When I think of illustrations by Robbi, I think of her distinctive line. Sometimes clean, but usually messy and often with a healthy dose of splatter, her line is an anchor for the color, which comes later, after the ink has dried and the soul of the image has been established.
On the heels of Forest Fire, I bring you I Think It’s a Rottweiler, another of the three images Robbi drew while Alden, Kato, and I were at the playground last week.
There is no line, and so I’m left to puzzle in the resulting blur. The color is also unexpected. And the lack of editorial agenda. Usually Robbi is taking a swipe at someone when she draws. There is almost always an edge, however tinged with benevolence or empathy. But this dog seems to be a dog, caught in a moment of reflection. Perhaps he has just eaten? Perhaps it is hot out. Who can say?
Though it is strange to me, I like the image, which is more of a painting than an illustration, I think.
If you think you like it, too, feel free to bid. There’s no telling when another like it will ever come along.
For me, it’s the blue that really draws me in…it’s kind of vivid and surprising and yet fits perfectly. I like it.
Thanks, Don. I’m glad you like the blue. I like it too, but wasn’t really sure why.
I like! Fresh and expressive. Looks almost fuzzy in places, like you blotted the paint with something woven. But it’s on the same diagonal angle, so is that the weave of the paper on which you painted?
Clare – yes, it’s the weave of the paper. I painted on pastel paper, so the texture showed through in the spots where I don’t have much paint on the brush. Fuzzy seems appropriate for a maybe-Rottweiler, no?