Remember...

© Kathleen Rietz
As you celebrate Independence Day 2009, please remember our soldiers and their families who miss them.

Illustration Friday - "Forgotten"

©Kathleen Rietz
I finally got around to adding color to this sketch I had made during the 21 Day Challenge (scroll down the main page to see my sketch). Many people forget about our soldiers serving in the Middle East and all over the rest of the world. But for little kids who have to endure another summer without their parent, they have not forgotten. This little girl is watching summer fireworks outside her bedroom window and missing her dad. The baseball under her bed symbolizes a time when he was home to play ball with her. Her little kitty keeps her company for times when she needs someone to listen. And the photo on her wall was taken on the day her father was preparing to deploy. She remembers her father telling her to be brave and that he would be home soon. She manages a smile in the photo. But now it has been 18 months.

Day 12 1/2 of 21

©Kathleen Rietz
This took longer than 15 minutes, obviously, but I need to start taking some of these sketches to color so I can fill in the gaps in my portfolio.

Day 9 1/2 of 21 - Father & Son

©Kathleen Rietz
More Daddy...
I drew again because I may have limited access to my computer for a few days. Plus....I just wanted to work on daddies.. : )

The focus in a lot of my work is diversity and creating positive role models.

Day 9 of 21 - babies & daddies

©Kathleen Rietz
Two things I struggle to draw in my whimsical style are babies and men. So here's a shot. Facing my fears.
I struggle with finding the appropriate size for babies, and making men look masculine yet friendly. I welcome constructive suggestions or feedback.