Well, I must say it has been forever since I last posted and I apologize. I am still getting used to the crazy new world and president. But I think I am back to it and back to a illustration schedule. Here are the latest portraits I've illustrated:
George Orwell Literary Portrait
My first portrait is of the incredible George Orwell (1903-1950). I read his books, Nineteen Eighty Four and Animal Farm in high school but have recently started to reread them. Although they are works of fiction, there is so much truth there. His Dystopian world scares the hell out of me, and I hope that we aren't going down anything close to the world he speaks of in his writing.
Debra Styer, The Road to Orwellian, 2017
Hand painted in watercolor and gouache paints over a graphite drawing.
In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
George Orwell
George Orwell's Press photo 1943
My Illustrated Ode to George Orwell is available here in my shop.
Rumi Literary Portrait
My Literary Portrait of 13th Century Poet, Writer, Theologian and Sufi Mystic, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (aka Rumi).
Rumi (1207-1273) is one of the worlds most beloved poets and writers. His work is timeless. Although his work was written over 800 years ago. It seems to fit in perfectly in todays world. It's as if he wrote his words to go straight to my heart.
Debra Styer, "It Is Rumi It Is", 2017
Hand painted in watercolor and gouache paints over a graphite drawing.
“The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along.”
I have always loved Rumi's poetry. His work is heartfealt and contemporary. Although it was written in the 13th Century, it seems like it is written today. Don't you think?
My Illustrated Ode to Rumi is available here in my shop.
Charlotte Bronte Literary Portrait
Debra Styer, "Charlotte on the Moors", 2017
Hand painted in watercolor and gouache paints over a graphite drawing.
Charlotte Bronte (1816- 1855) tells her "Tale of Woe" in her writing. Her work is dark and deep and feminist. I love it. Best known for her book, Jane Eyre, she tells tales of unrequited love, lost love and bad timing.
"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will."
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte is best known for writing the romantic, yet heartbreakingly tragic story, Jane Eyre. This classic Victorian Gothic of literature is one of my favorite stories. As readers, we read about the bad luck and the woes of love and between Jane and Mr. Rochester.
Charlotte is some of the most beloved writers in English literature. I love the dark twists in her tales as well as the the feminist characters. Her Heroines are strong women always trying to do the right thing, even if it means, almost, giving up on love.
Charlotte Bronte by George Richard 1850
There is much controversy of what the Bronte sisters actually looked like. My portrait tries to find a happy place between all the different portraits.
My portrait of Charlotte is available here in the shop!