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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Illustration Friday: Skinny-Where the Wild Things Are


So here's the skinny on my alternate ending to Maurice Sendack's 'Where the Wild Things Are'. (I know another bad stretch of the topic.)

Max was not so sure his mom would react favorably to him bringing home his new friend. But, the Wild Thing convinced him that once he goes on his diet he'll be skinny enough to fit under Max's bed unnoticed. "Okay, Max said hesitantly."

I've been wanting to do some Wild Things tribute art for quite some time. I went to see the movie for inspiration, and oh, did it ever come pouring in! I can't remember ever smiling more during a movie. I absolutely loved it! Spike Jonze took an already wonderful story, and created a treat for the senses. I love how Jonze focused on the theme of how to abolish sadness. How do you not be sad anymore? This question is what drew me in, and also how Max wanted to believe his acting out was justified and innocuous. After the movie I still wasn't sure what these characters would look like in my drawing until I looked down at my sketchbook and there they were.

I've been having a lot of fun in the sketching stage lately, so I decided to share my pencil sketch this time. As you can see the decorative waves swept in from my last post. Also, you can see I increased the size of the Wild Thing, (Carol in the movie), once I brought it into photoshop. I realized halfway along that he was too small, but decided it would be easier to adjust it after scanning it into the computer. Ahh, the digital age. :)

edit: sail color adjustment

edit#2:
This illustration can now be seen on Cory Godbey's Terrible Yellow Eyes site. "Terrible Yellow Eyes is a collection of works inspired by the beloved classic, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak."

Visit the Terrible Yellow Eyes blog to see all the contributions.

18 comments:

illustration poetry said...

ah, ok :)

Amy C said...

so adorable, your waves are stunning. I havent seen the movie yet!

Cally Johnson-Isaacs said...

Really brilliant! I love it :)

sketched out said...

Fantastic tribute!! Great drawing. Glad to see your sketch and how you adjusted it. I also love the digital age with all it's endless possibilities in adjusting, adjusting, adjusting...

sheree boyd said...

so nice, Angela! have you seen some of the 'where the wild things are' merchandise at urban outfitters?

Tricky Trev said...

Yay! It turned out great. I like that you also posted the sketch. Carol would've been tough to take home though. Where would he sleep? ;) Now I need to get cracking on my interpretation.

Angela Matteson said...

Thanks everyone!

Sheree- No I haven't seen that. I haven't been out to Urban Outfitters in months. I'll have to check it out! :)

Yeah Trev, No excuses bud!

kathy hare said...

just love this...

Curious Art said...

Ah, Max! When will you learn that it is hopeless to embark on a relationship with the intention to change your partner? He is awfully cute though!

I'm very fond of your flying pig too, Angela!

Angela Matteson said...

Leah- Oh, these are wise words on relationships indeed!

And thanks!, can I offer you a fly-covered caramel apple?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful homage.

Mônica said...

Really lovely, what a sweet interpretation... I haven't seen the movie yet, but I love the book. It's great to see your sketch, too. Mine tend to be quite messy, but your lines are clean and confident.

I also really like your decorative waves and your previous post!

Nina Seven N7 said...

i love this! now i want to go see the movie!

Elena said...

Hi Angela! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love your work. This one is especially great as I just saw the movie and your version is very inspired! Do you do most of the coloring in Photoshop? Or maybe I should ask, are you digitally coloring your work? It is really awesome!

Jan said...

Wow, your style is amazing!! Like Elena, I would really like to see more of your workings. I will keep watching to see when you get a book published - soon I think! Thanks for coming by my blog too.

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh, Angela! I'm with you. I adore the book and Maurice Sendack. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Your tribute is so very beautiful. The waves are wonderful, and they way they are looking at each other is precious.

fashion fucsia said...

Awesome illo and a great tribute to this movie! Well done,
^_^

Renee said...

Fantastic picture, your blog is wonderful.

Renee xoxo