”Original book cover art from 1980’s & 1990’s….out of storage and into the classroom”

 It’s that time of year again!  Each year during my fall semester Figure painting classes, I always bring in some old illustrations from my time as an illustrator.  I don’t know how relevant these are today, but the students seem to enjoy seeing some of the things I did during my illustration career.  Most of these images are from two series I was involved in over a period that covered the eighties and early nineties!  This is only a portion of the images created during that period!  They were for the most part, images created for book covers.  I always feel a bit of fatigue when I see them spread out once a year, and think of all the hours spent creating these images…..but, I remember it as a fun blur! 

     

During the breaks from painting the live model, students paw through these and some have questions about time schedules/deadlines, technique, sizes, etc.  The reason these are useful, in my opinion, is because of what this class is really about…..depicting the human form in a representational manner, and interpreting the live model on a daily basis from observation.  It’s not so much about learning how to paint, as it is learning how to see….and raising one’s observation skills, as they relate to shape, value, edges, and temperature of color.

Below are a few shots of the paintings I brought in and put up.  My camera was on the blink that day…..so, thanks to Robin Cody for taking and sending these to me.  Robin is a wonderful, highly thought of teacher at Ringling College of Art and Design!

Again, thanks for listening to my Cajun ramblings!

Hodges Soileau   OPA