The last few days have been a fast – but not too frantic – whirl of checking and double checking and yesterday – DELIVERING – the final art for Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake. Yes! Book three is finished (subject to any small adjustments required – and I’m sure there will be some). It’s a wonderful bittersweet feeling to finish a book. Wistfully I wondered as I drew the last figure of Ella Bella whether it would really be the final time I let my nib follow the curve of her little cheek.
But no; Orchard books are already considering her future. Happily Cinderella sold well, indeed the entire print run was sold by the beginning of December, so Orchard are happy to consider further adventures for Ella Bella. Top of the list is probably The Nutcracker, although I’m putting in a good word for The Firebird and La Boutique Fantasque, both of which I think Ella would enjoy. Time will tell. But for now it’s time to muck out the studio (It looks like a giant Guinea Pig has been living in here) and relax a little after all those late nights. Posted here is a sneak preview of one the first completed illustrastions, with the layers assembled. I am really looking forward to seeing the rest!
Leave a Reply