Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Leeza in Astridland

Well, first of all Astrid has so many fabulous pieces in her online portfolio — which, by the way, is broken down into five categories: adults, men, character development, children's and web/graphics — it was hard, very hard, for me to choose one. So like, Dee, I broke the rules a bit and am posting three images which stood out the most to me and here's why.



This one is from her adults illos. It immediately jumped out at me because of the perspective. It captured my attention right away. This seemed to be a much different viewpoint from most of Astrid's work in her folio, and I think that's why I noticed it. I felt like I was right there with the lady taking a picture of this beautiful scene. Great, simple use of color kept clutter at bay and her composition sat 'just right'.



This is a greetings card, but I can totally see the image as a page in a children's book for sure! Astrid has playfully used fun, bold and bright colors with an adorable character to top it off. I can almost see our little bunny friend here getting into something he shouldn't be! Astrid, this is a wonderful style that is charming, warm and, as I said, playful. (Why isn't Billy Goats in your portfolio, though?)

Now, THIS illustration was the biggest surprise to me out of everything:



I actually, think this is my fave! it's wonderful, humorous, well rendered and just a delightful illustration. Why on earth is there a pig at the top of a skyscraper??? Who knows, but I love it.

I think all three pieces demonstrate Astrid's wonderful range of work. She has a true talent that is inspiring in a unique and intriguing way. Her natural ability to think outside the the stereotypical box shines through each and every illustration that she creates. Bravo to Astrid!

6 Comments:

potatomamma said...

Oh my gosh Leezy, you make me blush! Thank you so much for your very very positive feedback. It's 3:15 am but of course I coulnd't wait until tomorrow to read it - BIG cyberhug to you!

This positive feedback from you, whom I deem one of my inspirational illustrator heroes out there – means a *lot* :-)

Funny, the pieces you picked are not among my list of current favorites. Your fresh look on them made me look at them differently, and remember to use the techniques some day. Thank you for the reminder!

October 16, 2007 9:19 PM  
Leezy said...

Hey no worries Astrid - my pleasure, but please, me an inspiration to you? Oh my gosh, you don't know how much I am gushing now backatchya!!!! (Thank you).

I can relate to what you say about being not your personal fave or least faves. I absolutely feel the same way when people point out my work like that. I have learned that if more than two or three people start pointing out the same pieces, to pay attention to that.

Were they ones that came more easily to you? Or ones you didn't think much about when working on them? Sometimesthat's the indicator that you're getting it right. I'll be talking more about that in my conference write-up.

October 16, 2007 9:28 PM  
Dee said...

I agree about the piggie being a fave...the ridiculous situation just begs to have an explanation. :) I think the birthday card style draws my eyes just a little more though. I think it's the bold colors. ;D Astrid you have some great work!

October 18, 2007 11:15 AM  
johanna said...

I too love the piggy! Great post Leeza, I've never seen this piece of Astrid's and I'm glad you brought it to light! It's wonderful!

October 18, 2007 3:02 PM  
Michelle Lana said...

Eversince I saw Astrid's first post in IF, I was surely hooked! Astrid is awesome indeed!

October 18, 2007 3:11 PM  
Frizz said...

Yeah, that pig needs a story. I like the looseness of it, the washy colored buildings.

Another very talented gal with a very distinctive style.

October 26, 2007 8:57 AM  

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