Louise Hunter

As part of my animal artist research, I chose to research my girlfriend, since she creates the type of cartoon styled artwork that I am looking into. As well as the fact, that naturally I know a lot about her work processes, and how she works, as I have seen her work on images in person. I will however research her in a professional way, like the other illustrators that I have used in my research.

This blog is originally from the book of drawings blog, but since she is an animal artist who creates some interesting animal hybrids, I thought I would use her in both projects.

Louise Hunter. Born in Durham, England, lives locally, and she creates pieces in a style that I personally love, which is the cartoon-like form. Her style is slightly similar to griffsnuff's (Tina Alfredsen) but she tends to use much thinner lines, and focuses on the expressions more, than griffsnuff in my opinion only. I believe griffsnuff is one of her favourite artists, who she takes some inspiration from, from her characters.

I love how she uses colour, and couples it with an image that resembles the 3D form, but with a lot of 2D-like elements in it. She uses Adobe Photoshop 6, with a wacom intuos tablet, to create her digital artwork. She uses a few layers per piece, and can work to finish an image in a matter of hours/days.

She has been drawing from a very young age, and her style only improved as the digital age arrived. She uses an iMac to produce her work, which I'm aware that Mac's are deemed industry standard.

http://purplecrystaldragon.deviantart.com/art/dragon-396881712

Naturally she has a passion for animals, and coupling this with her artistic style, she has brought the two elements together. Apart from the canines she draws, she also sketches fictional beings, such as dragons, and she does so usually with biro pens. I like the biro technique, as it shows that pen can be a great tool to draw with, and you can shade with a pen, if you know how to. (See above)

http://purplecrystaldragon.deviantart.com/art/loka-autumn-413778575 < image reference at this link.

This image above, displays her shading techniques.

http://purplecrystaldragon.deviantart.com/art/new-chara-283833271 < image reference at this link.

This images displays some of her darker colour palettes.

http://purplecrystaldragon.deviantart.com/art/leaves-399355126 < image reference at this link.

This image showcases her expressions, and use of wallpaper. Another thing of interest, is that the 2 images of the cartoon styled creature above, is a fictitious animal hybrid. The animal is a half wolf, half leopard gecko.



http://purplecrystaldragon.deviantart.com/gallery/ < a link to her online gallery





Thomas.

Progression

I have based my final unit in this module, on this topic. I will be creating a book of illustrations, circling around animals.


Thomas.

Update on Animal unit

Finishing up my 5th animal sketchbook.

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Update finished.

Thomas.

Group display

The class had a large display of all their animal work today from the entire unit, and after taking a look at the work laid out in detail, I have to say I am genuinely impressed, and surprised by the amount of finely detailed work produced.

Items included such things as sketchbooks from the animal unit, as well as a few of the final illustrations. All using a wide range of techniques.

From this group display of artwork, I have taken a few lessons from it for personal, professional and academic gain. For example mainly in areas such as time management, anatomy, detail and also practising quality over quantity of work. These are all areas that I wish for myself to gain improvement upon.


Thomas.

Dawn Holiday

http://www.dawnholliday.com/illustrations/4574142564

Dawn Holiday was born in 1986, and was the eldest sibling in her family. She states that her family are highly creative, in terms of art, and writing. She studied GCSE art, as well as A level art, as well as other educational achievements. She left the institute where she gained her A level, and enrolled onto an illustration course at the UCA. Another important part of her education, was that she pursued a career in animal care, which most likely really helped her to learn about animal anatomy, and proportions. 

She also creates animal fantasy artwork, which could tie in with the work I have been doing with fictional animal hybrids. She creates a lot of 'unicorn' artwork

Thomas.

http://www.dawnholliday.com/#/illustrations/4574142564 < image reference at this link.

Thomas.

Pip McGarry

Pip McGarry is an amazing wildlife artist, who creates ultra realistic animal artwork. His work is very well created, and you can tell he is highly talented, through his fine style. I have added a link to his great gallery, for all to view.

Pip McGarry is recognised as one of the world's leading wildlife artists. He has an international reputation for his oil paintings of such animals as big cats, and African game.

http://www.pipmcgarry.com/Galleries_African.html < image reference at this link.

He first became known, in 2004 as he was part of a very popular seven part series called 'A Brush With the Wild' on a television channel called 'Meridian Television'. This programme was filmed in Kenya, and at Marwell Wildlife, which is in Hampshire. On the programme, he taught several 'celebrities' how to paint wildlife images.

Pip McGarry is the chairman of the largest wildlife art society in Europe, and he has been an 'artist in residence' at Marwell Zoological Park, and he has been for over 12 years.

(Image referenced at this link > http://www.pipmcgarry.com/biography.html) it is also a direct link to his biography.

http://www.pipmcgarry.com/galleries.html <gallery


Thomas.

Animal Hybrid #1 (Hogeel)

My first animal hybrid, which contains features of an Eel, hedgehog, and fish.
I decided to use these particular animals, because I wanted to illustrate and create an animal with a snake like body with curves. The Eel and the fish elements are clearly shown in this piece through the body. The hedgehog element is contained in the spikes, and also the general shape and characteristics of the head.

I researched these animals, and looked at a few photos of each on the internet, studying the outstanding characteristics of each. Keith Brockie, who I researched earlier on in this blog, inspired me to paint this illustration using watercolour paint, in order to slightly resemble his style of artwork, at least in terms of medium usage.

Made using pencil (to sketch out a base) then adding watercolours to add colour and tone, as well as depth.

Very happy with this animal, however I may add further detail later on, will update if I do

Thomas.

Natalya Zahn

Natalya Zahn is a nature illustrator, based in Caimbridge, MA (USA). She produces very fine, and detailed illustrations for commercial application, and most notably through her site, her work is featured in a majority of books.

http://www.natalya.com/Jasper-Hill-Farms-Annual-Promotional-Image < image reference at this link.

She interestingly uses text and typography in her work.

I decided to choose her in my illustrator research, because she produces very precise sketches, and she creates a vivid textures to her work, in a way that brings her drawings to life.

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http://www.notcot.com/archives/2012/04/natalya-zahn-natural-illustrat.php

http://www.natalya.com/ < her main site.




Thomas.

Lino printing

Today, I begun work in a Lino print workshop. I chose two different sizes of Lino (small and large), and took one of my initial animal drawings to transfer onto it as a tester (see below images)

I decided to work small initially, and then progress up to a larger size 'canvas' of lino. I found working small equally the same as working large scale, the only difference for me was the time spent making each print.

I would class both prints as positive prints, as I removed the area around each image on both lino pieces.

The test prints went really well in my opinion, they are crisp, and have a good level of detail, and nice shapes about them. I'm really pleased with the head of the pheasant, and the patterns that it produced.

After this test print, I moved on to a larger scale Lino piece.

The Lino was based on my hamster, and I used a photo stuck on my desk wall for reference. It took about 2 hours to cut, and after this I printed the large scale final vinyl onto an a1 sheet of paper. I will place the photo of the finished print below.

I am very happy with the outcome, but I would love to go back into the vinyl, and add more "shading" to give the print more depth, and detail if I can.

I will be doing this either tomorrow, or soon.

Thomas.

Strange Animal Hybrids Research

The task on the brief, is for me to create 4 illustrations of made up animals.

I have started work on the first of my A3 illustrations, and I have also decided which animals I would like to use, for each one of my different illustrations. In this blog post, I will take reference from actual photos of the animals I wish to use, and use this as a study point, for creating my final pieces. I will include 2 images from each animal, totalling 21 different photos.

Final #1) Eel, Fish, Hedgehog hybrid

Eel Photos:

#1

#2

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Fish Photos:

#3

#4

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Hedgehog Photos:

#5

#6

Final #2) Fox, Dolphin

Fox Photos:

#7

#8

#9

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Final #3) Lemur, Bird, Beaver

Lemur:

#10

#11

Bird Photos:

#12

#13

Beaver Photos:

#14

#15

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Final #4) Wolf, Gecko, Snake


Wolf Photos:

#16

#17

Gecko Photos:

#18

#19

Snake Photos:

#20

#21

For my first animal hybrid, I came up with the idea of creating a combination of a hedgehog, and an eel. (the head of the hedgehog, and the body and tail of an eel, with a mixture in between).

This lead to the name of the animal, becoming "Hogeel" I found the name to be interesting personally.

I will post a new blog, containing the finished illustration soon, in this blog.

Thomas.



Here are the references of all the images that I have used in this blog, as part of my research.

#1 < http://www.farnhamanglingsociety.com/assets/images-species/eel_anguilla_anguilla.gif
#2 < http://www.earthtimes.org/newsimage/Protanguilla_palau_1_7212.jpg
#3 < http://bettainfo.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/betta_dragon_scale-scaled1000.jpg
#4 < http://www.normalaquatics.com/images/clown5.jpg
#5 < http://www.hellohedgehog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Hedgehog-3.jpg
#6 < http://img.wallpaperstock.net:81/little-hedgehog-wallpapers_8118_1920x1200.jpg
#7 < http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/fox_hunt_logo.jpg
#8 < http://m7.i.pbase.com/o4/96/969596/1/130368007.O4LeHz35.5123p10131_ondAWD.jpg
#9 < http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/naturelibrary/images/ic/credit/640x395/a/at/atlantic_spotted_dolphin/atlantic_spotted_dolphin_1.jpg
#10 < http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/ring-tailed-lemur.jpg
#11 < http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/image1.jpeg
#12 < http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/shootzpics/shootzpics0903/shootzpics090300037/4422924-black-bird-beak-open.jpg
#13 < http://www.wallsfeed.org/wallpapers/2012/10/Dove-Bird-beak-Feathers-2048x2048.jpg
#14 < http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/naturelibrary/images/ic/credit/640x395/n/no/north_american_beaver/north_american_beaver_1.jpg
#15 < http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02533/beaver-2_2533418b.jpg
#16 < http://howlingforjustice.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/wolf-gray-color-beautiful-kewl1.jpg
#17 < http://www.dkimages.com/discover/Projects/KE813/previews/70003192.JPG
#18 < http://www.seapets.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/leopard-gecko.jpg
#19 < http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/113/8/1/Leopard_Gecko_Tongue_by_mack1time.jpg
#20 < https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpllzGn5I91Dg1tZXApnO-ARklMDSj17-Co1H3jExae-fo_Y3i12x-XRLhto18eWyS7USm7GyTwOBhF-UYduuzRMrjhOmvOnXFfGW5sG9cvGlQeruyxjwodh0dswfIuT3ulZ_JIGPP5sQ/s1600/020712+snake+tongue.jpg
#21 < http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/32/96232-050-C94A2383.jpg

Helpful bird tutorial

Watched this video about painting birds in watercolour, by a talented artist. Recommend a view, it's really informative...

https://plus.google.com/104843786426592624368/posts/LB7JVWXDaSJ


Thomas.

Printing

Today, I had a go of several different printing techniques, in the specialist print room. Had to say, it was really fun, I did a few monoprint, and etching techniques, onto a range of different materials.

I decided to wait until my pieces finished drying before I took a photo, but I did take one during production.

I will attatch the photo here, very soon

Thomas.

A3 Finals Ideas, and progress

This task on the brief, is for me to create 4 illustrations of made up animals.
I am starting work on the first of my A3 illustrations, and I have decided which animals I would like to use, for each one of my different illustrations.

Final #1) Eel, Fish, Hedgehog hybrid

Final #2) Fox, Dolphin

Final #3) Lemur, Bird, Beaver

Final #4) Wolf, Gecko, Snake

I am currently working on my first illustration, which is still in progress of course

I feel this illustration is coming along well, and I cannot wait to see what the final image will look like. Right now it looks very bare, but I will be adding dar more colour, and also some more detail, in order to make the piece appear more lifelike, and natural.

For this particular piece, I am taking some inspiration from Keith Brockie, by using watercolour paint, to give that very distinct watercolour visual look.

Thomas.

Zel Stoltzfus

Zel Stoltzfus, is an animal illustrator who creates very detailed, and fine pieces. Yet another great illustrator that I have came across.

http://www.freelanced.com/freelancers/portfolio/slides.aspx?freelancerid=35174&sampleid=100746 < image reference at this link.

Zel Stoltzfus's style of creating work, has inspired me to create more detailed illustrations of animals for my unit. In book 5 of my animal sketchbook collection, you can see this, as the majority of illustrations inside are different to my other 4 books. 

An example of how Zel's work inspired me to produce more detailed work, especially in my animal sketchbook number #5.

Book 5 contains more detailed pieces, toward the front of the book. My work isn't up to the same level as Zel Stoltzfus, however I have really tried to push my skills to the maximum, I am not happy that I cannot match the skill Zel holds, however I am really happy I did try my hardest.
He states on his bio, that he loves to sketch, and he loves to add detail to his illustrations. From an early age he has been drawing, and he is happy that he is doing is still, in his adult years. He spent sometime working as an illustrator at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

I don't think I will be taking a realistic approach toward my final images, in the way that Zel Stoltzfus does, therefore I probably wont take any influence from this particular artist.

http://www.freelanced.com/zelstoltzfus


Thomas.

Lucy Atkinson

Lucy Atkinson is an professional freelance animal illustrator, who graduated from University College Falmouth. She claims inspiration from baking, everyday life and developing characters.

Check out her online gallery, I really love how she uses text in some of her pieces, coupled with strong, bright colours.

I will take some inspiration from her type of work, as her work is very colourful.

http://www.lucyatkinsonillustration.co.uk/Animal-Illustration < image reference at this link.

I tried creating a piece, that mimicked her style. I used watercolour paint, to create this image. I first begun by using a pencil to sketch the illustration out, and then I added paint to add colour, that is similar to her colour scheme. I then went around the outline with a fineliner, to give my work the bold outline, similar in the way the original illustration of a rabbit by Lucy Atkinson has one. Lastly, I added a light green background, and scattered black paint splashes over the page, for the finishing touch.

#research #animals

http://www.lucyatkinsonillustration.co.uk/Animal-Illustration




Thomas.

Mark Dando

Mark Dando is a very talented animal illustrator. He lives in Cornwall, and interestingly has an honours degree in zoology, that he received at Nottingham university. His scientific background, coupled with art, secures his pinpoint anatomical skills, when it comes to sketching various animal body parts. 

http://wildlifeillustrator.com/about.htm < image reference at this link.

http://wildlifeillustrator.com/Images/Frontpage.jpg < image reference at this link.
This image features one of mark Dando's illustrations.

After this education, he moved onto a career in graphic design, and after success in the industry, an opportunity, he took up an opportunity to work on natural history projects, in design and wildlife illustration.

His style is realistic, but he has an eye for overall graphical composition, and his inspiration is always from artistic nature.

http://wildlifeillustrator.com < Reference from this site.



Thomas.

Joanne Glover

Joanne Glover, an extremely talented animal illustrator. She produces very highly detailed, and fine pieces of artwork for clients. I love her delicate usage of lineart.

http://www.joanneglover.com/?page_id=8 < image reference at this link.

I used her, as a part of my research. I adore how she creates beautiful animal illustrations using simple lines, that aren't filled in. I tried to emulate her style by creating several images, simply using smooth lines, with a fineliner. I will display these images below.

You can see in my own illustrations, how I have taken inspiration from her artwork, and tried to create some drawings using simple, yet bold lines. I love this style of work, I think I did a good job trying to learn from Joanne Glover.

Here is a direct link to her gallery > http://www.joanneglover.com/?page_id=8




Thomas.