Directory Illustration, Part 3

This post displays some Directory Illustration of mine from over the years. In going through my collection, I came to realize that there are many more images worthy of sharing than I’d thought! In this installment, I present several major illustrations that I produced purely for self-promotion. In other words, these were mainly created not as commissions from clients but by me for publication in the annual artist’s directories. It was risky, as the reception of these directory pages is crucial, and can set the business climate for the year for me.

So, here I am, taking my chances, offering my wares…

American Showcase ad page

Above, a portrait of composer Ottorino Respighi. I decided to place him in the setting of the Borghese Gardens in Rome, as he was the author of the famous Triad, Fountains, Pines, and Festivals of Rome. I thought it would be fun to dress him in renaissance garb. (N.B.: my address and email here is no longer accurate!)

My next gambit was a gesture towards the redemptive power of Nature. I just dreamed up this concept. Aflowering plant breaking through triumphantly in the rubble of a city…

Workbook page — FlowerPower

The illustrations on bottom were commissions. (Again, outdated email!) I am unsure whether this flower-power illustration was successful. You tell me, Dear Reader. Next, another portrait of a well-known figure…

Workbook — Churchill

Winston Churchill with Union-Jack backdrop. This page features quite a few famous faces — Einstein, Clooney, Eisenhower — it’s a real portrait-page! The image of Ike was produced for a book-cover by a radical right-wing author. I felt uncomfortable drawing it — it seemed a bit irreverent. It was commissioned before the influence of the hard-right was a force any of us knew about.

Lastly, a double-page spread that really went out on a limb! One night, as I lay awake, an idea sprang into my head. With my Workbook spread coming due, I was focussed on what to fill those pages with… “How about the Tortoise and the Hare fable?” Here is the result:

Workbook - Tortoise

Workbook - Hare

It was a bold attempt… not very successful as it happens. Ah well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Please note, again, that the address and email are defunct. The phone number is, however, accurate. Feel free to call if you need art! Email works best —- kevin@sprouls.com

I hope you’ve enjoyed these risky ventures of mine. Next time, back to more conventional and effective Ad pages! Stay tuned…