Ruskie Illustrators

I think I should try to make my blog more natural. Towards that end, this post will be on Russian Illustrators.

So, lately, as I've researched art, I've been focusing more on illustrators. It turns out that Russians have a unique, pleasant, and refreshingly simple style when it comes to illustrations. They tend to color sizable areas in a single, well-chosen color that often contrasts nicely with those around it. Also, they are very liberal with their outlines; I find that very alluring. Together, these things make for a delightful, fantasy-esque style. Of course, they can't be stereotyped. Russian illustrators are as original and creative as any, (except the English who had the Pre-Raphaelites AND Rackham among a host of others).

The picture below is by Bilibin. I think his work is a wonderful representation of that Russian style. This picture is an illustration for a folk tale about the witch, Baba Yaga, and Vasilisa the Beautiful. I especially like the house's chicken legs. I wish I knew the story. If I did I'd tell you. Now, though, I don't have the time to find out, and I'll probably be lazy and forget later.