Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Cinderella's father

For those who were guessing, the version I'm noodling around with is Prokofiev's Cinderella. My wife and I went to see the ballet here a while back, and I've been obsessed with the idea of fleshing out a storybook or animated version ever since. What I find most interesting about Prokofiev's version is not only its unique variation on the story, but the sort of wistful tension that exists throughout the music, even in the playful and happy parts. I haven't found an appropriate style to match the mood of the music, but I'm working on it.

In Prokofiev's Cinderella, her father is still alive, but he's too old and broken in spirit to prevent the abuse she suffers. I like to picture that his weakness comes only partly because of age---so my idea is that he never quite recovered from the grief of his first wife's death, and the oppressive nature of his second marriage has worn him down completely. I wanted him to look like a lord or duke of some sort, someone whose family would be invited to the Prince's ball, and whose moderate wealth would attract the attention of an ambitious lady with spoiled daughters. I tried to reflect all these ideas in the design of his face.
Sorry the colors are so muddy, but I did it quickly (and figured it worked for someone who had lost the will to live anyway).

19 comments:

  1. this is just fantastic sam - i really really love the muted palette you have used in this one....great stuff!!

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  2. Veri cool blog nice stuff,i like the woman portret "Lunch study"

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  3. Sweetness! This is great Sam. Love the color palet. The left shoulder feels awkward though.

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  4. You are truly an amazing artist! It is a pleasure to see your work!

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  5. Great colors! I like the gray tones you picked for this one. Very emotional piece.

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  6. Looks really nice, and your ideas are great too. Love the nose . . . the colors are nice too, nice and subtle, your work is always fun to look at!

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  7. I like the angular face with the soft shading. Nice stuff.

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  8. In response Sam I am determined to concentrate harder than you and have your head explode first. Your work is tooo good you stupid jerk!

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  9. Gorgeous work here sir! Very well done indeed!

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  10. I love this... great design, and loaded with emotion. You do amazing things, Sam.

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  11. I think the eyes say it all. Very moving piece.

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  12. I loved... all the art and the passion impressed in the same place. I think you're awesome and I would like to buy one. Seriously to put it on my wall, can you explain better about the materials stuff and that "new spirit"? Thanks for this brilliant entry.

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