I’ve finally had the chance to properly view my finished illustrations in mixed media (Oils and pencil – so it took a while for them to dry) that came from a rough contour sketch of a praying manta character in a sketchbook that I drew years ago. A lot of my drawing / illustration work starts with the technique of contour drawing to capture the essence of whatever I am trying to depict, as well as letting my natural visual style / language shine through. It also allows for drawing that surprises you. I thought I’d show you the rough and some final work for this praying mantis character who still without a name – if you have any suggestions please comment below.
‘Praying Mantis’ character rough by Gillian Hebblewhite 2005. Pencil on paper. Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
‘Praying Mantis’ final piece by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
I thought it would be great to have the praying mantis making a fly cocktail / smoothie by following recipe instructions
Praying Mantis character making a fly cocktail, with ingredients, illustration by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Chillies for a fly cocktail / smoothie illustration by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Praying Mantis character cutting up a chilli for a fly cocktail, illustration by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Praying Mantis character making a fly cocktail illustration by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Praying Mantis character making a fly cocktail illustration (close up) by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Praying Mantis character sharing a fly cocktail illustration by Gillian Hebblewhite 2022. Mixed media on canvas paper (oils and pencil). Attribution-Non Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
I was really pleased with the praying mantis using the food processor illustration – with the magnified eye! Hope you like these illustrations. If you would like to learn more about blind contour drawing and have a go yourself click here.
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Gillian Hebblewhite 
Perry Manits, I love the image of him peering into the blender.
Cheers,
-Eric
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Perry Mantis – I’m quite liking that Eric 🙂
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