There's nothing quite like creating an illustration of the entire 1904 World's Fair... including the ferris wheel, promenade, crowds of little people, fountains and all. I wonder if that was the same ferris wheel that Robert Lawson wrote about in 'The Great Wheel'?
I hope so, since Robert Lawson was always one of my favorite bookmakers. Rabbit Hill and The Great Wheel were some of my favorites.
Ferris wheels are notoriously difficult to render in illustrations. To draw an oval in perfect perspective is nearly impossible... and certainly beyond the abilities of this particular illustrator. That's why I have to rely on cleverness... and various illustration helpers.
One does not draw so much as one erases it sometimes seems.
12 comments:
lol
I mostly erase my drawings too :o)
Great image John. I can't wait to buy this book.
I love the nostalgic feel of this! And that is mighty fine looking ferris wheel! :0)
Thanks ya'll... so pleased to hear you like the illustration!
:0)
It feels like I'm floating along with them John, just a lovely illustration. What I can't believe is the work you force YOURSELF to do! I'm certainly glad your not any AD of mine, haha.
You're right about that... crowd scenes... ellipses... bicycles... all the most difficult things to draw!
Whew!
All those ellipses!!
Nice mood. Love the perspective and the way the background (lowground) has an atmospheric haze.
"One does not draw so much as one erases it sometimes seems." So true!
Very nice job,
gail
I think you did a terrific job with the perspective! Wow!
And I suppose an eraser is an artist's best friend, sometimes.
(Well, it's an author's best friend too...)
:-)
John, you are a clever man!
This is simply gorgeous! Best with the entire book.
John...this is such a wonderful illustration!
Just found your blog, really love your illustrations! This one in particular, I'm a big fan of the early 20th century history. Especially the fairs that took place. Very nice ferris wheel...even if it took a lot of erasing.
Bravo!
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