon in the Morning

Here I have painted acrylic in the background areas. The next step is to use oils to dramatize the main subject: the character Jean on her bed.

I am working on my juvenile fiction novel this week, which I already referred to in my last entry about framing. Framing is not the only thing occupying me though! I am recording the entire manuscript using Garageband as a means to reconnect with the work and bring the story to life, using voices, music and sound effects. In the process I realize ways to revise the words and enhance the illustrations. I decided I really needed a new illustration for Chapter One! My under underpainting sketch is above.

In this you can see how I have added the metallic edges and sculpted out the feet - to enhance the sensation of depth.

Framing and Finishing

Reversible Beer Cap Bib Necklace
available on ETSY rebeccanebesar.etsy.com

I have been tying up loose ends and getting back into work on editing my juvenile fiction novel The Moon in the Morning. I am in "framing mode," both with the illustrations and with the text. How a work is framed helps the viewer/reader get drawn in and focus. I have also discovered that by recording the text using Garageband on my iMac, I am able to enjoy the process and reconnect with the characters and breathe life into them. This helps me cut out and revise passages that do not ring true. It also taps into my well of delight in reading aloud and doing voices.

Framing