In total candor, I found the original monotone state of this drawing a bit flat, though totally beautifully drawn. To me it cried out for some sort of tonal values to give it a bit of depth. So, I gave it a duotone treatment. And if you don't like that, for you purists I've included the original state below that.
This is a total side note, but it's an autobiographical blog, so I'm entitled. Before I was married, I dated a couple of young women, who as I got to know them more, revealed that they liked to color with crayons in coloring books, just for mindless relaxation. I found that to be charming and endearing and I never discouraged those sorts of 'hobbies', even though I had no desire to emulate.
Until now. With digital programs I find myself taking existing line art and having at it with colorizing techniques. I can justify that, I tell myself, thinking that I'm training myself to be a colorist for the comics industry, but in reality it is mindless relaxation.
Beatrice Stevens — The Faeries (modern color) — 1917
I love the individual attention each faerie got from Stevens, but especially the one just to the left of the little girl, emulating her pose. A girl and her dog, with a big book of fantasy in her lap — Annie, that's how I visualize you as a kid.
Beatrice Stevens — The Faeries (original state) — 1917
Wow, Thom- I am delighted and all smiles. I'm not even sure what to say, but I love this illustration and your "image" of me as a child. Yes, always, a book in my lap- reading wherever I was, at dinner, outside, on the back porch. I had some favorite fantasy books, but often, at my younger age, it was mysteries that enthralled me. And now, fantasy- I read it and write it, and faerie art like this, touches my heart.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of books illustrated by Beatrice Stevens on their way to me, and I've discovered others because of you. Thank you for leading me to her.