The Romaine Riddle Part Three

     This week's post culminates a three part series on creating an illustration based on The Romaine Riddle a New York Times.com article. Unfortunately the article link seems broken. However, the gist of the article was the difficulty in locating the specific source of a recent widespread E. Coli outbreak. Last week I showed the drawing for this piece depicting the three types of lettuce as in a mug-shot. In the end, I ditched the hat on romaine to show his lettuce leaves better. As well as other tweaks like making the eyes on all of them closer in size. 

     It's an exciting week as Adar Illustration moves from the west coast back east and into a new studio. There are several new food illustration projects lined up so check back next week to see what's next!

The Romaine Riddle Part Two

     Last week's blog showed the start of an illustration based on The Romaine Riddle, a New York Times article describing the search for the origin of the recent E. coli outbreak. 

     The update on this outbreak is that it's most likely safe to eat romaine lettuce again, according to to the Centers for Disease Control. This article from Business Insider describes how at the height of the outbreak this April and May one person in California died from exposure to the strain. It goes on to emphasize the importance of washing produce and how it can become contaminated. 

     For this visual take on The New York Times story the concept is a portrayal of romaine as a type of gangster-outlaw. In a classic mugshot line-up, romaine looks straight into the shot as arugula and spinach peer forlornly and suspiciously at him. 

     One part of the article describes the increase in complexity to pinpoint the source of E. coli due to the potential cross-contamination of types of lettuce. 

     Visit Visual Nourishment next week to see the finished colored illustration! 

     As a side note it's so great to see that this illustration of Gbombs is published in Living Nutritarian Magazine! This e-zine is a member-exclusive of DrFuhrman.com. I highly suggest becoming a member. There is a great community forum for seeking support and nutritional information. 

     The illustration of Gbombs was originally published back in February. Click here to find out what it represents!

Urban Farmstands

Urban Farmstands is based on an article in Pacific Horticulture Magazine winter 2018. Residents of Sacramento County are growing more produce in their backyards and bringing it out into the community.

     The above is another illustration in the series I am developing of rendered vegetables in a graphic context. This time I chose to outline the vegetables, integrating them with the environment. 

     Check out the new poll on the side bar and tell me what your favorite vegetable is!

Regaining Momentum, Reenergizing, Reinvigorating

These are a continuation of the spot illustrations I posted last week. 

     Ever since the Illustrators of the Future workshop I feel massively energized for creating art and pursuing freelancing. I'm juggling a lot of projects between homework and clients. As well as polishing old pieces to use for self-promotion.

     I'm also re-evaluating my art business as a whole, in the context of what I'm learning from professionals in the industry and learning about business. For example, I'm very deep into the philosophy of Michael Porter, author of business books Competitive Strategy and Competitive Advantage.

     As I continue learning however, I still believe in the need to push forward with conviction. That is why recently I made the commitment to register Adar Illustration as an LLC in New Jersey. A big step that I never undertook in the past. I also purchased tickets to attend GenCon in August, a major destination for tabletop gaming enthusiasts...and illustrators. Furthermore I purchased a subscription to Yodelist, a resource for promoting illustration to art buyers. All of these steps are driving up my enthusiasm for creating, knowing I'm working towards serving clients specifically, as opposed to ambling aimlessly creating art.

     That said, experimentation is an important part of refueling creative juices and it is one reason I enjoy this blog so much. I seek to maintain it as a place where I feel comfortable posting work that is fun to create, regardless of intent. Sometimes the work is more intentional, sometimes less. Also, at least for the time being, I plan to keep this blog specifically, food-centered.

     So that is some of what's happening in the world of Adar Illustration this week 😊✌✋

The Mayo Mogul

     Firstly, I am back from Illustrators of the Future this week which was a superb experience. I'll recall the memories of it fondly for a long time. 

     This week's art that I'm showing is based on an article called The Mayo Mogul. It's about a company called Hampton Creek a.k.a. "Just." It produces alternative, plant-based food products. Below is the vector art drawing prior to color.

     I really enjoy this style as a creative outlet to explore something away from the very realistic, painterly work I do in other contexts.

Illustrators of the Future and Maite Franchi

     A use of illustration that I am very interested in is editorial. This mainly refers to magazines. This outlet features many unique styles and opportunities for illustrating food. Take Maite Franchi for example. She is a French illustrator. The above image for Shop Magazine exemplifies the strong themes of design and food throughout her portfolio. Below are more examples of her work. All info is from: maitefranchi.com  

     Here is an interview with Maite on 99 Percent Lifestyle

Maite Franchi for The Huffington Post 2016

Maite Franchi for Easy Jet Magazine 2015

     As for me I am in Los Angeles this week for Illustrators of the Future. This is a contest I submitted imaginative realism illustration to in 2017 and was accepted as a finalist. Now I get to participate in the week long workshop and attend a Hollywood awards ceremony. That is when the grand prize winner is announced. Frankly I would love to win! Who wouldn't!? But whatever happens I'm happy with myself for making it this far. Plus I get to meet some other very talented illustrators and professionals. No doubt I can learn a lot from these people.

Bug Zapper

     This week's post is an editorial illustration based on an article called Bug Zapper. The title alludes to the use of irradiation to remove bacteria from food. However, the real focus of the article is the debate about irradiated meat and if it is safe to eat or not.

     I want this illustration to subtly make light of the topic in the article. I show the lab technicians zapping meat with silly looking tools and protective masks. This is because I consider this debate to be of little importance. The bigger picture is that irradiated or not, meat causes a lot of negative long-term health problems.

     This is a mixed media illustration using graphite, colored pencil and Photoshop painting. Lately I'm really enjoying combining all sorts of media together.

Inspired by Dr.Fuhrman: GBOMBS

     Today's piece of art is a conceptual illustration based on the acronym GBOMBS. It stands for:

Greens

Beans

Onions

Mushrooms

Berries

& Seeds

     What makes these types of foods so special? They are uniquely endowed to fight against cancer and various deadly illnesses. This knowledge is thanks to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, creator of the nutritarian diet. A way of eating that prioritizes nutrient density for achieving maximum longevity.

     I am so excited this illustration is finally a reality after holding the idea in my mind for a long time. I hope it creates the impression of these types of foods blowing up like a bomb, eradicating harmful diseases. 

     To learn more about being nutritarian and Dr. Fuhrman visit his website drfuhrman.com.

     If you enjoy the Healthy Food Artist blog, please share it with a friend!