Baby Bear’s Picnic

Do you feel that crisp air? Some of you may be mourning the passing of summer, but I am jazzed for fall, my favorite season. August flew by while I’ve been working on an illustration project that is not quite ready to share.

So meanwhile, here’s a commission done recently, an illustrated gift for an expectant couple. The buyer first requested a pride of lions, but this changed to a family of bears because of the baby’s room theme.

I sent these rough sketches first, of a baby bear at a campfire with Mama and Papa Bear.

I also tried a bear family with a full moon.

And a simpler version.

The buyer liked the campfire scene the best.

As is always the case, when my radar is on a certain topic, I suddenly see that thing everywhere. Like this honey bear in a shop window, that helped my idea.

I did a more comprehensive sketch that met with approval.

The father-to-be liked the ball cap, and asked that it be the New Jersey Devils, his favorite team. No problem!

Here’s the final art.

I framed and shipped the art in time for the baby shower in May.

I just received the good news: Little Louie was born on August 23! Congratulations all around!

Many thanks to Nana Lorraine for the commission. Welcome to this wild world, Baby Bear!