PROJECT PUFFIN ILLUSTRATION

This illustration was inspired by Maine's Project Puffin which celebrated it's 50th year in 2023. The project focuses on seabird restoration and protection and got it's start restoring a puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock after being hunted to extinction in the 1800's.

I created a series of illustrations inspired by the project's history. This scene was inspired by the landscape and reintroduction of the puffin colonies to Eastern Egg Rock. 

I began this project with a digital sketch. My first thought was to create the entire project with digital media. After a few attempts, I kept feeling like something wasn't working. I then decided to try out traditional mediums instead. 

While working on this project I created a little puffin model that helped me figure out what the puffins would look like from above. 

The traditional media was feeling much better. I used colored pencils, chalk pastel, and acrylic paint to create this piece. I was able to get some nice textures on the rocks and seaweed as well as some interesting textures in the water. 

I then scanned the artwork and added edits digitally. I changed some colors and added more details. This is the final piece:

You can watch videos of my process on Instagram. See one below:

Thank You!