Sunday, March 8, 2009

"Intricate" for Illustration Friday

This week's topic for Illustration Friday was "Intricate".

This is my first illustration in close to nine years. I have recently set-up my new studio and am just getting back into illustration, paint and collage after a long time away from the creative process.

I thought I would do a color study as part of the illustration for "Intricate" that would incorporate the intricacies of color and value. I scoured through magazines as my source for color, values and pattern and cut each little square out individually. I then glued the squares to my canvas loosely based on a color and value scale. I wanted to break up the monotony of the grid by introducing an organic shape to the center. I painted a rose to illustrate the intricacies in each beautiful petal. It was a great excercise for me. I would love to hear your feedback.

12 comments:

Catnapping said...

i love all these colours together. vivid. very beautiful.

Gabrielle said...

Whoa - this is really striking! Kind of reminds me of those "watercolor" quilts that make me wonder "How'd they do that???" I like how you've combined your illustration with the collage. If this is your first illio in 9 years, I can't wait to see what's next!

Unknown said...

Welcome back to the world of creative self-expression and welcome to the world of blogging! You are off to a wonderful start in both...Looking forward to more.

debbie fanning said...

Thank you Cat., Gabrielle, and Susan for your comments! I enjoyed the creative process of this challenge and look forward to a productive and fulfilling new adventure in creativity. I appreciate the encouragement!!

Nahellenia said...

The mosaic effect is great. I love that it is both functional and beautiful and having the rose in the middle just adds colour and contrast in a wonderfully vivid illustration. Good one.

MrBibleHead said...

Welcome back...and with a bang! Your submission was not only intricate... it was beautiful as well. I too have just recently started blogging and illustrating again.

Cyndi Philkill said...

This illustration is amazing. I also welcome you back to yourself and your creative process. I look forward to seeing more of your work and visiting your blog often to see what you are up to.

Louisiana Boy said...

Absolutely incredible. Long time fan...and I mean long time!!!! It is more beautiful than I expected.

AlphaButterfly said...

I love the contrast between the softness of the rose (both suggested by the use of your colors and our usual initial perception of roses) and the angles of the squares. The mosaic affect is very effective in establishing continuity and yet distinctive separation that somehow works to create a visually soothing piece that is very compelling. Love it!


(I'm a long time friend of Jeri's from the UpperBranches.) I am SO glad she shared your blog link with us today. I truly look forward to seeing more of your work, Debbie!


....Barbara (aka Sachet)

Mike Pingleton said...

'Intricate' is evocative and quite wonderful. I spend no small amount of time twiddling and tweaking photos with Photoshop, and this piece really frames the experience for me. If this is your 'emergence' piece, then the journey ahead promises to be an exciting one.

cheers, Mike
(twiglet)

Anonymous said...

Whoa! This is some kind of wonderful, Debbie. I can't take my eyes off of "Intricate" -- nor do I want to. (smile) What size is your canvas? Do you put some kind of clear finish over your work, like ModPodge? Acrylics or oils? Do you get the sneaking suspicion that I might be angling for a mini-tutorial here? You'd be right!

This is truly a treat, Deb. I'm looking forward to enjoying more of your Excellent Adventure. Thanks to your fab Mom for the heads up.

Hugs, Dee ... another twiggle

Anonymous said...

I love this!

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About Me

San Antonio, Texas, United States
I am a native San Antonio, Texan. I am the proud mother of two amazing daughters. I graduated from Texas State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Commercial Art with an emphasis on design and illustration. I worked for two years in the advertising industry and quickly realized it was not for me. I have enjoyed being a freelance illustrator and a fine artist. I have designed and illustrated children's paintings, murals, as well as commissioned pieces for clients' homes.