Displayed below is a selection of illustrations utliizing tradtional media such as Acrylics, Oils, Chalk, Graphite, and Colored Pencils. No computer enhancements were used. Just me, some illustration board and some dry and wet media. A variety of techniques were deployed such as washes, glazes, dry media and airbrush. The pieces are for a variety of clients including both advertising and editorial work.
In this piece I utilized a Phthalo green oil wash flowing from right to left to give the illustration the illusion of speed. The green oil was mixed in with turpentine and a small amount of linseed oil. I sprinkled pencil shavings into the wash to increase the grain to help portray the illusion of dust and dirt being kicked up enhancing the speed the bike is traveling. Initially the drawing was completely shaded with graphite and then sealed before the wash was applied.
After the wash was applied and set up I removed the wash, with a kneaded eraser, in the light areas where the bike was to be detailed but left it in the dark areas. This led to a cohesive look to the dark shadow areas throughout the rendering. The light areas maintained their green stain from the wash for the under painting.
Next I came back on top with acrylics applied with an airbrush to add in the base colors. Layered on top was colored pencils and acrylic dry brush to add in the final detail. Lastly the glass lettering was painted on top of the sealed wash with an airbrush and some dry brush to add some sharp definition.
After the wash was applied and set up I removed the wash, with a kneaded eraser, in the light areas where the bike was to be detailed but left it in the dark areas. This led to a cohesive look to the dark shadow areas throughout the rendering. The light areas maintained their green stain from the wash for the under painting.
Next I came back on top with acrylics applied with an airbrush to add in the base colors. Layered on top was colored pencils and acrylic dry brush to add in the final detail. Lastly the glass lettering was painted on top of the sealed wash with an airbrush and some dry brush to add some sharp definition.
Many times in editorial work the emotion or mood is the primary function of the illustration instead of a literal interpretation of the subject matter. The story accompanying this piece centered on the idea of women trying to find their place in society between being viewed as sex objects, domesticity and finding their place in the workplace. This piece was chosen to be included in the annual Dallas Society of Illustrators show. At the opening I was approached by the art director for the editorial section of the Dallas Morning News who told me he thought it was the best piece in the show. I was beaming all evening. It's nice to be appreciated by someone not involved in the project.
Here again, an oil wash in Yellow Ochre followed with a pull out (selective oil wash removal). The under painting was done with a purple colored pencil and the support was a transparent grained plastic vellum. Acrylics were layered on top with both dry brush and an airbrush. The texturing on the granite and marble pieces were accomplished with a spattering toothbrush and a sponge.
Here again, an oil wash in Yellow Ochre followed with a pull out (selective oil wash removal). The under painting was done with a purple colored pencil and the support was a transparent grained plastic vellum. Acrylics were layered on top with both dry brush and an airbrush. The texturing on the granite and marble pieces were accomplished with a spattering toothbrush and a sponge.
