Popcorn and Pajamas

Put on your PJs and grab your coziest blanket… it’s MOVIE NIGHT in the Meraki Meadow!

This idea was on my mind for the better part of the year, and I FINALLY took the plunge to bring it to life. You might remember my Meraki Meadow Market illustration from 2023. It was the final piece of my 20 Illustrations Challenge. It’s what I like to call one of my Big Illustrations. Not necessarily in terms of overall size (although at 8in.x12in., that’s true as well), but more so in terms of content. Full of characters and props and story-telling. Each booth became its own little story. As I thought more and more about the Movie Night idea, I realized I wanted to make it a Big Illustration, too. One of those filled-to-overflowing scenes that keeps you staring for many moments. With Bits and Bobbles buying their tickets, Earl the Squirrel selling his popcorn, our long-eared rabbit friend freaking out over the twisted and tangled film reels, and so much more.

I also explored a few challenging techniques with this piece! I navigated a dual lighting scheme with the warm light of the ticket booth and the cool light of the film projector, explored more of the wonders of the “alive state” of gouache (which you can learn more about in this video!), and pushed the shape language of my props even farther than I had before. Of course, there are many, MANY mistakes. I am not a perfect artist, and I don’t aspire to be one (*hint, hint* they don’t exist 😉) But I’m so incredibly happy with how this illustration turned out. It’s everything I wanted it to be and more! I’ll be running my annual print pre-order sale beginning January 2nd, and the Meraki Meadow Movie Night will most definitely be a part of it. So, keep an eye out if you’d like to add this one to your collection!