Roald Dahl Literary Estate – Final Illustrations for submission.
Matilda Inspiration extract: ‘The first miracle’ pg. 130-137. Here I wanted to capture the pivotal moment right before Matilda tips the glass with her powers, the tip that sends the newt flying right onto Miss Trunchbull’s ugly green tunic.
Final Illustration for submission
This the drawing that become the full colour illustration & some character work focusing on Matilda.
The Witches My inspiration here was the chapter ‘Frizzled like a Fritter’ pg. 64-70. This illustration focuses on the great unveiling of the grand high witch – the moment her mask is removed and her true revolting face is revealed to her equally revolting minions. And all right before the eyes of the unsuspecting Luke and his two mousy companions.
Examples of some of my sketchbook work developing composition and character
Final Illustration for submission
George’s Marvellous Medicine Inspiration extract: ‘The brown hen’ pg. 43-48. This is the fantastical moment George feeds his concoction to the old unsuspecting hen – watched on by grandma from her new roof top view. I wanted to depict the moment of eruption, the smoke & fire brimming at the beak and the bewilderment of George at the bizarre unfolding events.
The pre-colour sketch and some illustrations that didn’t quite make the cut!
Final Illustration for submission
Concept & considerations I chose this Brief to work on because i always used to read Roald Dahl books as a child, and before i could read my Dad used to read his favourite Roald Dahl books to me. The stories are what I've grow up with. The books and illustrations are so iconic & ingrained that i thought it would be a challenge to re-imagine them, therefore i did Challenge myself.
I wanted to re-create the kind of imagery that i had in my head as a kid as i read, those exiting jostling scenes that really spoke to me. For me i always saw Quentin Blake's illustrations as an integral part of the brand, so initially just reading the brief changed my perceptions. It's brave to take a step away from such a (to repeat myself) 'iconic' image, and also intriguing. I think looking to new horizons and creative angles is a great way to re-instate old classic for a new audience.
For this brief I have produced three illustrations, choosing to focus on the three books ‘Matilda’ ‘The Witches’ and ‘ Georges Marvellous Medicine’. I wanted to make sure I included both male & female lead characters for a non-gender specific appeal, and also feature a book that I felt was more easy reading for the younger spectrum of the audience (e.g. George’s marvellous medicine). Something I always admired about previous Illustrative work for Roald Dahls writing was the fluidity of the artwork, so for my illustration decided I wanted to retain this quality. The pallet is fresh and vibrant, using bursts of colour to draw the eye and enhance the hand-made and friendly nature of the pencil crayon line work.
Thank you for reading.