Food for thought: Illustrators Are Artists

I have always loved art since I was a child growing up in Palm Groove Estate in the 70's. This interest has been close to my heart even as I grew up to an adult. Imagine my surprise when I came across opinions and mindsets that belittle illustrations and consider illustrators as lesser than or different from 'artists'. I believe any form of visual expression or communication that requires creativity, personal perception and interpretation is art. Most people with this mindset have no problem regarding Michelangelo as an 'artist'. Of course he was a great artist. But a close look at his paintings reveal he was really an extraordinary illustrator. I have usually avoided making an issue of this though. 

 

I was delightfully surprised when I came across Brad Holland's illustration (above), especially the hand written message. I have taken the liberty of typing it out clearly. I think this says it all. 

Past Work: Old Portfolio

While clearing some old files from my desktop, I stumbled on an downloadable portfolio I designed in 2008. For some reason I never got to upload it. Here are pages form the file.

Recent Work: Character Designs

I was commissioned to create characters for a series of publications last month. One is an ordinary guy while the other is more manly or heroic. This is my take on the brief...

Recent Work: Tribute To An Old Friend

I mentioned in my previous post that an old friend of mine had passed. I was so overwhelmed by the many testimonies of goodwill during his burial ceremony, I was moved to say Adieu in my own way- a portrait painting to remember him by.

Recent Event: Studio Update

Wow! The past months have been a roller coaster of adventures, challenges and demanding work. I have been so busy, and at same time distracted, I have left this blog unattended. I suffered a spell of poor health, had to relocate my studio apartment, handle a demanding and protracted book illustration, design and layout (of which I am not allowed to blog about). And just as I am about to breathe, I got news of a dear old friend's passing. We've been close pals since my days on campus at University of Lagos. This week I'll be travelling to visit his family.

I am determined to get back to my usual studio updates as soon as I settle down after my trip. I have a lot of projects lined up for the remaining of the year. Please tag along.

The following pencil drawings were made for a children story book in 2011. It's about the Tortoise and the Hare (not the tale about the race).

 

Have a great week!

Past Works: Early Photoshop Illustration

I am still reorganising my studio files and recently came across some early Photoshop illustrations. This work features my attempt at using the selection feature. Before this time I only used the airbrush tool. The image is the cover illustration for a novel written by Professor Akachi Ezeigbo, English don at the University of Lagos. The cover was commissioned by Lantern Books.

Past Works: Pencil Sketches From My Archives

During a recent new year purging and rearranging of my studio, I stumbled on some pencil illustrations from earlier years. The above was for a storybook while the sketch below was part of a conceptual art for a website. 

All images are copyrighted please.

2011 Portfolio Upload

Visit my 2011 Work Folio on Scribd. You can view, print or download the file!

Recent Work: Poster Designs on Conservation Of Resources

Along with the news that earth's population is now 7 billion comes the realisation that we all need to pitch in and use our resources with wisdom. We need to take measures to expend electricity, consume food and use water responsibly. This makes economic sense and it goes a long way to improve our lives. It also means there will be more to go around. If this makes sense when practiced by an individual, then it is no less sensible if observed on a larger scale.

The following designs are based on the conservation message. The designs were created on CorelDRAW X4. 

Past Work: Portrait Paintings For My Sisters

 

A few years back, I made portrait paintings for my sisters, Arin and Oye. The paintings were oil on canvas with simple wood frames. I neglected to snap photos of the works on completion but later received these snapshots. Just my way of saying thanks to two wonderful women who have encouraged and supported me over the years.