This is a drawing from my sketchbook that I decided to paint for this week's Illustration Friday prompt, Water. It's an illustration of Nathalia Crane's poem The Janitor's Boy.
I discovered the poem because Natalie Merchant made it into a song that I love! Every time it comes around on my ipod I giggle and dance. The album it's on is called Leave Your Sleep- a very quirky fun set of songs from old poems by or for children. You can hear the song and see footage of the recording session on Natalie Merchant's website.
I ordered Nathalia Crane's book and I tell you what, she was VEEEEEEERY in love with that red-haired boy. There are lots of other poems about him also.
My drawing was also influenced by an illustration of a boater on water by Julie Paschkis. I love the way she incorporated words into the layers of water.
Julie has a new book out about the poems of Pablo Neruda illustrated in this wordy style. I can't wait to see it! You can find out more about it on her group blog Books Around the Table.
what a fun illustration!! i love all the extras you put in... the little hearts, the fish, the flowers on the island. Love the poem...and especially the way you played with words in the waves. THank you for the link to Julie Paschkis... i had never heard of her. xox
ReplyDeletebeautiful! I love your version and the inspiration. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pauline and Rita!
ReplyDeleteI love the way the text flows through the water and the light, fun, sweet technique that matches the poem so beautifully. Thank you for introducing me to the poem. I will look into the book!
ReplyDeleteI love this - the details and the text flow, and the poem itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks you guys! Yes, the poem is really fun. I had to look up Sheepshead Bay- it's between Brooklyn and Coney Island which somehow makes it even funnier.
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