Illustration: News

Wine Buffs

Maria Livings completed these stylish images for the Wine Society, where they will soon be splashed across the pages of their magazine and wine list. The brief was to illustrate various aspects of the Sustainable Viticulture, Maria explains “The brief was very specific because wine buffs would probably notice if I'd included the wrong kind of creature or plant! It was a challenge to make some of the subjects decorative - a hedge for instance presented difficulties until I drew a leaping lever...

Autosur to the Rescue

Make way for Pete Thom’s super-hero bear, filled with attitude and chutzpah, Pete has recently revamped the mascot for French auto care company Autosur. Appearing in adverts througout the French press, Pete worked closely with Creative Director Jean Letellier of Ailleurs Exactement Paris to develop this auto hero, at the same time adhering as much as possible to the original specifications of the previous bear.

Every Day Girl

This alluring image is part of a personal series of hand drawn illustrations created by the talented James Hodgkins. Inspired by the desire to return to traditional media James ditched the computer to embrace acrylics and paper. He explains “All the pieces feature the same girl, at various stages in her life, a working title for the project is "Every Day Girl". A celebration of feminine allure and beauty.”

A Crisis

Matthew Laznicka is the artist behind these powerful illustrations depicting the financial crisis. Commissioned by Caspian Publishing for Real Deal Magazine, Matthew has confidently captured the despair caused by the economical situation in these compelling images. Keep your eyes peeled for the magazine, out last week.

Pocket Notebook

The brilliant Willie Ryan completed this bold illustration for the front cover of Mike Thomas's much anticipated book "Pocket Notebook" Commissioned by Random House and due to be launched in early February the book is expected to fly off the shelves. Willie created a homage to the Anthony Burgess Clockwork Orange Cover which resulted in this eye catching image.

The Sky is the Limit

Skiers characterised as birds soaring over Californian skies is the theme of this entertaining spoof poster created by Alan Baker. Commissioned by David&Goliath for Mammoth Mountain , Alan created this poster over one weekend, he enjoyed the concept so much he even put himself in, take a peek at the Naked Pale Aler to see Alan in action!

Festival of Arts

Congratulations to Echo Chernick who has been chosen as the poster artist for the 25th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts. Held early this month, this esteemed arts festival has been named one of the top 75 nationwide art fairs by "Sunshine Arts Magazine". Echo is an award winning art nouveau illustrator who works digitally to create these dazzling images.

Snoopy Revamped

Snoopy, one of our most beloved comicbook dogs has had a fabulous make over by the celebrated illustrator Christopher Corr. Chris was invited to participate alongside other artists, illustrators and designers to individually decorate a Snoopy in celebration of the dog's 60th anniversary. These resulting designs were exhibited in Hong Kong before being auctioned off for charity.

Munch!

This month sees illustrator Sholto Walker completing some charming illustrations for two novelty children’s books. Commissioned by paper engineer David Hawcock both take a light hearted view at nature. “Munch” features the food-chain with larger and larger sea creatures eating each other and “Making Tracks” is an entertaining look at animal tracks. Sholto says: “Both used an ingenious piece of paper engineering to increase the fun - but it sure made for a complicated job!”

Merry Christmas

Our official Christmas illustration this year is brought to you in graceful style by Nuno DaCosta. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and may 2010 bring you great opportunities and fun. With appreciation and thanks from all the artists and agent team at Illustration Ltd.

Creamy

Jelly mongers Bompas and Parr delight us all again with this cover for The Independent's Sunday Magazine food issue special. The job was quite a challenge due to the large mould required, and was also the first time the duo had created type in negative for the cream to be poured in. Credit for the final photo goes to Sara Morris.

British Comedy Awards 2009

Setting all his paint-guns to ‘funny’ is Keith Robinson and his epic work on last week’s 2009 British Comedy Awards. Keith created branding, titles and packaging—including logo, to reflect the superhero theme of the set. He also produced storyboards for Marvel comic artist Mike McKone, later animating Mike’s characters.

Mumbai One Year On

Some illustration goes way beyond the reach of words. Shailesh Khandeparkar’s stark and powerful poster design is one such illustration. The first anniversary of the terror attacks are remembered in these posters and prints, and were distributed by India's DNA newspaper.

Robert Carter

A warm welcome please to the massive painterly talents of Robert Carter. Award-winning Robert brings a portfolio of powerful portraiture with him, one that often spills over into the surreal, and one that always astounds with its vibrant and striking approach to every subject matter.

Back in STYLE

Great news for Montana Forbes who makes a welcome return to the pages of The Sunday Times STYLE Magazine. Montana was the illustrator on two weekly columns for three years at the paper, and is back creating imagery for a relationship column called ‘The Trouble With Women’.

Cupcakes for Kathryn

Kathryn Rathke is the talented hand behind these portraits for Seattle’s The Stranger. The magazine awards a yearly $5000 sum to accomplished local "geniuses", and Kathryn was thrilled to be commissioned for the feature. As well as 10' x 10' reproductions, the portraits were also printed on(presumably limited edition) cupcakes!

Magic Hamster Ball

Reached a crossroad in your life? Bill Greenhead has an app for that—in the shape of his Magic Hamster Ball creation! Just like a magic eight ball, Bill’s hamster will answer any yes/no question you care to ask. Developed alongside Appcreatives, Magic Hamster Ball awaits your questions now at the itunes store.

Hancock's Antique

This exquisitely executed watercolour is the work of Philip Bannister, who was commissioned by antique dealers Hancock's. The illustration has a magnificent timeless quality, perfect for the antique market, and will feature across all Hancock’s company literature and correspondence material.

Wall to Wall

One huge and exciting challenge was set for Miss Led this month after visiting Marcelle Symons at her boutique in London. Miss Led was requested to cover as much wall space as possible, across 3 floors, adjoining corridors, walls, stairs and doors to include changing rooms. All in just 2 weeks! Plans are set for a return to the site for some live window painting next month.

Skins on E4

Check out Ben Tallon’s work on E4’s trailer for the new series of Skins. Working closely with directors at Channel 4, and animation experts Mike Moloney studios, Ben provided all the illustrations and type right from the original pencil skeleton through to the final illustration. See the trailer.

Apples

Good news this month for Rosie Sanders whose long out-of-print book, "The English Apple", is to be republished next year by Frances Lincoln entitled "Apples". For this new edition, Rosie has added 22 cultivars to the original set. Each new cultivar features two painted views of the fruit, as well as the leaves, blossom and a cross-section.

Tatler Anniversary Edition

The talented Emma Rios has an impressive 18 pages of her work in the current issue of Tatler magazine. For this, their 300th Anniversary Edition, Tatler commissioned Emma to created a replica of New/Old Bond Street for 17 jewellers on the famous street. Each jeweller had a replica of the shop front, complete with gorgeous jewellery displays.

Food Glorious Food

This Dickensian yuletide scene is the creation of Jamel Akib, who has illustrated two terrific food-themed pieces for Real Deal magazine. Explains Jamel: “Chalk pastels worked well in getting over that dusky light and the softness of the snow... and got me in the mood for Christmas early!”

Hello to Bec Winnel

A warm November hello please for Bec Winnel and her thoroughly wonderful whispery drawing work. Based in Melbourne, and working predominantly in colour pencil, graphite and pastel, Bec’s delicate portraits are reminiscent of vintage postcards with a hint of George Tooker on a happy day.

Harvest Fast Day Pack

More amazing lettering skills from Ruth Rowland this month, with this commission for the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development's Harvest Fast Day Pack. Comprising two posters and a collection envelope, the packs are distributed to primary and secondary schools in the UK. The stunning poster photography is by Marcella Haddad. And the good news continues for Ruth, she has just won first prize for her Aruba Posters in the Design Ad Campaign category of the Altpicks Awards. Fantastic!

Lost for Words

Greg Becker is the clever-fella behind these charming drawings for a new book called “Lost English”. Concerning old words which are rarely used, the book follows a Lost English Rediscovered theme, and is published by Michael O’Mara Books. Lost English.

Let’s Play

Three of our finest artists are exhibiting in a showcasing group exhibition entitled: “Let’s Play”. Madamesange, Claire Rollet and Sarah Beetson have all been selected for “Let’s Play” which offers a cross-section of the exceptional creative talent published by The Art Group. Come see at The Maverik Showroom, 68-72 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DP from Dec 2nd – Dec 5th, 10am to 6pm daily, 12am to 4pm on Saturday. Late opening hours on Thursday 3rd Dec until 9pm. Images clockwise from top le...

Rock and Roll Expressionists

Vince Ray is among the acts showcasing their combined illustration and music skills at the Rock and Roll Expressionists exhibition. That's right. Illustration meets Rock and Roll head on at the Resistance Gallery where Vince's band will be playing a live set on Tuesday 1st December. Come and rock out at 265 Poyser Street, London E2 9RF.

Our New Website

This month sees the proud launch of our new-improved website! With the emphasis more image-led than previously, for both artist and client, we have also added the facility for clients to register and create their own scrapbooks in which you can store, manage, print and share selected images.

Meet Bompas and Parr

Still a bit peckish? Meet spectacular and unique installation artists, Bompas & Parr, whose medium of choice is jelly. This is jelly as art, jelly that functions in the space between food and architecture. Recent projects include a vast glowing jelly installation for SFMOMA and Alcoholic Architecture, a walk in cloud of breathable G&T.

Soho Poster Art

Popping up around London right now is Alyana Cazalet’s nifty (and highly stylish) poster artwork for Soho’s Star Café. Commissioned by Sarah Benson at CHI and Partners, Alyana’s loose, understated lines, and dots of colour make for quality design.

Urban Garden Launch

Danny Allison is the hand behind the art on this front cover illustration for Urban Garden magazine’s launch issue in the US. Explains Danny: “The Art Director gave me free reign on concept, colour and design. The design needed to get across that the US government has a hold over the corn industry and in turn is enslaving people.”

Welcome Pete Pachoumis

A warm welcoming hello please for the mighty Pete Pachoumis who brings a truckload of talent to Illustration this month. Florida-based Peter is a 3-time Addy award-winning illustrator who counts Disney, Paramount and DC Comics among his clients. In addition to work on Star Wars, Terminator and Star Trek, Peter also contributed to the graphic novel ‘9-11: Artists Respond’.

Vintage Style

Bringing a perfectly vintage look to the British dinner table is Caroline Church and her fine illustrations for Marks and Spencer’s meat range. Each of the 6 illustrations is styled with a similar treatment, with each animal seen in profile, and the terrific linework conjuring up a reassuringly worn, etched look.

The Woman of the House

Matthew Hollings is the creator of this masterly illustration for the Sunday Times Magazine. One of two images, the brief was to create illustrations for a short story ‘The Woman of the House'. Explains Matthew: “The story itself was quite sinister but I was asked to keep the illustrations colourful. The main image aims to encapsulate the story as a whole”.

Uncle Sam’s Creative Explosion

American Ingenuity is the theme of Britt Spencer’s explosive cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post. Britt was proud to have worked with this magazine: “For an illustrator in the States, it's pretty historical considering the mag’s close ties to Norman Rockwell and Leyendecker.”

On the go with Katmo

People travelling on Traveline South West are in for a visual orgy of posters, bus sides and adshells thanks to the creative brains at Katmo. The team have created a wondrous series of colourful characters—each of whom relates to a certain destination in the south west of England.

Neat Logo

“Simple” and “elegant” often work out well together, so proves Adam Larkum and this simple and elegant new logo for Edinburgh based publisher Bookspeed. Utilising a neat lino cut effect, Adam’s series of oyster catch birds also features on book display stands.

Art of Well-Being

Tired of all this negativity in the world? Tim Bradford has the all-positive antidote in the form of this cheery self-initiated piece. Entitled ‘Wear Shorts More’, the piece is “inspired by a positive thinking attitude and the effect it can have on our well-being, hopefully helping keep us all afloat in these times of crisis!”

Champers Hampers

Currently wowing all at the Perth Fashion Week is this anti-drink drive animation from the amazing Sarah Beetson. The animations were projected onto the sides of several buildings in Perth City Centre, with the tagline: “Champers hampers driving skills”. Never has a police warning looked so cool. See the animations.

The Sunday Times in Style

All things must pass, as a great man once said, including Jacqueline Bissett’s four-year run with the Sunday Times Style magazine. To end in style, Linda Burrows commissioned Jacqueline to create this fashion figure for this month's horoscope feature. Jacqueline herself sends a huge thank you and farewell to the team at Sunday Times Style.

Taming the Banks

This heroic masterpiece of a front cover comes from Jonathan Allardyce who created it for Prospect magazine. The brief called for an image of FSA Chairman Adair Turner answering the need for stronger moral values for the banking industry.

Christian David Moore

A big hello this month to the gorgeous fantasy world of Christian David Moore. Combining ink washes with a strong command of watercolour, Christian takes inspiration from all things glamorous: beautiful women, glamour and luxury. Good choices.

Reading vs Losing

Feast your eyes on Steven Pattison’s jazzy new bookmark illustration for World Wrestling Entertainment. The design came initially via a competition for a child to design a bookmark based on the theme “Reading is for Losers”. The winning piece was then forwarded to Steve to re-draw in his distinctive style. © WWE

Madamesange

A warm welcome also please to Madamesange who brings a delightful mix of decorative line and humour to the agency. Madamesange (aka Helen Lang) has worked extensively in the print and poster industry — impressing clients such as TESCO in the UK and Paper Magic and American Greetings in the US, and looks forward to expanding into editorial and publishing fields.

Decked

This dynamic skate deck art springs from the imagination of Ben Tallon and features at the up-coming ‘Decked’ exhibition in London, where some fifty artists have created art directly onto a skate deck. The exhibition takes place at Stolenspace Gallery, 91 Brick Lane, Poplar, London, E15, UK, and runs from 25th to 30th August, with a private view on Thursday the 27th from 7pm.

Michael Frith

It’s a vintage year for the talents of Michael Frith who is pleased to have his Sunday Times contract to produce portraits for the Profile page renewed. In addition, Michael is having an open studio in September, an exhibition in The French House in London’s Soho towards the year’s end, as well as working on a multi media portrait project with a view to exhibit at The National Portrait Gallery. Not to mention the on-going promotion of his book ‘Yacht'.

Henry VIII Stamp Set

Gail Armstrong has created an incredible set of stamps on Henry VIII for Guernsey Post to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the coronation of the legendary king. Gail has used a colour palette that is heavily influenced by the paintings and textiles of the era. "All of the patterned and textured papers I used for these pieces, I created digitally" explained Gail "rather than being compromised by what was available."

The Nuno

This intriguingly stylish design by Nuno DaCosta was created for top London salon Hari's Salon. Based on his Caran D' Ache colouring pencil box set with a different colour on each nail, the ‘Nuno’ (as it’s come to be known) has been getting a lot of press and meanwhile Mr DaCosta himself promises more to come.

Corr in Close-up

Now until 6th September brings the chance to view some fabulous Christopher Corr paintings at West Dean in Sussex, near Chichester. Chris’s collection brings together paintings from his many varied travels to India, USA, Madagascar, Australia and France. You can also learn from the master himself as Chris will be teaching a painting course there in March.