Thursday, December 31, 2009

Illustration Friday - Pioneer


This pen drawing is roughly based on a photograph of Charles Darwin by Julia Margaret Cameron. The photograph is here. I was enchanted by the texture of his beard. I didn't use any pencil; I drew directly with pen and took my chances. Blue .05 Micron pen in a Canson Field Sketch book.

Both Darwin and Cameron were pioneers. I assume everyone knows of Darwin. Cameron (1815-1879) was a British aristocrat who took up photography the last 11 years of her life. She did portraits of many luminaries of her day, and her pictures influenced modern photography.

12 comments:

Sally Taylor said...

One of my all time favorite pioneers. Wonderful texture!

Michelle Lana said...

great drawing.

Christine said...

This is EXCEllent! "Oooooohhh..." was my reaction when your image pulled up.

Ann said...

Wow. Amazing drawing! You have such incredible skill with a pen.

josh pincus is crying said...

Very cool illustration!
Micron pen in a Canson Field Sketch book are my tools of choice, too, but my illustrations don't come out like yours.
Nice work.

Krista said...

Great beard! Good for you for pioneering ahead without a sketch! I also like that you tell what materials you use-- I took note of the paper from the last one and intend to get some. Thanks!

joseph's art and stuff said...

excellent drawing and informative post!

Traci Bixby said...

Amazing pen work! So bold and so delicate all at the same time!

Dana S. Whitney said...

Amazing what happens when you just plunge in with pen and ink! Nice work.

Laurel Neustadter said...

Thanks everyone. It's on to "Renewal" now!

Coreopsis said...

Wonderful! The texture is fabulous!

steve said...

Fantastic work Laurel - I love your drawing style!!