While wandering the rainy streets of Portland yesterday, the image of Alice (from Wonderland) crept into my mind. The book, kids, the book – not the abomination that was Tim Burton’s movie.
The story really couldn’t be illustrated better than by John Tenniel.
Tenniel’s Alice
Unless, of course, you’re Arther Rackham:
In which case, don’t make me choose between the two, because that is nearly impossible.
I also couldn’t possibly top the glorious images above, but I set to doodling when I got home. When I say doodling, I mean I drew for many hours. Like until my iPod died.
fuzzy, vague photo of pencil sketch provided by iPhone.
And, yes, this is COMPLETELY unrelated, but -
Bridgette Bardot in Contempt
Bardot in Shalako
I happened to be listening to a weird mix of French and 60′s Doo-Wop music while drawing, and Miss Bardot was a French babe. So I guess it’s no coincidence that my version of Alice adopted a slightly Bardot-look.
Initial line and color. For the final stage, I let the colors dry before adding a bit of charcoal. I also threw in a wash on the background for more…..uh…grounding. And to warm things up a bit.
I had a very intense internal struggle on whether or not to outline the chair. I’m so used to outlining everything, the decision to put my pen down was extremely difficult. I polled my neighbors, I sent an email to the President (haven’t heard back yet), but, finally, I just left it alone. If you, dear reader, think I have made a big mistake, by God! PLEASE comment below and let me know immediately.
As always, thanks for reading. I think I shall rest easy.
no it’s great! you should sell prints of it. after seeing the exhibit, I thought ‘I would love to buy some colored prints.’
I would outline it even though it is quite beautiful as is. She looks like a very spoiled Alice.
Yes, she certainly does. I think she’s in a food coma right now.
Brilliant – now you need to do a whole series: Alice, Dorothy, Wendy (from Peter Pan), etc etc.
Yes! I was thinking of drawing Snow White next.
I like the chair unlined. Gives it a soft edge quality and makes the figure pop forward. Nice job resisting that temptation. It’s a lovely composition too!
Thanks very much!
I absolutely love this! Do you apply your color with watercolor?
Thanks much! Actually, it was watercolor and gouache, and some colored pastel for the background.