Art Notes
Very often, when I am preparing for to start a new illustration or project, I need to research history, or mythology, or how a specific object or machine works, what people wore at different eras, and so on. This stage of the project is almost as exciting as the drawing itself, because I always end up learning something new.
I try to document as much as posible of my “prep-work” but sometimes due to lack of time, those things end up being known only by me. However, when I do have some extra time, I like to present those little backstage details, because I think that not only they show you how I approach a new project, also you too may find it as fun and exciting to learn new things.
*All original illustrations belong to Mariana Boune, however any image/photograph used as reference or inspiration belongs to it’s respective owner/creator.
Irupé Flower
FOLK TALE FROM SOUTHAMERICA
This illustration was based on a folktale from the Guarani tribes in South America.
The beautiful Irupé wanted to be like the moon, but she couldn’t reach it. One day, she saw the moon reflected on a lake and jumped into the water to get it. She was never seen again but it is said that the god Tupa turned her into a beautiful giant water lily which looks just as beautiful as the moon.
Because I come from South America, I feel a special connection to this piece. It was very eye opening to research the tribes culture and past.
Kitsune
FANTASY SPIRIT FROM JAPAN
Foxes have become well known characters in folktales and religion.
There are 2 types of fox Spirits: the tricksters, and the protectors.
Regardless of that, all Kitsune have similar magic skills, they can appear in dreams, and they can shapeshift to human form.
They also become up to 9 tails and become wiser with each century.
I always enjoyed Japanese culture, so researching this topic was extremely interesting to me.
Nature’s Aegis
MTG ART PROMPT.
I wanted to make a fantasy Illustration based on a Brief or Prompt.
I am a big fan of MTG card game, so I decided to try this example of prompt I found on a website.
I grounded my illustration in the keywords “confident” and “serene” and the idea that this mage has no fear, because nature is protecting her.
The Sisters
MYTHOLOGY GODDESSES OF FATE.
I made this illustration inspired in the mythological characters from many regions of the world, that represent fate, or the past, present and future.
The Nordic Norns, The Greek Moirai, the Parcae and the Deities are extremely similar in concept.
This 3 sisters, weave the destiny of each person. The youngest works in the threads, the middle age weaves the tapestry of life, and the eldest gives the last touches and cuts the threads.
I enjoyed learning how real tapestries have been made for centuries, and the beauty of this craft.
I love mythology, but this project was specially interesting because not only I got to learn more about myths, but also pushed me to learn a lot about the craft of weaving.
Skuld
NORSE MYTHOLOGY.
Following my mythological path after the Fates, I decided to illustrate Skuld.
Skuld was one of the Norns, but also was a Valkyrie. Given that she played a decisive part in the fate of each person, she also was the one who would choose which warrior would go to the Valhalla.
For this one, I had to research not only the mythology but also learned a lot about the Nordic culture, their apparel , their armour and weapons and things like that (although I took some artistic liberties)
Mermaid
MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES.
As I said before, I love mythology. But I think because of the popularity of the mermaids, I never felt too intrigued or interested about this creatures as an option for illustrations.
However, because May is almost here, I wanted to push myself doing a character that doesn’t immediately excite me.
I decided to go for a “non friendly” mermaid and to be honest, I loved the painting process, gathering inspiration from different fishes and aquatic creatures. Later in I decided to expand the mermaid world and imagine what other mermaid “groups” are like as societies so I sketched some “non-aggressive” merfolks.
After all, I had a lot of fun!
