Mermaid Jane

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Jane Aldridge and her Sea of (Fish) Shoes

Color Rough
Pencil Rough
Concept Thumbnails

I owe the lovely Miss Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes a BIG thank-you. On September 28th, 2010 she called out to her readers for their artistic interpretations of their favorite Spring 2011 look. When I read this, my heart stopped. I submitted my entry on October 2nd and within hours my blog jumped from obscurity to the number one up-and-coming art blog on bloglovin. Surely this is a testimony to just how influential Madam Aldridge is. Later that week, when the brilliant Bil Donovan asked us to choose our favorite style icon for a conceptual portrait project, naturally I chose Jane.

Capturing Jane in a conceptual portrait proved to be no easy feat!! For one, some of the most incredible illustrators have already drawn her ie. Danny Roberts of Igor & Andre. I just really wanted to do something different. My first thought was to turn Jane into a shoe. After several attempts (as my classmates will attest) the shoe idea was just not coming together. Alas it was put to rest. I decided instead to explore the concept of Jane as a mermaid with her own sea of (fish) shoes. She has such a fresh, ethereal quality to her that lent itself perfectly to an underwater mermaid theme.

Nearly two months of preparation, ten color roughs, and one nervously painted final later, I'm relieved to say it's finished. More than anything I hope it stands as a token of my deepest gratitude to Jane. 5,200 people have viewed my entry to date and there is no telling the opportunities that can come from said exposure. I think it takes someone of amazing character to offer their readers a platform such as this. Jane, if you're reading, thank-you again for giving your readers such a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents. I just really hope you like it. Enjoy!!

16 comments:

  1. aww LOVE this! I'm inspired :)

    www.aniab.net

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  2. Meags this looks like the little mermaid, and is reminding me of how much I used to love that movie!! :) so awesome!

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  3. Oh this is so so beautiful! The colours are so vibrant and eye catching and the composition flows so wonderfully. I can feel a lot of movement here and there is something very enchanting about the whole piece that draws me in! It's great to see how the work has developed too, I always love knowing how a great piece of art came about from start to finish!

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  4. AMAZING!!! The mermaid with the sea of shoes concept is bright, fresh, and just lovely. The thought and work you put into this is so apparent! I all your ideas, and how you put everything together. Great job :)

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  5. i love it!!! i also thank the art contest by jane beacuse by entering myself i was able to find your blog!! and with that i found out we share the same birthday!!!
    Also, almost a year ago i bout myself some color pencils (prismacolors are the best haha) and sketch pads because i wanted to start drawing again (it had been a while since H.S!!) but i never found the time...but after entering the contest and lookin at your blog..you my dear have inspired me to restart!!! so..thanks!! lol

    -Shirley-

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  6. great work; i like the colours !!

    thanks so much for your lovely comment

    xx Marina

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  7. You did a really good job, well done you, and you deserve all the attention, your drawings are an inspiration and I'm glad I've found you in this huge and crowded internet world :)

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  8. Thank-you all SO much!! I feel the same way about all of you. Even though it's only been 3 months, I've had such an incredible experience in the blogosphere. Much love xx

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  9. Wow wow wow,beautfiul!!!!!!!!!

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  10. Gorgeous! Such a unique concept too. Great work Meag!

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  11. Merci merci merci!! Love your comments ladies!!

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  12. This is gonna make you laugh! So, every time I'm teaching a lesson that requires some guided drawing/sketching for students, I swear I think of you and say, "Meag would laugh at these pictures since a 5 year old kid can draw better." lol But honestly, I must say.....when I do TRY n draw something ..as simple as it is, I have a fun time doing it. You must feel the same way every time. Nice to do something you're passionate about. Good Job Meagan, you're talent is breathless

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  13. Meagan, твои рисунки и оригинал (Jane Aldridge) - восхитительны! как дуновение рыжего ветра... всплеск голубой волны...

    Обожаю твои работы =)
    С наилучшими пожеланиями из России)

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  14. Meagan dear,

    thank you for your words!!

    thanks for the link - it's gorgeous!! i've seen the 'Jane Shoe' online before and had no idea it was yours. LOVE the mermaid. just gorgeous.

    So happy you liked my portrait of Jane. She's so beautiful i wanted to draw her for so long.

    I sent it to her 2 days ago - Haven't heard from her yet.. i just hope she likes it..

    Have wonderful holidays dear!

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