Jonathan Bartlett, an illustrator based in Manhattan, creates some spectacular work that combines pencil drawings, Photoshop, and an adventurous use of colour and subject.
I asked him a couple of questions surrounding these special pictures.
What are your illustration tools and what is your work process?
Everything starts traditionally with a graphite drawing on Denril. I don’t use ink. As an early step I will decide on color before hand, usually in a very quick comp over the rough sketch, to ensure color harmony. I’m pretty methodical and know the goal before I start.
The next step is combining layers and layers of scanned objects with Photoshop techniques. At this point, I feel like I am painting with the computer, just not in the traditional sense of the phrase.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I’m developing a series of works for a personal book about people’s mannerisms; an image for a ‘mother earth’ themed show at the Society of Illustrators (keep your eye out for it this summer!), and various editorial projects.
Thanks, JB!
MoonApe on Twitter.
these are really nice, loving the textures but i’m deeply in love with the colors. so nostalgic.
WOW! love the colours, contrast, texture and how the different mediums fit together so seemlessly
I like it:)
all great pictures
Awesome work! Bartletts’ methods may rely heavily on Photoshop, but the end result has a translucent quality more reminiscent of watercolor than digital art.
Super stuff!
really like it, especial the last one.
great work!
Very nice work. Great layers and colors. I wish i could get some talent in the graphic art area.
A very beautiful picture.
Amazing!