Monthly Archives: December 2009

So here’s a look at my final assignment for Illustration 3.  We were assigned to illustrate an Independence Day holiday shopping bag for the high-end retailer Barneys New York. So this image is comprised of 4 sides when folded. I decided to draw a panoramic scene, using collaged photos from the New York Public Library as reference. The drawing took a full day, I started with a basic outline on grid paper, then transferred the outlines using carbon paper onto a nice off-white watercolour paper. From there I added detail with pencil. Colouring took quite a while, but I think I pulled it off alright in the end.

Within the illustration I tried to include important American figures and elements. I wanted to create a bag that would look interesting from far away, but upon closer inspection little tidbits of american history are scattered around each side.
From left to right; American Flag (obviously), Paul Revere (jumping between buildings on his horse), George Washington (Chopping a cherry tree in the park), Liberty Bell Cafe, A few colonial soldiers marching down the street in front of the ‘Jefferson’ building, and a kite about to be struck by lightning (referencing Benjamin Franklin).