Friday, July 29, 2011

IF - Obsession

This week's Illustration Friday topic gave me a good excuse to start a sketch for a painting I've been wanting to create for a while. When I was in elementary school, I was quite obsessed with unicorns. Unicorns were the end all be all for me. I collected them, had my room decorated in all things unicorn, and of course, drew them. I had gathered up a number of my old unicorn drawings a few years ago while putting together a presentation and thought how much fun it would be to take one of those drawings and re-illustrate it today in my current style and technique. I imagine I'll add more detail in the final painting, but for now, here's today's sketch:
And here's the drawing on which it's loosely based - probably over 25 years old now:
As you can see, in my childhood fantasy world, rabbits could fly which is why in my new sketch we find a lop rabbit sitting in a tree. According to a small note at the top of the old drawing the unicorn in the picture's name is "Pollen," whose acquaintance I'd imagine no one suffering from seasonal allergies would ever desire to make.

Another illustration on the topic - if you've ever visited my Etsy store then you've probably already seen this painting, but since I'm on the subject I thought I'd post it here too:
This is an ancient painting from my art school days. Nearing the end of my time in college, I realized I hadn't yet revisited my favorite subject of old, so I did this painting for a class assignment. The little girl riding the unicorn is more or less my childhood self, complete with great big glasses and a school uniform. This little painting's for sale here.

7 comments:

Patti said...

I love the idea of taking a childhood image and redoing it. Very Nice.

Linda Hensley said...

Cool post. I like seeing all 3 versions. Makes me think of redoing childhood ideas too.

Julia Kelly said...

It will be fun to do another unicorn illustration- your first one is pretty wonderful- got a passion kid art!

tiffannysketchbook said...

I will freak out if you are a red-head :D I just illustrated this topic, "Obsession" and I painted a little red headed girl obsessed with unicorns!!! your unicorn is very beautiful!

psychopooch said...

Wow. Love seeing the older pieces too. Great seeing how you've evolved as an artist. Can't wait to see the finished piece of that sketch.

Sarah Melling said...

What fun to see the drawing from your childhood...very nice job on the new sketch!

crem-bru-laa said...

this is so sweet, it's awesome you've still got your old drawings and revisiting them is such a good idea! i was also totally obsessed with unicorns as a kid so i'm inlove with your sketch. fab work!