The problem with improving

     Sometimes I feel like Sisyphus rolling a rock uphill for the rest of my life. I do a piece of art, or a page spread as the case may be. I feel like I've done my best and I move on. Then, one day I have another look and see all kinds of ways that my illustration could be improved. Where does it end?!
      Above is a new version, I'm working on, of a specific page spread that I hope is evolving in a positive direction.
   

Here's the first rough version done almost 3 years ago:

It was done as a small acrylic 5.5" x 8.5"

I decided I wanted to do a polished version, the way I imagined it would look published. 

Here's that one, done over 2 years ago:

Now, discontent, I've pulled this apart and I currently have what you see at the top of the page. I'm looking for a sense of more energy and chaos.

Still a long way to go. Didn't I just have that rock pushed up to the top of the mountain?

     Today begins November also known as NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I've pulled out a chapter book that I got a good start on this summer and then put away a few months ago. I've set a goal of 10,000 new words by the end of the month. Inktober was fun but November goes further in helping me focus on my stories. 

    

     I'm happy to say that I've done very well with my goal of posting a blog every Wednesday this year. From now to the end of the year, however, I may not be posting that much. I want to concentrate on my writing, work out new illustration ideas for "Serenity" (the above story) and of course . . . enjoy the holidays. I'll continue to post, but the entries may be fewer and more random. I can assure you that one of my primary 2018 goals will be posting every Wednesday once again. Thanks so much for stopping by!