Exploring drawing and painting

Mark Making

Turning words into pictures

Choosing a word from a list, you had to draw everything that came to mind.

I chose the word Travel.

Spider diagrams

Create spider diagrams for each of these words;

Seaside, Childhood, Angry, Festival.

Using reference

We were asked to make an illustration of someone sitting in a chair surrounded by items that typified the 1950's. This was to give a teenager an idea of the era.

First I looked at some 1950s wall decor.

Newgate pluto clock

source: www.retrotogo.com

Some iconic 1950's flying ducks.

Source: www.virtualvintageclothing.co.uk

In the 1950s alot of people in Britain were still burning coal fires. As a fireplace would still have been a focal point in the living room, I wanted to try and portray a piece of the era.

Then it was time to look at the style and dress of the time. I felt more familiar with drawing a woman, so I looked more at womens dress. Peter pan collars, and full calf length skirts were popular at the time.

and

Finally, the final image. I found this to be a very difficult project. I have never drawn or painted something of this nature. Although I am not happy with the final outcome, I do feel it was a good learning experience, and I am constantly learning more and more skills.

A4 Watercolours and ink on watercolour paper.

moodboard ideas

Writing a brief

Blurb from the back of the book....
With filthy hair all over his face and horrid plots growing in his mind, Mr Twit is one of the nastiest people you'll ever meet and Mrs Twit is just as bad and even uglier! But they don't stop at tricking each other: neighbouring children and even the local birds are in danger, and that's where the Muggle-Wumps come in. This family of monkeys has had enough of the Twits' tricks and, with the help of the handsome Roly-Poly bird, they decide it's time for sweet revenge...

Roald Dahl's 'The Twits'

Illustrated by Quentin Blake.

Published by: The Penguin Group.

Target audience: the illustration needs to be targeted towards children, both male and female. It shouldn't be too baby-ish, nor too sophisticated. It is intended to appeal to children from the ages of 7-12.

The cover image should feature the two main characters. Although Dahl's description of the two is not a pleasant one, this image should be mainly humorous. An element of the grotesque nature of the pair should be expressed with some comedy, however, it should not be at all frightening.

In terms of style, a child like simplicity would be preferable. A fluid feeling, ideally in watercolours to keep the image soft and the colours muted.

It is recommended that you read the book before beginning the illustration.