Thursday, December 2, 2010

Illustration Friday "Savour"

Initially, the first thing I thought of when this week's topic was posted was a nice cup of hot tea. Concerned that this might not be such an original idea, I decided to look at some of the illustrations already posted on Illustration Friday. Sure enough, there were many beverage illustrations including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. So I thought I better do something different.
A back rub was the next thing that came to mind. However, as I thought more about it, I was getting a bit concerned about how a picture of a partially nude female would be perceived. I don't want my work to come across as being sexist or erotic. Unfortunately, in our society (at least in the US) almost any image of nudity is considered erotic or pornographic. Nevertheless, I decided to be true to what I envisioned because first, I didn't know how to make my alternative ideas work as well, and secondly, I need to be true to myself as an artist, regardless of what others may think.
As I was working on this illustration, I wasn't sure if it was going to turn out, but now that it is completed I am happy with the finished product. Who wouldn't like to savor a nice back rub, especially any artist who hunches over a drawing board all day!
Created with pen & ink and watercolor.

10 comments:

michele said...

Perfect! Better than tea, that's for sure! Trying not to hunch... ;o)

draw for joy said...

Interesting! A real pleasure!

Alissa said...

aaahh - I would savour a massage..... instead I Savoured a mango for Illustration Friday.

This is a lovely drawing. - A challenging angle and view !

E*phi said...

I'd prefer a massage over a cup of tea anytime, too! :)
Great drawing! It's something to savour itself!

Coreopsis said...

I too would take a back rub over a cup of tea any time! Nice drawing!

Linda Hensley said...

I get lots of tea, but not nearly enough backrubs. Nice take on the word.

Unknown said...

My first thought would have been food or drink too. Great job in looking for a different angle! And well done on the sketch!

Cathy Holtom said...

Definately something to savour. Your drawing is excellent!

Alex said...

Nice!!! I like how I am able to tell rightaway that you drew it, because your style is just so easily distinguishable!

Anonymous said...

Yes! A massage is way better than tea. And this is a wonderful illustration. Thanks for touching on the subjects of nudes. It's been a pet peeve of mine for many years that nudes in art are looked down upon by those that equate them with pornography. The human body is one of the most natural and greatest subjects we have as artists. It's a shame that people can't look on it without it being in a sexual context.