“Only a Scratch” – Beatles Inspired

I really like this one. I had a totally different look in my head when I started, but this is what came out. ;o) Ha ha. I like it when my pencil takes over and doesn’t disappoint me. I always loved the feel of this song, but I didn’t really know all the words until I looked them up for this drawing. All I could remember was that someone walked in, “schminking” of gin. Yes, “schminking”. On one of the recordings, I think Paul tried to say “smelling” and “stinking” at the same time. I love that they decided to leave that in, cuz it’s caused my Dad and me lots of laughter through the years. So thanks, guys. Thanks for not having to be perfectionists…

“Only a Scratch” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©

“Stirring Up The Dirt” – Beatles Inspired

I’m trying to keep these coming. While I was drawing this one, I was thinking I should post a disclaimer. I don’t claim to draw any of these with any underlying meaning other than a simple visual interpretation of the original Beatles lyrics. Especially with this one, I’m sure it could have connotations for many people, but I’m ironically not trying to “stir up the dirt.” I just want to draw! So feel free to interpret, share, and ponder, but realize that the only message I will try to portray in my art unless written otherwise is the beauty of the Gospel. Plain and simple. I’ll leave the rest to the musicians. 😉

“Stirring Up The Dirt” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©

Disney Commish Reworked

I love a “client” (I don’t like that term, but I guess that’s really what she is) who knows what he/she wants. Sometimes it’s frustrating because that means if I work Take 1 of a drawing too much, I have to completely reprint and start again. Case in point, this Disney commish. First time around, I tried for color and colored them all. But she wants the unfinished, linear look of a sketch. So I went back to FedEx, reprinted my outlines, and tried again. I wondered if she’d like a black outline to make the characters really stand out. Thankfully I only did it on one of the outlines, cuz we both agreed it took away from the sketchiness. So I finally came back to them again to do everything in blue colored pencil. Even after the frustration of having to reprint, it’s ended up being a great challenge for me, and I love it.  I’m hoping these work for her a little better. All I can think to add is some shading, but I think this is more up her alley. What do you think? Would you do something different?

Remy, Dec. 2012

Mike&Sully, Dec. 2012

Jaq&Gus, Dec. 2012

Woody&Buzz, Dec. 2012

Aladdin&Abu, Dec. 2012

“A Splendid Time” – Beatles Inspired

“A Splendid Time” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©

And part 4. I had a really hard time with the colors on this one. There were so many pieces to keep distinct, I just couldn’t find the right combination. But when I added the border and finally thought about clouds, I think the finished product is just what I wanted. Thank goodness.

Looking up these songs on Wikipedia is so interesting! Check here for the real story on this song. What I picture in my mind’s eye while listening is clearly not what the inspiration was. But I like all versions. Even Julie Taymor’s take in Across the Universe. Probably the closest I’ll ever come to feeling like I’m on drugs… besides the laughing gas I had when my teeth were taken out.

“Dead of Night” – Beatles Inspired

“Dead of Night” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©

Here’s number 3! I’m loving this challenge. I want each piece to have it’s own beauty, but definitely want to try to make them look like a collection. Hopefully I’m succeeding so far. I’m not sure if I like the raggedness of this – all the white peeking through from my simplistic scanning methods – but I think it works for now. Maybe if I try to sell, I’ll clean it up then.

If you have a favorite Beatles song you haven’t seen yet, but you’d like to, please comment and I’ll see what I can do. I still have another 3 left to finish from the doodles I’ve done, but I’d love to do more…

“Bang Bang!” – Beatles Inspired

“Bang! Bang!” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©

Ah ha! You didn’t know this was a series, eh? Actually, I didn’t mean it to be that way at first, but then I rediscovered some doodles I did a while ago and decided to make it so. So enjoy my Beatles Collection, Part 2!

I assume this song is pretty obvious. If you don’t know it, you probably don’t really know the Beatles at all, so stop fooling yourself. However, I learned something new while researching the lyrics to this song. I’d never heard of Pataphysical Science before. It’s a little mind-wrenching (or mind-hammering may be more appropriate here), but quite interesting in the context of the song. See the comments section on Sing365.com for an anonymous post about the connection and follow the advice there if you’re interested.

Enjoy! More to come soon!