We really like the brush work and warm palette being used in these ink illustrations by Norwich-based Joel Benjamin. Originally from Suffolk, he grew up with a love of the outdoors, which can be seen in his drawings and their soothing, rustic tones. A great use of ink and watercolour, scanned in and reworked for a modern edge to a traditional medium. He tells us more about his inspiration.
I work with Indian ink to create sensitive, figurative images. Largely inspired by man and beast’s relation to the great outdoors. Sometimes showing concern for the progress of the modern world and its distancing from nature and traditional cultures. That said though, when I let myself relax, I just like to do anything related to fixed gear, skateboarding or modern girls.
People, faces and clothing are my favourite subjects, so I try to incorporate as many of those things into my illustration as possible.
The line work is drawn using pencils, then Indian ink with a fine brush, putting a lot of emphasis on creating contoured lines of even thickness. I use Photoshop to colour and shade, then add some painted textures from a folder full of scanned-in watercolour washes I’ve collected.
My main influences include classical art, good comics (and some bad ones), folklore, skate vids, fashion and ancient cultures/
© Joel Benjamin, 2012
