CAN I HAVE IT?

Having two children of my own, I can't help but want to do everything in my power to make them happy. Society has given us so many ways to bring children happiness. From toys, to video games, to electronics, and sugary treats, bringing joy to kids seems easier  then ever for parents.

BUT! Is it really what they want?

This piece asks that very question.

As always, I started by producing quick sketches to find the right composition. These help me explore the different ways I can organize the elements for this compostion. They tend to be very messy. But, they're an important part of my thought process. 

I chose this design. It looks more dynamic and does a better job conveying the meaning of the piece.  

I've started really enjoying drawing on the 22" x 28" Arches watercolour paper. The large format gives me more liberty to use my entire arm for large sweeping motions to give the piece more energy.

I'm drawing the initial line work with a neutral brown to ensure these lines will blend in with the colour overlays.

With PanPastels, I start by rubbing in large areas of colour. This is a quick way of covering a lot of the composition in very little time. I avoided colouring any area with a lighter tone.

 

This was my first attempt at drawing our planet. I started by adding the local colour based on a research photo I found on the internet. Then, based on a light source coming  from the top left, I shaded it like a spherical ball.

I wanted the Earth to be a secondary light source in this piece. So, I added some blue on the surfaces that are facing it. Every time I start colouring a new section, the local colour goes on first as the midtone, then I add the lights and shadows. (The children are loosely based on my own children. The boy didn't end up looking like my son at all, and the girl has a passing resemblance to my daughter.)

From the bottom came a strong reddish light source where the adult hands are trying to give the children what they believe will make them happy. This was a perticularly difficult challenge for me because I wanted this reddish colour to permeate everything in the piece except the Earth, but without loosing the local colour.

My final step for this piece was to add a texture in the background made up of simplified abstracted versions of the items the adults are offering. This is meant to represent the unimaginable number of these products produced all over the world.

Here is the finished piece, properly scanned.

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Thanks for reading!

Gilles Rainville