Willy Pogany: The Tale of Lohengrin

Happy New Year!


Here's a quick reference/inspiration post about one of my favourite illustrators, Willy Pogany (discussed in an earlier post) and some of his magnificent work for "The Tale of Lohengrin."

These are just a few examples of the wonderful illustrations found in this book. The book is in the creative commons domain and can be downloaded for free as a pdf. An original is expensive and hard to find (ranging from $500 to $2000).

- Patrick

Studio Project: From a freehand sketch to a finished work in three stages

Merry Christmas & happy holidays!

I finished this one a few days ago and had a lot of fun making it- it's called "New King" and is based on some photos I took of a great tree just off of Steeles Ave. in Toronto. 

Stage 1: Freehand sketch
Students brainstorm an idea for a sketch and collect reference images as research. Next, students work out a rough sketch, considering composition and any elements and principles of design to use in the project.

Composition: off-centred; focus on the crown of the tree

Elements of Design used:  line, shape, form, texture

Principles of Design used: contrast, variety, emphasis

Stage 2: Refined Sketch
Students work up their freehand sketch and then draw over it with ink. Transferring the image or using a lightbox might be required.

Stage 3: Finished work
Students colour and complete the final work from the refined sketch. Suggested media, any one of the following: Photoshop, Illustrator, Watercolour, pencil crayons, markers, pastels.