Fairytale Silhouettes

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New silhouettes:

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Hansel and Gretel

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This time, I really wanted to add something colourful, vibrant to my silhouettes. Arranging this composition almost pulled my head apart;) I quite like the idea of Gretel wearing lederhosen. My Hansel is perfectly effeminate, my Gretel the quintessential tomboy. And why ever not? 

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Unicorn

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The bejewelled unicorn. 

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Marianna Mayer has observed (The Unicorn and the Lake), "The unicorn is the only fabulous beast that does not seem to have been conceived out of human fears. In even the earliest references he is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, but always mysteriously beautiful. He could be captured only by unfair means, and his single horn was said to neutralize poison. (Source: Wikipedia)

The unicorn appears to be quite a fashionable motif at present, which (because I am obstinate) almost decided me against creating him, yet why deny myself a mild flirtation? Indeed, I have grown so fond of him, his majestic demeanor, that he has quite become my most recent favourite. 

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Snow White Silhouette

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Using my previous Snow White as the inspiration for a new piece: this time she is accompanied by the Lunar Hare. The story may have taken quite a less tragic turn if our heroine had thought to stick by her wildest of wise companions. I am extremely fond of hare related folklore. Perhaps he wears the multicoloured cloak in preference to a head dress (like Snow White herself, and even my unicorn) to enable him to perceive the future more clearly. Well, just a thought....In my opinion, fairytale heroines could benefit from a little foresight, you know......(Don't ask me what happened to my line spacing. I added a pasted quote and all hell let loose in here!)

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Forest Hearts

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I should like to see these characters spring to life, in a similar vein to Lotte Reiniger's work. I am going to give this concept some more thought:)

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I have actually been enjoying the summer weather of late. This is quite a rare indulgence, for me, for I am very much a winter person at heart. Perhaps it has something to do with the surrounding countryside; I am much closer to nature here, the rich, mysterious beauty of the seasons more pronounced. I have also managed to develop hayfever, which, contrary to what I previously understood, can make you feel quite terrible....sore throat, watery eyes, etc. Nonetheless, I have planned a small break in the Lake District (Cumbria) within the next two weeks, so I am hoping to conquer my sniffles via over exposure to stimulus. Makes sense? No, it doesn't;)

I intend to return with many new works to add to my 'Heart of the Sun' series. I am evidently on a mission to appreciate summertime. A fresh perspective. We shall see....

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All things are a-bloom...

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Even fairy cakes, bottom left.

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Having finally completed The Woman in White, I can confess to having loved every miserable, haunting minute of it. Such an exquisite writer indeed (Wilkie Collins). I then went on to sample The Seance, by John Harwood, at one sitting, experiencing almost equal satisfaction. The Victorian mystery holds me permanently captivated, it seems. Happily, I am about to begin yet another Wilkie Collins novel, The Dead Secret. 

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And now I shall do just that:)

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xxx

Comments

[Jan]

Gretel in lederhosen - why not indeed?
Enjoy the Lakes x

[Melissa de la Fuente]

These are absolutely gorgeous! I love the color that you are adding to your silhouettes. How wonderful!
xo
Melis

[Belle]

They are all so gorgeous and creative! I love each in it's composition. And such a unique way of doing sillhouettes! Wish I had thought of it first :P Keep up the wonderful work!
x

[debby]

They are all fabulous, what a great idea to add such beautiful colors.
Debby

[tamako]

all works is wonderful!!

[april]

I LOVE your Hansel and Gretle!

[kowei]

Absolutely beautiful!!!

[helen]

LOUISE! Get some Clarityn! You'll be skipping about meadows full of flowers in no time.

Particularly love the photographs this morning.

[Jesse]

wow! it's been a while since I visited here but I am loving this new illustration style. the bright colours contrasted with the black silhouettes is really effective! I don't know if you remember me, but I emailed you about your practice! I'm just curious, how do you about changing styles? Is it just curiousity, or does it just happen without you noticing?
really appreciate your work! :) make more!!!

[art&ghosties]

thanks for your comments folks~!!!

Jesse - the style isnt so different, to my mind, for my silhouettes have always been more 'graphic' than my other works. the motifs and ideas are still very much the same as ever, really. it is always exciting to see how figures and shapes appear in silhouette. i tend to do a fresh batch of them every six months or so....and this one isnt over yet:)

[L]

I adore the new silhouettes! Will you be adding any to your shop? :)

[minna]

haha, i can really imagine you going all mad, ripping your hair out arranging those patterned leaves!
it's so frustrating to get stuck in the photoshop madness, i do it all the time.. sitting for hours just tilting the color of a hand in a picture one step or two, unable to deside which is the better choice. and then, when i finally reach out for opinions i realize that no one, except myself, notices the difference :D

[Crystal]

I'll have to check out some of those books. Sounds interesting.

[Lisa]

The new silhouettes are lovely - I'm especially fond of "Hansel & Gretel" and your fresh interpretation.

Oddly enough, the book I am reading right now is "The Seance." I picked it up at the library and it sat around my house for a few days (for some reason, I had decided I wasn't in the mood to read it). Out of desperation, I started it, and now I'm totally sucked in.

[Marjorie]

Oh my! Louise! I think these are my favorite of your works so far (but I love them all, your magical, haunting creations!) :)

I'm enjoying your lovely little glimpses of summer,too! :) Ever so perfectly Pale a dreamy and filled with flowers!

[Cassandra]

As a fellow hayfever sufferer, I can sympathize with how you're feeling. It doesn't help me much, that I have a sweet little kitty cat running around outside. Her fur, mixed with whatever delicious summer pollens she seems to bring inside, has me dusting just about everyday.

As for your silhouettes, I really admire your work and I have to say, these are just beautiful. I'm very fond of the Unicorn.

[waterrose]

I love snow white and all of the color!

[a fanciful twist]

Oh my goodnesssss. Breathtaking. I loooove the feel of the fairytales in silhouette and the abstractions and colors surrounding them... Truly magical!

And you spring shots are bliss! I hop eyou feel better soooooon! I know how you feel :)

xoxo

[Shahrazad]

These silhouettes are absolutely amazing. Do you do contract work? Can you make logos? Do you have a fee schedule or some other information? I am working on a new website venture and in need of a logo. I am leaving my email address. Please let me know how much you charge and where you are based.

[jihanemo]

I mean this as a compliment when I say that this is the STRANGEST website I have EVER seen! Your art is very beautiful. Amazing. Your work reminds me of Edward Gorey illustrations - they're a wonder to look at.

[Lollie]

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I've been browsing your blog for a little while now. Your work is absolutely beautiful, I hope you don't mind if I add you to my links on my own blog?

xx

[art&ghosties]

Again, thanks so much everyone for your comments!
I have tried to answer many via email:)

xxx

[Bri]

I love the combination of all of the black and colors.