Gilles Rainville illustration

Natural disasters have become more prevalent in recent years. We hear of the human cost and cause, but rarely do we understand what cost the rest of nature (animal, plant, insect) pays for disasters which, while are not produced by our species, are certainly encouraged and bolstered by the choices of individuals, companies, industries, and governments.  Manufactured Consequences is the first piece where I attempt to include the viewer as part  of the composition. This is why every animal is staring directly at the viewer. Nature itself is trying to tell you who caused the unfortunate forest fire. Once again, I began the process by researching the elements for this piece. Next, I sketched out the concept I had in mind and created a tonal study. This helped me visualize the idea in my head and solved the bigger composition issues, like focal points, perspective, arrangements and importance of the elements for the viewer.  Once happy with...

This is the first piece in the series where I included a human figure. I wanted to explore our role within nature. While we are part of the animal kingdom, because of how we have evolved and since we affect nature on a much grander scale than any other species, I believe our role is of much greater importance. Therefore, we have an equally greater responsibility towards it. This piece started with yet another abandoned idea. That of animals being reborn from a man of roots. To start, I researched some root textures, took out my how to draw human anatomy books, took a different point of view, and started drawing a new man of roots. I work by drawing gestural three-dimensional shapes first representing the basic form of the different parts of the body, then adding the detail over these shapes to complete a sketch of the composition before adding colour. I always keep perspective, three-dimensional form, and the dynamic rhythm of my lines in mind while I draw.   ...

Last summer, a local artist was collecting artwork to send to her daughter in the USA. She wanted pieces that would remind her of home in Aylmer. After seeing some of my illustrations, she hired me to create a piece that includes a local breed of rabbit and some of the wild flowers on her property. The contract did have a restriction though. I was not allowed to spend more than 9 hours an the piece. (I actually spent 10... shhhhh.) I started by researching photos of the bunny breed as well as burdock and queen anne's lace.   I sketched out the look of the drawing. This also helped me figure out how to structure the flowers. I found this dark grey piece of board left behind from years ago. I thought this was a great opportunity to challenge myself to draw on a dark surface instead of the usual white. I sketched the composition using a white chalk pencil. I payed extra attention to the growth patterns of the wild flowers. Adding colour was de...