Interview about Prince John Book Illustration, winner of the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award 2020
It is made with paints on the toned paper, the final touch – on the graphic tablet. The designer combined figural imagery which illustrates the part of the text with frise compositions on the top and at the bottom, which details are psychologically connected with a figural image and make the illustration more expressive. Ornaments accentuate the horizontal rhythm of the illustration and bring to life the medieval atmosphere. The original text and fragments of other illustrations are below.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe use of traditional artistic techniques gives the images a sense of material authenticity and a diverse,rich texture that is very difficult to achieve with digital methods. However, at a certain point, this method reaches its limit in terms of further enhancing the image. This is when digital painting becomes essential. It allows for fine-tuning the image and refining small details. Since the illustrations are meant to be part of a printed book, the final digital processing enables them to be as close as possible to the author’s original vision.
The principle of dividing the image into three conceptual spaces with a central narrative in the middle wasborrowed from the Bayeux Tapestry. This work of art is a historical monument that demonstrates the use of multi-layered imagery as a means of multi-story narration. This approach is characteristic of the perioddescribed in the novel Ivanhoe. The illustrations subtly reference the original source of this techniquethrough decorative, intertwined animal figures.
Painting the paper surface with strong black tea creates a convincing effect of time’s influence on thematerial, while not damaging its structure. The color turns out very natural. Achieving the same effectwith regular paint is quite difficult. To obtain the natural texture, I used a special technique. A piece of crumpled fabric, soaked in tea, was forcefully thrown onto the stretched paper surface until randomimprints formed the textured surface of the desired tone. The sense of an antique image isenhanced by intentionally made scratches and partially worn gilding.
The composition of this illustration is meant to reflect the social relationships in medieval England. Money pouches are raised upward, ending up behind Prince John’s back. On the lower level,symbolizing the common people, only scraps remain. Guards with spears form a tight barrier, separatingPrince John’s figure from the lower level.
Works of art from the past served as aesthetic references and a source of interesting and almost forgotten artistic techniques. Studying them influenced the style of the images, which aims to helpthe viewer immerse themselves in a different era. To this historical foundation, elements of contemporary art were added, such as the emphasized individuality of the characters and their emotions, as well as acinematic approach to the composition of the images. It was important to maintain a balance between thesense of historical authenticity and modern expressiveness.
Starting the work on paper gives a awareness of the illustration as a real object, providing an understanding of the scale of the image’s elements. Traditional techniques allow for the use of the unique qualities of real materials. However, at a certain stage, the work can only continue digitally. When transferring the image to a digital form, it was important to preserve the characteristics of the varied textures and the correct color balance. Some of them, after digitization, appeared differently, so the image had to be adjusted further. In the subsequent work, it was crucial not to lose the feeling of a true painted surface. I also had to refer back to the drawing on paper to avoid overly fine details.
Work on each illustration begins with studying facts, literary sources, and museum exhibits. In addition to historical accuracy, these materials help shape the character’s image and provide ideas for additional visual elements. Thanks to this approach, the illustration offers the viewer a kind of game in searching for and reading symbols and references to historical facts. Examining the vibrant and detailed image becomes a process of exploring a historical reality that extends beyond the novel’s plot.
The character of Prince John can be read from the expression on his face. It’s full of contempt and distrust. Beneath the bright clothing adorned with gold and jewels lies a weak and feeble figure. The scroll that the prince holds in his hand hints at the Magna Carta, which he will be forced to sign in the future.
In Walter Scott’s novel, Prince John is a secondary antagonist. The author’s focus is not centered onhim, but he shapes the circumstances in which the plot unfolds. The prince’s personal flaws influence thestate of affairs in the kingdom. His opposite is the idealized figure of King Richard, who will appear later.
Combining several painting materials allows each one’s unique qualities to be utilized. Transparentwatercolor provides soft tonal and color gradients while preserving the texture of the paper, creating aneffect of soft lighting and a sense of air. A textured primer was used for the stone arch, with paint applied over it to naturally convey a rough stone feel. Thick or vibrant silhouettes are filled in with acrylic paint. This base makes it convenient to add soft mid-tones with translucent layers of oil paint. Acrylic is used for the finest details, with metallic paints applied in some areas. Thanks to this combination of materials, the original artwork features a rich variety of textures, a sense of transparency and lightness, along with deep, vibrant tones and numerous small, intriguing details.
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