M. Chad Randall Illustration
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The Purpose of the Graphite Underdrawing in Watercolor Illustration

The Purpose of the Graphite Underdrawing in Watercolor Illustration

by M. Chad Randall | May 13, 2026 | Children's Books, Illustration, Technique, Tips

One of the things people sometimes notice when looking at my watercolor illustrations is the amount of graphite work that exists beneath the paint. In some illustration styles, the drawing is little more than a light guide before color is applied. In...
How I Build An Illustration

How I Build An Illustration

by M. Chad Randall | Jan 29, 2026 | Children's Books, Illustration, Technique

From First Idea to Finished Image A finished illustration is built through a series of deliberate choices, long before paint ever touches paper. Over time, I’ve developed a process that helps me move from an initial idea to a final image with intention, clarity, and...
Charles Santore and the Standard I Measure Myself By

Charles Santore and the Standard I Measure Myself By

by M. Chad Randall | Jan 14, 2026 | Children's Books, Uncategorized

Every illustrator carries a small circle of artists whose work quietly shapes how they see, draw, and tell stories. For me, that circle is a group of four children’s book illustrators whose influence continues to guide my own work. Among them, Charles Santore stands...
5 Timeless Principles of Children’s Book Illustration

5 Timeless Principles of Children’s Book Illustration

by M. Chad Randall | Jun 24, 2025 | Children's Books, Illustration

Illustrating for children is far more than adding color to a story—it’s about crafting a visual experience that speaks to a child’s heart, mind, and imagination. No matter the era or medium, the most impactful children’s book illustrators share five timeless...
Why I’m Returning to Children’s Book Illustration

Why I’m Returning to Children’s Book Illustration

by M. Chad Randall | Jun 24, 2025 | Illustration

There are certain things you never truly outgrow. For me, one of them is the love of a good story. I especially love the kind that digs deep into the why behind everything. I’ve never been someone who gets too caught up in the specifics of a plot’s setting or...

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Recent Posts

  • The Purpose of the Graphite Underdrawing in Watercolor Illustration May 13, 2026
  • Pushing Through the Fear in Art March 23, 2026
  • Looseness, Restraint, and Trust: Lessons from a 90-Minute Chalk Portrait February 25, 2026
  • How I Build An Illustration January 29, 2026
  • Reflections from the SCBWI Conference January 21, 2026

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