100 Days of Strong Female Characters

Christine Kornacki June 16, 2019

For this year’s 100 Day Project I felt it was time to recognize the Strong Female Characters we have created. These are the women and girls who have fought again persecution, who have stood up for themselves, who are true to themselves, who have earned our respect, and who have proved themselves equal to or greater than their male counterparts. They’re not always perfect, sometimes they’re evil, but these are women who are worth remembering.

But most of all, these are the characters who have inspired me and encouraged me everyday throughout my life. These are the characters I’ve loved and lost. They’ve showed me that I can be a strong female too.

All of these original drawings are currently on sale on my Etsy shop. Shop here: www.etsy.com/shop/ckornacki

ImagineFX Artist in Residence

Christine Kornacki June 14, 2019

This month I had the pleasure of being interviewed by ImagineFX magazine for their Artist in Residence series. It’s a series that brings you into the studios of different illustrators every month. Last year we just bought our first house and I finally have my dream studio. Needless to say, I was thrilled for the chance to show it off!

Available now in the UK and online. Coming to the US in July. Buy on the ImagineFX website Here

The Song of the Lioness

Christine Kornacki May 31, 2019

When I was young I wasn’t much of a reader. Then at the end of 8th grade a friend insisted I read Alanna by Tamora Pierce. She lent me her copy, and I was immediately hooked. It’s a story about a girl who wants to be a knight. She switches places with her twin brother so she could pose as a boy and train. I devoured the book, the whole series, and then proceeded to read every single book written by her. I spent that entire summer, day in and day out reading. This was the beginning of long and beautiful friendship with reading that has continued until this day.

It was only a matter of time until I had to bring this book to life. It was a daunting task to try to paint my favorite book character, but I felt it was time

Signing with Jim

Christine Kornacki March 1, 2019

Last year I worked on an educational book called Signing with Jim for Heinemann. It's the true story about a boy with down syndrome and uses hear aids to help him hear. When he transfers schools he has a hard time fitting in, because of his hearing issues. Instead of giving up, he decided to teach the other students sign language and gained many new friends along the way. It was a pleasure working on this sweet story and sharing Jim's courageous journey.

My Week at the Illustration Master Class

Christine Kornacki June 26, 2018

Last week I partook in one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I attended the one week workshop in Amherst, MA called the Illustration Master Class (or IMC for short). It's a workshop started by Rebecca Guay and features some of the best artists in the genre of Imaginative Realism.

It includes artistic giants such as James Gurney, Greg Manchess, Donato Giancola, Greg Ruth, Scott Fischer, Dan Dos Santos, Boris Vallejo, and Julie Bell. Plus the addition of select creative directors including Irene Gallo from Tor, Lauren Panepinto from Orbit Books, and Jeremy Jarvis from Magic the Gathering.

It has a relatively free format, where for one week students can work on whatever they'd like, and the faculty will walk around giving feedback to those who need it. Throughout the day the faculty will do lectures and demos that you're welcome to view, or you can just keep working. I've known about the IMC for about 10 years, but it was always a matter or finding the time or the money to fit it in. Finally this year, I pushed aside all excuses and made it happen. And it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

The Night Circus

Christine Kornacki May 3, 2018

One of my favorite books that I read this past year was The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. It was a magical story that felt like someone merged together Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. It has the allure of young magicians learning their trade, plus the excitement of a looming battle to come. To put the cherry on top, the audiobook was read by Jim Dale, one of my all time favorite narrators.

From the very beginning of the book, I was drawn in by the immersive descriptions. The story takes place at a circus that only runs at night, and unbeknown to everyone else, is built by two competing magicians. It was a book I couldn't put down, and that meant that I had to make a cover for it.

Loves Me All The Time

Christine Kornacki March 20, 2018

Last year I illustrated a short educational book for LifeWay Kids. It follows the ups and downs in the life of a two year old boy. It's a sweet story that let me explore the different emotions of such a wild and endearing age.

The main character of this story is based off the child of one of my dear friends. I've had the pleasure of watching him grow and seen all he different moods, from good to bad over the years. Using him as my model proved to be it's own challenge. But with the right motivation we were able to get him to pose for all the different scenes. (A little bribery goes a long way when getting children to cooperate). But now whenever he see's me, he's ready to pose for some more pictures!

Baby Mine

Christine Kornacki March 1, 2018

Springtime means it's time for another postcard mailing by my agents at The Cat Agency! After a visit with several publishing houses last year, Christy Tugeau Ewers came back inspired to having a postcard mailing themed "Time Period." This would give her artists a way to explore different story lines from the the past.

I was very exited for this mailing from the moment she told us about it. As a realistic artist, time period art is right down my alley. My earliest venture with this genre was with the American Girl books I illustrated of the dolls Marie-Grace and Cecile in the 1850's New Orleans. But it's been a while since I've played with period pieces.

At first, I was overwhelmed with ideas. I thought about exploring some famous strong women in history, such as Joan of Arc, or maybe some ancient Greek paintings inspired by one of my favorite artists, Sir Alma Tadema. But then, my winter was taken over by an educational project that involved illustrating dinosaurs. After spending two months having a blast painting dinosaurs, when I finally sat down to work on this postcard piece, I couldn't concentrate on any of my previous ideas. All I wanted to do was paint more dinosaurs! So I decided to embrace the inspiration and paint more dinosaurs.

Step Into the Past

Christine Kornacki November 3, 2017

Earlier last year, I was commissioned to paint a couple of historical backdrops for LifeWay Kids. I was asked to paint and exterior of a Temple and an interior of a Palace from biblical times. These backdrops were to be used with paper dolls so that kids could play out historical scenes. Neither of these were to be based on actual buildings, so I had freedom to make up my own buildings. This was such a fun project that let me explore architectural design without the addition of figures.

Read more about my process and inspirations that lead to the creations of these paintings.

Brinkman Adventures Coloring Pages

Christine Kornacki October 4, 2017

Over the past couple years I've had the pleasure of illustrating a series of coloring pages for the audio drama Brinkman Adventures. It's a series of stories based on the real life adventures of the Brinkman family and their missionary work around the world.

When they first hired me, I was surprised to find how thrilling each of their stories were. They gave me freedom to choose which scenes to highlight in each story, and for many of them I had several options to pick from. Each story gave me a new opportunities to play with different environments and characters. I'm very happy with how the series has come together as a whole, and I look forward to hearing what the family is up to next!

Interview on Writing and Illustrating by Kathy Temean →

Christine Kornacki February 4, 2017

This week I was privileged to be interviewed by Kathy Temean on her blog Writing and Illustrating. I follow her blog regularly, and I love to see any her interviews with writers, illustrators, and agents in the children's book field. I was thrilled when she asked to interview me. Her questions are always very in depth and I was amazed how much she knew about my process and my work. It was a pleasure to work with her!

Wily, The Canine Pandemic

Christine Kornacki January 5, 2017

This fall I was commissioned to illustrate the cover for a mid-grade book called Wily, The Canine Pandemic by Michelle Weidenbenner. The story is about a geeky eleven year old boy who invented a machine that could save the canine race, but if he uses his device he might never see his family again. The book is for ages 8 - 12. Available on Amazon.

From the description I was given, the story included many elements of sci-fi, including space ships and centaurs. As an avid fantasy and sci-fi reader myself, I was intrigued by the story from the get go, so I jumped at the chance to illustrate the cover. Today, I want to share the entire process that went into making this illustration.

Rainy Days

Christine Kornacki October 1, 2016

This fall my agents at CATugeau Artist Agency decided to do a postcard mailing with the theme "Act of Kindness." This is my postcard illustration about an unlikely set of strangers taking shelter from a storm.

RAINY DAYS
9.5" x 14.75"
Oil on Masonite

Continue reading to see some of my preliminary sketches and learn about the inspirations and challenges that lead to the creation of this painting.

One year of Wabi-Sabi paintings!

Christine Kornacki August 1, 2016

One year ago, I started a weekly food painting initiative. Every Monday for the past year, I have created small, 4" x 4" oil paintings. I call these my Wabi-Sabi paintings, after the Japanese word meaning the beauty of all things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

I originally started this because I wanted to try to paint faster and looser. When I'm working on client projects, I don't often have the time to mess around with different techniques. I thought this would give me a chance to play around and experiment with my oil paints.

My illustrations involve a lot of prep work to carefully plan out each piece. I normally gather a variety of references to help inform my paintings. But with my Wabi-Sabi paintings, I didn't want to have any prep work. First thing every Monday morning, I would set up a small object on a pedestal and start painting it directly from life.

The immediacy of creating an entire painting in an hour has become such a rewarding practice for me. The time limit forces me to work faster and much more efficiently than I normally do. I have to look at my object, translate what colors I'm seeing, and then mix them on the spot. I don't have enough time to sit around and fiddle with brush stokes or blending every edge. These paintings have become about training my brain to interpret the world much faster and figuring out how to put it down in as few strokes as possible.

This process has also benefited me in so many other ways than what I originally expected. I didn't realize how much I would really dive into the process of experimentation. I found myself testing different methods for preparing my boards, using different thinning agents, and even using different brushes. Through these short, weekly experiments I've really changed and improved how I'm able to use and manipulate the paints.

Now that a year has passed, 61 paintings still doesn't feel like nearly enough. This is just the end of Year 1 or my Wabi-Sabi painting series. Next week I get to start Year 2 and who knows what kinds of foods will be in my future.

If you would like to support my self exploration project, all of my original Wabi-Sabi paintings are for sale in my Etsy S hop. Grab them while they're still available! Every sale helps support me and my business and is greatly appreciated. As a special anniversary thank you, use coupon code ONEYEAR, to get 20% off each original Wabi-Sabi painting you purchase. Valid through August 12th.

Over the Moon

Christine Kornacki July 29, 2016

This spring I travelled to Dallas, Texas. Inspired by artwork and culture of the once wild west, I couldn't help but come home and make my own western painting.

OVER THE MOON
18" x 24"
oils on panel

Continue reading to see some of my preliminary sketches and learn about the inspirations and challenges that lead to the creation of this painting.

A New Chapter

Christine Kornacki July 23, 2016

Two years ago I joined the Hartford Art School Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program. As an artist, I will always consider myself to be a perpetual student. I'm continually striving to improve my craft and find my voice. I joined the Hartford Art School as another step in my lifelong pursuit.

The past two years have been an amazing rollercoaster ride. We traveled to New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas to venture out and experience the thriving Illustration communities in each city. With lectures and studios visit from artists, every trip was a unique journey of inspiration.

I had the privilege and honor to study under the great Murray Tinkelman, before his passing early this year. He will be deeply missed in the program and across the illustration world. I count myself very lucky to have been able to learn from him over the past two years.

Last week, I completed this program and I now have my Master's in Fine Arts. I'm still absorbing all the insights and information I've gathered and I'm sure I will be deconstructing it for years to come. Thanks to my amazing agents, Chris and Christy Tugeau for all their support throughout this time.

In the end, I know that a piece of paper with a degree on it doesn't mean much. I've spent the past two years waking up in the same studio, working with clients, and living my life as usual. Today I will do the same thing. But there is a part of me that has grown and changed in ways I'll never be able to explain. All I can do is turn the page to the next chapter in my life and see where this amazing journey takes me next.

Homemade Coasters Video Tutorial →

Christine Kornacki July 7, 2016

I have finally dug my hands into the world of video tutorials. For the past few months I have been making coasters to sell on my Etsy shop. Using a method I designed myself, I have turned prints of my original paintings into coasters for your home.

I spent months perfecting this process and I'm very proud with the final outcome. So I decided to share it online for the world to learn! I spent several weeks recording and cutting video to create this 38 minute lesson detailing everything you need to know.

My tutorial videos are now available on the website Skillshare. Skillshare is a global learning community for creators. It's filled with thousands of online classes for anyone to take. I've used this site several times in the past, and I've always been very impressed by the videos.

Check out my tutorial and tell your friends! Use the link below to get 3 months of Skillshare Premium for only $0.99 for unlimited access to this and thousands of online classes: http://skl.sh/295fs6I

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!

3x3 International Picture Book Show No.13

Christine Kornacki June 16, 2016

I just found out that out my entire "Forest" series has been chosen by the 3x3 International Picture Book Show No. 13 as an Honorable Mention in the unpublished category! I created this series as part of a children's book story that I wrote and illustrated. Congratulations to all the other amazing winners.

My pieces will be featured in their online gallery.

The Midnight Kitchen

Christine Kornacki March 29, 2016

Here's as sneak peak into my latest book dummy, The Midnight Kitchen. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do, and it was a thrill to bring this joy of mine to life in this series of paintings.

The Bear Went Over the Mountain

Christine Kornacki March 23, 2016

Dive into reading once again with my newest painting, The Bear Went Over the Mountain. Nothing can transform a child's world as much as good a book can.

THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
19" x 12"
Oil on Masonite