My "Stroll through the Black Cat Alley" illustration was inspired by Joan Rodriguez's narrative, capturing the spirit of urban exploration and personal discovery through a blend of color pencils, watercolor pencils, and oil pastels. My process began with sketching to incorporate the story's emotional depth with the physical environment of an alley, emphasizing the contrast between the character's feelings and the lively yet gritty urban landscape.
I used a mix of blending, layering, burnishing, and underpainting techniques, to bring the scene to life. Watercolor pencils laid down the mood with soft hues, color pencils added detail and depth, and oil pastels brought vibrancy and texture, symbolizing the rich, layered experiences of urban life.
This illustration is more than just a visual piece; it's a narrative journey through the eyes of someone finding inspiration in the least expected places. This illustration serves as a reminder of the insightful discoveries that await in the ordinary, urging us to explore and appreciate the complex beauty around us. Just as Bigshot Robot did by creating the Mural Heart on a Platter which was what I created for my illustration to go with the Stroll through the Black Cat Alley story because I felt this mural out of all of them that are in Black Cat Alley went well with Joan’s story because of how he talks about how much he loved how each mural has its own message.
