Final Major Project: The Beginnings

So the Final Major Project has finally begun and I've spent the last two days researching heavily into fairy tales and their history/origins. What I found what shocking to say the least; tales of abuse, rape, murder and other horrific acts that proved the foundation for such modern fairy (and I emphasise the word fairy) tales today, such as Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Piped Piper.

I have kept recored of all these tales and their previous storylines in a diary, making the odd sketch along the way. This one depicts the scenario where Hansel and Gretel discover the witch's old gingerbread house. As I say, they are only diary sketches and therefore aren't as detailed or as full as what my sketchbook work will look like but I thought it worth a post anyway!
EDIT: You might of noticed my blog looks 'simpler', this is due to problems loading images etc with the old template. Therefore, I've stripped it down again so it loads a lot faster.

BOOM!

Here is my second piece for my JMU interview on Monday (well the top/ original image anyway). This depicts 'Noise' and is in the style of Roy Lichtenstein. It was drawn in pen and later edited via Photoshop with the addition of colour and then again with the addition of the 'Posterize' filter. 

Island of Hope

I should probably apologize for my severe lack of content recently, however, I have an interview next week and have been frantically trying to piece a portfolio together! One thing they asked for was 3 pieces that represented Hope, Noise and Balance. This is my Hope piece and although I acknowledge it's by far not my best piece ever I felt it worthy of an upload, especially considering my lack of activity lately.

I do, however, intend to start my final project of the year next week so there will be a lot more content being uploaded!

My Friend...

Once again Dracula provides the inspiration in this illustration. I feel the need to apologize for the lack of colour in this, the real life version is a lot more vivid and my scanner doesn't do this version much justice.

However, it represents the letter Jonathan receives at the beginning of the book as Dracula tells of his plans and arrangements. In fact, on reflection, I could make a whole project of Dracula illustrations if I wished to such is the quality content provided for inspiration!

Tales of Transylvania and Terror

This is of course the journal of one Jonathan Harker from the classic Dracula novel. Packed full of enchanting tales, bewildering events and many a terrifying reminiscence, this simply had to be included in my set.

The Tell-Tale Heart

Continuing my mini project on Gothic novels, I was recommended to read Allan Edgar Poe's book of short stories as a tool for inspiration. I must say there are endless number of illustrations that could come from this book and perhaps I will get to draw them if time proves kind to me. 

This particular illustration is from The Tell-Tale Heart, in which a deranged mad man relives the night he stalked his victim before hiding his heart under his floorboards. It probably is my favourite Poe story and can be read in 5 minutes. You can read it here for free if you're interested...