Book Illustration

The Keeper of the Stones

The Story

This action-packed, mysterious tale takes place across time as a girl named Lizzie goes on a midnight ride to an enchanting stone circle. The stones transport her to the Bronze Age where her brother is captured. Lizzie searches for a way to save her brother and the local village from the Bullmaster and fights to make sure that her family continues to exist after her return to present day.

The Illustrations

Creating the interior illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book was a great experience and making the cover was a real pleasure!

Keep reading to learn more about the process of using both digital and traditional methods of art making to round out this exciting, middle-grade novel.

Keeper of the Stones on a shelf styled with other items

The Keeper of the Stones

The Story

This action-packed, mysterious tale takes place across time as a girl named Lizzie goes on a midnight ride to an enchanting stone circle. The stones transport her to the Bronze Age where her brother is captured. Lizzie searches for a way to save her brother and the local village from the Bullmaster and fights to make sure that her family continues to exist after her return to present day.

The Illustrations

Creating the interior illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book was a great experience and making the cover was a real pleasure!

Keep reading to learn more about the process of using both digital and traditional methods of art making to round out this exciting, middle-grade novel.

Book exterior for Keeper of the Stones illustrated and designed by Kelsea Rothaus

The Cover

A few different ideas were explored in thumbnail sketches before a final direction was executed. Using digital brushes with realistic texture and carefully designing around the necessary elements, the book exterior was finally ready to go! A myriad of color palettes were tested to see how they interacted with the initial design. The brights seen in the moon, stones and ghost like silhouettes are contrasted by the blues and violets that complement the moody, magical themes within the story.

Thumbnail sketches that lead to the final design choice for the book cover

The Cover

Book exterior for Keeper of the Stones illustrated and designed by Kelsea Rothaus

A few different ideas were explored in thumbnail sketches before a final direction was executed. 

Using digital brushes with realistic texture and carefully designing around the necessary elements, the book exterior was finally ready to go! A myriad of color palettes were tested to see how they interacted with the initial design. 

The brights seen in the moon, stones and ghost like silhouettes are contrasted by the blues and violets that complement the moody, magical themes within the story.

Thumbnail sketches that lead to the final design choice for the book cover

Interior Illustrations

The illustrations sprinkled throughout the inside of the novel were made simply, with just ink and water. One of the requirements of this project was that all the original illustrations be provided to the author so that she could host some great events where illustrations would be offered as prizes.

It was a thrill to work with the author and publishing house to bring the story to life with these black and white illustrations. I am not only grateful for the opportunity, but excited that the book has received one of the highest reviews by receiving a starred Kirkus Review! 

Interior Illustrations

The illustrations sprinkled throughout the inside of the novel were made simply, with just ink and water. One of the requirements of this project was that all the original illustrations be provided to the author so that she could host some great events where illustrations would be offered as prizes.

It was a thrill to work with the author and publishing house to bring the story to life with these black and white illustrations. I am not only grateful for the opportunity, but excited that the book has received one of the highest reviews by receiving a starred Kirkus Review! 

Kay’s writing is another pleasure, atmospheric and poetic even when describing small details: “Sheep’s wool straggles of smoke clinging to the air.” The black-and-white illustrations by debut artist Rothaus are skillfully shaded and composed, adding to the book’s sense of mystery.
-Kirkus Reviews

A collection of some of the novel illustrations