UWM Illustration
The Hero or the Villain? (You Decide)
Color pencil on paper Two 30.5cm x 40.6cm papers November 2019 Exhibition Text The Hero or the Villain? (You Decide) is an illustration that investigates the characterization of the Greek goddess, Hera. It combines a modern version of her with classic baroque paintings' style. The pieces prompt the viewer to ask what it means to be a villain or a hero, and if Hera was either or both. |
Inspiration
When I heard the prompt for this project "what's old is new again", I immediately thought about Rachel Smythe's comic, Lore Olympus. It's a modern retelling of a classic myth, which totally fits the bill. I brainstormed some opposites with this in mind and came up with the opposite of hero/villain. I know it's pretty cliche, but I've noticed in recent shows and books that villains and heros have become more complicated. They aren't black and white anymore, which as a writer myself, I adore. No one wants a villain that's just bad, they want a backstory. And a hero that's imperfect? Now that's good storytelling.
Anyways, with this opposite in mind I thought about the comic and which character would fit best. Hera stuck in my mind due to something I'd read about her a while ago, how she's only "evil" because in Greek society a woman who disobeyed her husband was breaking tradition. However, in modern times she is a symbol for women who have been cheated on and forced into silence, or even blamed for their significant other's attention wandering. So, I want to place Hera into classic baroque paintings, which often portrayed scenes from Greek mythology, and contrast how she was depicted in the past to how she is viewed now.
When researching baroque paintings I stumbled on the two above. I think the poses are perfect for the story I'm trying to tell. The first, Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse, is a portrait of the leading tragic actress from that time. She is said to have come up with the pose spontaneously, but the confident coolness struck me. I can see putting Hera on her throne here, looking smug on the outside.
The second painting, Self-portrait in the image of Mary Magdalene, is a piece with religious connotations. However, I chose it because of the expression on the woman's face. She looks like she's struggling with something. This is where I can see Hera struggling to deal with a husband who doesn't respect her, even disgraces her with no remorse.
Anyways, with this opposite in mind I thought about the comic and which character would fit best. Hera stuck in my mind due to something I'd read about her a while ago, how she's only "evil" because in Greek society a woman who disobeyed her husband was breaking tradition. However, in modern times she is a symbol for women who have been cheated on and forced into silence, or even blamed for their significant other's attention wandering. So, I want to place Hera into classic baroque paintings, which often portrayed scenes from Greek mythology, and contrast how she was depicted in the past to how she is viewed now.
When researching baroque paintings I stumbled on the two above. I think the poses are perfect for the story I'm trying to tell. The first, Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse, is a portrait of the leading tragic actress from that time. She is said to have come up with the pose spontaneously, but the confident coolness struck me. I can see putting Hera on her throne here, looking smug on the outside.
The second painting, Self-portrait in the image of Mary Magdalene, is a piece with religious connotations. However, I chose it because of the expression on the woman's face. She looks like she's struggling with something. This is where I can see Hera struggling to deal with a husband who doesn't respect her, even disgraces her with no remorse.
Planning
Above are some notes from the pretension introducing this project, along with me brainstorming some opposites. On the left you can see me fleshing out my ideas. I looked at the original compositions of the paintings I chose and made some changes to fit my needs. I also practiced drawing in Rachel Smythe's style. There are some things I'm putting in the diptych to unify them. I added some curtains because I've seen them in baroque paintings before. I also added a sort of circular window in the middle. Below the photo on the left is the last full planning sketch I did. I tried inserting Hera into the paintings. I made the arms of the throne a bit too wide, which I will adjust in my full color sketch. I'm probably going to change the dresses a little to look more Grecian, but otherwise this is pretty much how the piece will look. |
Experimentation
I used mechanical pencils with colored lead for the first time with this project. I wanted to because we've been told many times in class that using color activates the creative side of your brain. Still, I wanted to be able to erase my mistakes, so I got the pencils. They worked pretty well, but smudged a little bit. In my sketches I drew Hera in the dresses the original paintings featured, but for the final diptych I experimented with more Grecian looking clothing. I've never really used colored pencils on a full scale piece like this, so I played around with shading a lot. While I struggled, I did have fun! I was actually impressed with what I could do with the pencils. |
Process
1. First, since the papers I was using were a little bigger than the requirements, i measured out how big each drawing would be.
2. I sketched everything out. I used a mechanical pencil with colored led for Hera to make her stand out more. 3. I did a lighter layer of color first for each part (skin, dress, curtains, etc.) then added shading to give more depth. I layer the light color on top again. 4. I added some lining to the hair and face to emulate the comic's style better. 5. I did the background, trying to make it dark like a baroque painting. 6. For the window i used a liner to add a simple design, then colored it yellow like Hera. |
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Reflection
In all honesty, I'm not completely happy with this project. I think Hera turned out well, but the background and other aspects of the piece look boring and simple. It could be because it's done in colored pencils, making it seem a little unfinished. I don't often use colored pencils because I'm not able to get them to look the way I want. It may look better when I make the gouache illustration because I'll be able to make it seem more like a baroque painting.
Compare & Contrast
Similarities:
Differences:
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ACT Respones
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork.
The way both baroque and Smythe used colors inspired my choices. I also tried to imitate Smythe's style more than my own.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Smythe uses Lore Olympus to confront modern issues. I can tell she cares a lot about her work. She also casts Hera in a different light, giving her character more freedom.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, ect. while you researched your inspiration?
A lot of people think old stories don't apply anymore. However, as Smythe and many other creators have shown, with modern touches classic stories and their lesson can still have impact today. They can even be used to comment on the problems around us today.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
I wanted to investigate Hera and what makes someone a villain or a hero.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
It's my personal opinion that Hera is neither villain or hero, and it's up to each person to draw their own conclusions, but through my research and investigations I've decided that she falls in that morally gray area most people are in.
The way both baroque and Smythe used colors inspired my choices. I also tried to imitate Smythe's style more than my own.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Smythe uses Lore Olympus to confront modern issues. I can tell she cares a lot about her work. She also casts Hera in a different light, giving her character more freedom.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, ect. while you researched your inspiration?
A lot of people think old stories don't apply anymore. However, as Smythe and many other creators have shown, with modern touches classic stories and their lesson can still have impact today. They can even be used to comment on the problems around us today.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
I wanted to investigate Hera and what makes someone a villain or a hero.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
It's my personal opinion that Hera is neither villain or hero, and it's up to each person to draw their own conclusions, but through my research and investigations I've decided that she falls in that morally gray area most people are in.
Bibliography
“Hera, Goddess of Marriage and Childbirth, Queen of the Gods.” Greekgods.org, Greek Gods, www.greek-gods.org/olympian-gods/hera.php.
“Mrs Siddons as the Tragic Muse.” Mrs Siddons as the Tragic Muse | Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/explore-the-collection/301-350/mrs-siddons-as-the-tragic-muse/.
“Self-Portrait in the Image of Mary Magdalene by Artemisia Gentileschi: History, Analysis & Facts.” Arthive, arthive.com/artemisiagentileschi/works/538688~Selfportrait_in_the_image_of_Mary_Magdalene.
Smythe, Rachel. “Lore Olympus.” Www.webtoons.com, Webtoon, www.webtoons.com/en/romance/lore-olympus/list?title_no=1320&page=1.
“Mrs Siddons as the Tragic Muse.” Mrs Siddons as the Tragic Muse | Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/explore-the-collection/301-350/mrs-siddons-as-the-tragic-muse/.
“Self-Portrait in the Image of Mary Magdalene by Artemisia Gentileschi: History, Analysis & Facts.” Arthive, arthive.com/artemisiagentileschi/works/538688~Selfportrait_in_the_image_of_Mary_Magdalene.
Smythe, Rachel. “Lore Olympus.” Www.webtoons.com, Webtoon, www.webtoons.com/en/romance/lore-olympus/list?title_no=1320&page=1.