© Kathleen RietzSometimes great things come in small packages. This is actually an older illustration I did for a story I had floating around in my head about a boy who is given this beautiful little box, and contained in the box are magical powers. I loved the imagery I had envisioned for the story, and decided to paint the cover illustration as a promo piece last year.
Great work! the eyes of the child are so expressive and deep
ReplyDeletebeautiful solid colors. i like the boys eyes most especially.
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous, Kathleen! The boy's eyes are so real and expressive. Sounds like a lovely story, too!
ReplyDeleteExtremely beautiful, great characters Kate! The little boys eyes are so compelling and the look of pride on the mother's face is plain as day! Love this!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful illustration Kate! It is really expressive and rich. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image and sounds like a wonderful story. Like everyone else...the eyes are awesome!! thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful!! I love the colours and the eyes are simply amazing ~ :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful Illustration- right down to the smartly designed, lidded box and surface decoration of the material! The characters are full of life and the colors are rich!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work Kate!!
ReplyDeleteThe boys face is adorable and I love the colors in the piece!
ReplyDeleteThis piece really shows your range as an accomplished artist. Very masterful expression and rich colors. Love it love it love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!!
ReplyDeletejust beautiful and soulful...the colors are fabulous...
ReplyDeleteOh! Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteThis eyes are absolutely sweet, magical and expressive.
Is always a pleasure see your art.
Cata
They are both really well drawn! Great faces and expressions. The boy is awesome.
ReplyDeletethe eyes are phenomenal! such soulful expession. perfect. a lovely image.
ReplyDeleteOh this is very beautiful Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteJust so beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteWow, how wonderful! I love the warm expressions on the faces, especially.
ReplyDeleteKate, hands down one of your best! Everything about this is magnificent...the expressions, the jeweltone colors, everything. I'm speechless. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks everyone!!
ReplyDeleteThe colors are so rich. Oh I love this style!
ReplyDeletehe looks like a real person...did you use a reference photo for the little boy? anyway, great painting, kate!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, Kathleen! I love their expressions, so sweet and touching!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful illustration, very delicate, love the warm colors. Sounds like a great story ! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow kate, this is amazing.. Love it! :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Enigma. Often when I am creating art in my "realistic" style (as opposed to the whimsical style I have been posting lately), I compile a series of reference photos or research articles. Then I create my own characters in my head, based off of the photos or articles. So these characters are from my imagination, but I did use some photos for lighting, fabric pattern, colors, jeweled boxes, etc. While I did have a reference photo of a child, this boy is from my imagination (the child in my reference photo was actually crying and had his mouth open). So I would say that I often use photos as a guide for inspiration, but not for copying.
ReplyDeleteI just want to echo the comments here. Really nice work, Kate. I like seeing the variety on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment - I'm getting back in the saddle! ;)
love the expressions and the bold colors!
ReplyDeleteWow! I agree the expressive eyes on the child are very compelling. Amazing illustration.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about those eyes that are so captivating. What a beautiful illustration!
ReplyDeletei see, thanks for the explanation, kate. its a great tips!
ReplyDeleteWao Kate, this illustration is impressive!! The colours and the eyes of the kid...
ReplyDelete:D
This is gorgeous. From the rich but not overpowering colors, to the emotion conveyed in the subjects' faces, to the patterns blended in all over-- WOW!!! And I'd like to read that story... is it written, or still floating around in your imagination?
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth! The story is still just floating around in my mind. I would love to get it on paper someday. I hope to take some writing classes one day.
ReplyDeleteReally nice, and different for you. I want you to read me the story!! ;-)
ReplyDeletewow, you are really talented!!
ReplyDeleteI love it!!
Mer
wonderful illo! love the sound of the story!!! I want a magical box :)
ReplyDeletegreat illustration! so expressive!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors and the asian feel you created with texture and color. The character style is cool too.
ReplyDeleteYour sense of depth, colors and facial expressions always amaze Kate!
ReplyDeleteMuy buenas ilustraciones, felicitaciones, sos muy buena dibujando.
ReplyDeleteSaludos
Nicopderosa - Garcias por un comentario! Me gusta tu ilustraciones y tu blog. Feliz Navidad.
ReplyDeleteThis really is magic. I love the child's expression.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're one of the kates who won a present, so just let me know your address, and it will ship in no time.
I'm going home on the 19th, but the road until that day seems long. There are so many things that need to be done, so many letters and gifts to send out before that date, so many things to do for the winery... I wish I had four arms and hands. Well, not aesthetically speaking.
I wish you very happy holidays and all the best in 2008, but I hope to get back to you before that.
Beautiful book cover. Love the colors.
ReplyDeleteHi! Beautiful illustration. Wonderfull style.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, warm piece. I love the colors you used.
ReplyDelete