When I thought about reflection I thought about all the duality type movies and books I really like. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the The Picture of Dorian Gray which I chose to illustrate. In the story by Oscar wilde, Dorian stays young and unmarked while his portrait grows old but it also grows more hideous the more his soul becomes rotten. He gets to do whatever he wants and the portrait shows the results. I remember the first time I saw the old black and white
movie as a kid and the great moment when you see the hideous portrait. I always thought the painting was amazing. It was many years later that I found out the painting was done by Ivan Albright and only last year that I saw the original in the
Chicago Institute for the first time. That was more exciting for me than some of the Monets i tell ya [ tho I like Monet and all] . I read the book a while after I saw the movie and still enjoy it.
I like that everyone flings themselves onto sofas and lounges languidly.
In my piece Dorian, in a rare moment of guilt, smashes a mirror which holds his "false" reflection while the hideous portrait looks on.
I drew up some quotes from the book in my sketchbook as well.
22 comments:
That's an excellent story. I love your use of it for this week's IF challenge!
This is wonderful .. wonderful .. wonderful! Excellent story and illustrations. Is that Oscar saying all art is useless?
You 100% rock! This is such a great illustration of old DG...not just because you do great illustrations, but also because that monster in the mirror is very true to the concept of the novel. And you captured the characters' personalities so well in your illustrated epigrams. Bravo! The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my students' favorites and one of my favorite novels to teach.
To anonymous - OW added a preface of epigrams to the novel after there was a big to-do about its morality when it appeared as a serialized novel...sort of a series of "disclaimers," as it were. One of the epigrams he included was, "All art is quite useless."
great great job drazen, love the illustration this week! top job ;)
Nice illustrations, Draz! Your pen work (and I am assuming it is pen) is just beautiful! By the way, thanks for putting me up in your links........much appreciated my friend!
Mike
I think your style is wonderful. Love the colors and the line style.
Great idea. I love the idea of the portrait getting creepy. Nicely rendered. Your line and color create a great mood and focus. I also love how you drew characters saying the quotes. You've taken note taking to a new level.
I remember that original from a college field trip to Chicago. I didn't know the story, so it's suddenly all coming together now!
Great job. Very inspirational. Your site is sure a nice place to hang out.
Simply fantastic. I love that you didn't stop at just one piece but went to do the quotes. I get the impression that your one of those people who just can't put the pen down.
I am a bit stunned. Gorgeous everything.
Thannks everyone!
Carla- yeah its a great book.Glad you like I how interpreted em.
Jeope- I thought the Art Institute was an amazing gallery.
thanks for hanging out, I'd offer you a cocktail but...
Wow, just who are ya. I was browsing at blogspot's blogs randomly. I really like what you have done to your page ;)
Great piece. I love your sense of details. I saw this black & white movie once, a long long time ago. I don't have a clear picture in my head of what the portrait looked like exactly, but I remember it was hideous.
Wow! great work. I love your style.
Drazen! I'm in awe! I love the illustration and youre excellent depiction. And I really love these character sketches. Absolute stunners...especially the last three. The lovely lady with the delicate hand, the tiny eyes on the Oscar Wilde looking fella, the sideburns, hair and expression on the last guy. Wonderful!Wonderful!!
Mr. Kozjan - really great stuff! I in fact picked up Diary of a Fairy Godmother last week which brought me here!
Glad the wife supports a healthy interest in Mario Bava. I'll be back - thanks for the inspirational stuff!
Michael
Fantastic! I love this book, but did not see the film. It is especial to see the caracters through your eyes. Excuse my english...
Thanks folks!
Hey Michael thanks! You have a great blog as well. Thats cool you got Diary of a Fairy Godmother, hope you enjoyed it.
hah-yeah the wife,shes a honey.
hey bohemian-if you go to the blog eyes wide apart done by the marvelous Paige Pooler she has a description on how
to change the banner..and umm I don't think "followers" is the right word. I'm very appreciative to folks who pop by
and look around and leave a comment...I wouldn't worry to much about getting lots of comments..just put your art blog up
and start posting..it can be a little spark to creativity.
and thanks a lot paulinho
this is so fun - I never blogged before eh but i really dig seeing all this work and being able to check out how much other people like it too
right on Zarden!
xo
B
Hey, this is terrific stuff, Drazen. Such a great idea for the REFLECTION topic.
To gaze in the mirror
My face becomes clearer
To that which I have become
A monster of sin
Mine evil hidden
Egad what horror I've done!
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