Fables de la Fontaine. Book in Progress (post 11)
I’m so happy to be back reporting!
Today has been a great day regarding the book. I spent lots of time working on the hare character and trying to figure out the best way to represent it. (The fable in question now is The Tortoise and the Hare). First I thought about creating an adult hare in the scene where the tortoise presents him the race challenge. I thought that I would make him laughing and looking at the tortoise with a funny expression like: Hey! You must be nuts to think that you can beat me in a race!
But something about that idea didn’t click with me. I just didn’t want to represent a mean hare. So I ended up finding my favorite way to illustrate this character:
I created a young hare with an innocent personality. After the tortoise wins the race he’s genuinely puzzled. He can’t understand how the tortoise won the race when he’s so fast. I think that by going in this direction I am communicating something positive to the children reading the fable. Sometimes we think that we’re right about something until life proves us wrong. In this fable the hare is learning a very important lesson. As you can see his body expression is saying: OH man! I was wrong, I better learn this lesson. Also, I think that this tortoise is pretty amazing after all 
Don’t you like this way better?
Now I can’t wait to start working on the tortoise. She has to be really special, because in the end I want her to look as someone who’s teaching an important lesson. She should look nice and happy, like a good teacher.
Also, today I discovered the difference between rabbits and hares. One of my favorite things about working on this book is how much I’m learning about the animals that I’m representing. I never had the chance to study all these animals I detail. This book project is teaching me a lot as well
Read Post #12 Start from the beginning
You know what I love about these illustrations? The attention you’re paying to the shoes!
I love your approach to the illustrations as one of getting to the essence of the moral/lesson of the story to yourself. Not just making something skillful or attractive, but also tying the characters to their meaning. Brava!
Thanks a lot Melissa!
I love making tiny shoes.
It’s amazing how much shoes can help build a character.
Just like people; shoes say a lot about people’s personalities.
Thank you Shelley!
What a nice compliment
The minute that I looked at the hare, I noticed his puzzled expression! Then I read your description! I love that you think beyond the normal telling of these stories to show children AND adults a new and fresh viewpoint!
Wonderful!!! <3
Thank you Gina!
Hopefully adults will also get the lessons from these fables in a fresh way.
I’m trying to make these illustrations appealing for children and adults as well.
That way the book will be more special
Sweet and full of expression! The body language says it all. Thanks Elsita.
The hare is adorable! I love his ears and the clothes! They seem so soft! The shape is awesome too!
I just came across an image of a turtle race and had to come share it with you, I hope you wont mind and will like it as much as I do!: http://studiorayyan.blogspot.com/2010/12/full-speed-ahead.html
i learned something new about rabbits and hares today too!! Thank you so so much for this daily dip into your sea of creativity.
He’s simply wonderful! From his shoes to his sweet, surprised expression he is perfect!
I love your hare and what a wonderful way to teach children and the adults.
Plato said: the first was crying because you’re not, the second laughing because meet you, third smiling tears because can’t have you.
See how the sky was black during the day, see how long is the night, and at dawn.
There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure nice points in features also.
I believe tears at a funeral are all those the one who died never got to cry while alive. We finish cleansing their soul when we cry.
nice article and great space,thanks for sharing this with all of us
College sports, especially football and basketball, are a big industry.
so good place at here, thanks.I can not believe that, the imformation is so helpful for me.
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