I have been writing stories for many years now. I’ve also been making art for many years. It has finally occurred to me to combine the two impulses and create some illustrated stories. I was inspired by the response I got from my post Pencil Man to start with the stories I’ve written (and have yet to write) about using public transportation. They are my “Adventure in Transit.”
I hope you can read the scans okay. I created the spreads on paper just a tad too large for my scanner, but I used wide margins, so all the text shows.
I haven’t linked up to Paint Party Friday in quite some time because I’ve been too busy to really participate in the blog hop, but I’m going to link this up. If you want to see lots of creative work, follow the links and enjoy a visual feast.
Let me know what you think.
joy murray art~stories~life 
oh!!, it is a good work. I like very much this kind of stories and of course the drawings, and of course the aspect of your scketchbook
the story and the illustrations work together beautifully… you have such a way with both…xx
Very glad I got to read this. A gem to start the day. A new way to see. Thanks!
Thanks so much. It's nice to have a way to combine story and images, reality and imagination.
Thanks so much, Tracey. I sometimes wonder if these highly personal interpretations of events will make sense to anyone. Glad to know they do. 🙂
“A new way to see” — what a gracious compliment. Thanks for your encouragement!
As I came upon the first page of this story I was struck by how beautiful the first illustration was and with each page it progressed onward. Reading the story, Joy, I wondered where this 'ride' would take me – and then you skilfully told this story, guiding us safely through preconceived notions, of ambivalence, then joy. It's left me smiling. Thank you!
A natural progression that just had to happen! I love when you combine words and images on a page – it's just so visually pleasing, even without reading the story. (Which I will to tonight – can't wait. 🙂
Just read it. I always love a good paradigm-shift story, but this one left a tear. From flashy trashy mothers to Madonnas – another out-of-the-park shorty Joy, beautifully written, free of frills but still such real life color and detail. I was with you in every word, judged when you wanted me to, softened with your character. I had no clue of the shift until it hit me in the gut. When you want to surprise you make me a sucker and I love it!
And I'm struck that it's a far superior feeling to be proven wrong than proven right. ♥
Wow, Karen. I think that's one of the nicest comments I've every gotten. It's always my hope to bring about some kind of transformation for the better with my art. Thanks for being open to that sort of experience and for reading my work.
Oh my goodness, Joy, this story had me joining in with the judgement call on the school girl mums, the feeling of wishing the ground would swallow you when the dumpster lady came over looking for money and feeling suitably chastised and humbled when the girls both offered the lady dollars when no one else did. You managed to convey so much in such a simple situation of waiting for a bus. I'm really impressed and look forward to reading more of your adventures in transit. Your illustrations set the story off perfectly as well. x
What a great story this was. I love that those two Madonna's turned out to be just that. Two spiritual beings who gave help when it was needed. Joy, congrats on a good read and awesome drawings as well. This work fits you well. Thank you and also, thanks for thinking of me when you checked out Me, Frida at the library. No I haven't read it but would more than likely enjoy it. Thanks a lot, take care.
gloria
Best story I've read this week, Joy. And so beautifully illustrated.
Yes, wonderful story for children happiness, beautiful!
Wonderful to see you combining both of your passions! Love the illustrations working with the text. Looking forward to seeing more, and happy PPF!
What great illustrations and I'm really into this story, too! I like how you describe the characters.
Wonderful story and even gave me a chuckle at the toenail through the canvas shoes..wonderful illustrations too!! You should make your stories into a book…
Those girls were very compassionate…I imagine their lives probably weren't easy!
Good job…keep going! A fun read!
Hugs Giggles
Great story, really vividly told, I loved it! Beautiful illustrations, too! ❤
I'm glad the story turned out as it did! It would have made me sad, if it hadn't, actually. We are so easily judging people by their looks, and what we expect them to be!
The idea of combining writing and painting/illustrating is something I think is great, and you have done a wonderful job with your story and the different personalities!
Happy PPF
Ilona xx
Wonderful work and great illustrations. You definitely have a gift for story telling, it would be great to be able to write and ilustrate your own book:) HPPF
Loved reading your little story. And the poem with the drawing in the previous post is gorgeous. Keep combining the two, it's powerful!
Lovely and sweet story. Your illustrations go nicely with the piece along with the painted background. Storytelling is quite a talent.
So glad you linked up to PPF and shared this lovely story and illustrations-beautiful!!
Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Thanks so much for your insight and comments. It's always helpful to know how people react to these stories. Thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks!
Thanks so much!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the little details. I am planning a book but it's in very early stages now. Thanks so much for your encouragement.
Thanks so much!
What I love about story and art and life is that there is a possibility of transformation. I love those moments when our perspective changes. Thanks so much for your kind feedback.
Thanks so much. I'm working on a book project but it's in it's early stages. I'm learning a LOT. Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
I'm glad I linked up, too. Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, dear Joy, to write a story and draw the pictures to which, I imagine is not easy. Your work is wonderful, full of life and Color!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Erika
Wonderful post – great idea to illustrate your story! Valerie
What a wonderful story, Joy, and so beautifully illustrated. I've had a very long commute every day for the past 6 years, until I changed jobs, and I often felt that it can bring the worst out of people. So easy to judge others, but it's always good to being humbled like this. I'm looking forward to more of your illustrated stories!
Oh Wow! I really, really enjoyed reading your story and the illustrations are so cute! I am so glad you combined your talents! So very inspiring! 🙂
Thanks so much. I am often amazed at the range of human behaviors I see on commutes, but more often I am elevated by the kindnesses I find. Keeps me humble indeed.
Thanks so much for your encouragement and response. It's always a delight to think I've inspired another artist!