Inspiration from Classic Fairytales
Do you enjoy immersing yourself in Artist’s work? I find it both fascinating and inspiring! Today, to kick of my first blog post, I want to share with you the enchanting artwork of one of my favorite illustrators…
As an artist, I am always finding inspiration from Classic Fables. Whenever I need an inspiration boost, I enjoy flicking though the illustrations from the Golden age of British Illustration.
In particular, I have always been fascinated by the haunting, dream-like illustrations of Arthur Rackham. Undoubtedly, if you have read some of the classic childhood literature, you would have stumbled across illustrations by this talented Artist.
Rackham is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential illustrators from the Golden Age of British Illustration. He continues to inspire many Illustrators and Artists of today. His detailed, expressive pen/ink and watercolor have graced the pages of notable classics. We’ve all heard the familiar titles below, however, this is just a short list of tales Mr Rackham has illustrated.
Alice in Wonderland
Peter Pan in Kensington Garden
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Wind in the Willows
Goblin Market
Tales from Shakespeare
Mother Goose (the Old Nursery Rhymes)
Aesop’s Fables
English Fairy Tales
A Christmas Carol
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Cinderella
I love how Rackham combines the world of humans and whimsical characters with the surrounding landscape as if it were a natural occurrence! His imagery also captivates the viewer with rich details, raw emotion and expression! It is evident that he had the ability to visualize enchanting characters from other worlds amongst the beauty of nature.
Furthermore, Rackham had a flair for transforming the most vast, gnarled or thorny landscapes into the most ethereal scenes! Every storytelling piece transports the viewer to worlds far away! Even his trees were ‘alive,’ shaped like living creatures with protruding faces and long twiggy arms; or portrayed as a sinewy shape with claw-like roots clenching the earth below.
It is a pleasure to admire and contemplate the work of other Artists. Taking the time to study and appreciate all types of art (of various mediums), not only is a source of inspiration, but it also enlightens our own creativity!
Next time you find yourself flipping through the pages of a classic fable, you may just find the inspiring work of Arthur Rackham! What type of illustrations inspire you?
This is only quick blog post today… I’m learning how to use the blog area of my website. I have lots to learn, but I have so much to share with you in time…
In the meantime, don’t forget to enjoy the little things…
0 Comments