Way back in 2010-2011, I was given the opportunity to help develop and illustrate a children's book series for an independent author Chely Schwartz. It was a great learning experience for me, and was the first published work I was credited on. The first two books were done in a blend of watercolor, color pencil, and ink. 

I began developing a digital process for the third book to streamline the process, but had to shift away from the project at that time. I am glad I was able to help get the project going, and to see that the author continued the series. Looking back on the artwork I did for these books is endearing and serves as a great reminder of the many lessons I have learned along this journey as an artist. 

You can still purchase this book series. They are very cute. Visit the link below for more info about them and about the author. 
 
theadventuresoftandytheteddy.com

​With Love,
-NR

Emotion and energy are synonymous. We are conduits in these forms.
The swirling mix. Every dimension. Omni-directional.
Embrace the awe. Accept the sadness. Allow the anger. Let it go. Hold the love. Nurture it. Release and enjoy.
All perceived constructs we define, form temporarily. It's frustrating. It can be. Miracles imprint and dissolve. Like us. 
It's okay. It hurts. You are not alone. 
​Rest. Don't give up. You are loved.

-NR

Here it is. The culmination of my time in pre-vanilla KSP. The Hover-Bot.1. 

It is a single stage to 'Munar' encounter, VTOL, all electric, Ion-propulsion driven lander vessel. 
After all of the lessons learned from the Hover-Moth, I ended up here. Addressing the problems I encountered with the Hover-Moth, this vehicle ended up bigger, heavier, but far more prepared for round trip 'Mun' encounters, and actually all around easier to fly.   
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The HoverBot.1 is a practical linear flyer (nothing remarkable), but is actually very adept in VTOL and close proximity maneuvers. The HoverMoth.1 was a test bed for the VTOL and electric propulsion systems, but it didn't have re-entry systems, reverse thrusters, or even lights (which made for deadly conditions in the dark craters of Mun). I added the aforementioned systems to the HoverBot.1, and set out for Mun encounters and return trips.

I was still using the WASD/SHIFT/CTRL control systems with a single throttle control with multiple toggle switches for various propulsion combinations. I eventually got the hang of flying around Kerbin, and gently hopping around the Mun. The HoverBot.1 performed excellently in all scenarios, and was an all around success. This vessel's performance was a major inspiration in the my second novella Hydray.5.   
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This video is sped up 4x

Orbit

​This was the only screenshot I took from the Mun encounters. It sucks, but it's true ("It's a HOAX!"). The HoverBot.1 was the easiest vessel to explore the Mun with that I personally have experienced. It had great control in the sinewy gravitational field, and was able to set down and hop off repeatedly with little fuss or struggle. I have since learned so much more about the static effects of Lunar silt and am wondering if Ion propulsion would be able to function for long without some form of repulsive field emanating from the mechanisms. I'm still hopeful.  

​-NR 

I have been making concerted effort lately to improve my linework and sketching ability on a Wacom tablet. I have found that the 12"-18" parallax from the tablet to the screen has led me to habits of avoiding doing linework in digital. I tend to default to broader strokes and painting methods instead of beginning with drawing fundamentals and linework. There is a huge difference to me between my line grace with physical mediums and digital. 

In an effort to improve my work and my processes, I have been returning to old sketches and adding to them with new iterations and expanded designs. These sketches are a blend of actual pencil and digital pencil done in Clip Studio Paint. I am hoping to develop the ability to blend the two mediums as seamlessly as I can for various approaches to the design process. 

I think these sets turned out really cool. I love woodland creatures and animal amalgamations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and perhaps they will inspire you in some way. 

Be wise, be well.

-NR