Here's a thumbnail sketch by American illustrator Saul Tepper (1899-1987). This has all the qualities a good thumbnail should have:
1. Basic story situation reads immediately. Guy comes into a disordered room and sees woman on bed.
2. Simple tonal organization. She's light, he's dark. Coats on wall behind her frame the curve of her hip.
3. Basic acting through body language is strong. He seems shocked or angry, she seems sick or weak.
4. All other less important details are barely suggested and subordinated.
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Illustration Art blog has a great post about Tepper's thumbnail sketches.
A lot of people don't know that Saul Tepper was also a songwriter. Here's one of his tunes.
4 comments:
Saul Tepper studied under Harvey Dunn and worked with Albert Dorne. Lucky guy. In addition to a remarkable illustration career that led to his induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, Wikipedia says he was also a "a songwriter whose work was recorded by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller, and Harry James." Wow, talk about diversity of talent!
This supports my firm belief that learning how to arrange a picture, compose a song, design a house, all use common fundamental skills. Practicing one builds ability in all.
A simple step that could save a lot of paintings from that pile hidden in the closet, or James' solar painting burner!
The link through to the Illustration blog was great, thanks. Those wee thumbnails showed such life. Like little windows.
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