Rubis Firenos

The Winter Fox O Ka-Fée© Rubis Firenosrubisfirenos.tumblr.com

The Winter Fox O Ka-Fée
© Rubis Firenos
rubisfirenos.tumblr.com

Marine Dragon The Fishes’ King O Ka-Fée© Rubis Firenosrubisfirenos.tumblr.com

Marine Dragon The Fishes’ King O Ka-Fée
© Rubis Firenos
rubisfirenos.tumblr.com

I’ve always appreciated the illustrative work of Rubis Firenos (her chosen pseudonym), she was the artist who inspired me to use coffee in my own watercolour paintings.

The O Ka-Fée is a secret blend of coffee which is the artists signature medium. This coffee blend allows her to create unique textures on the hot pressed watercolour paper.

The combination of a simple drawing style and striking watercolour and ink work results in wonderfully atmospheric pieces which I’ve always been taken by.

The Fall O Ka-Fée© Rubis Firenosrubisfirenos.tumblr.com

The Fall O Ka-Fée
© Rubis Firenos
rubisfirenos.tumblr.com

Alexis Marcou

Red Deer © Alexis Marcou alexismarcou.com

Red Deer
© Alexis Marcou
alexismarcou.com

Alexis Marcou combines traditional drawing with digital enhancements to make his polygon inspired imagery. I love how he chooses to draw attention to specific areas of the animal using high detail which he then breaks up with abstract elements.

I found an interview in which he discuses his practice in more detail, including using specific digital imaging software to polish his work, accompanied by an interesting handmade anti-smudge glove!

Bad Panda © Alexis Marcou alexismarcou.com

Bad Panda
© Alexis Marcou
alexismarcou.com

Kate Nelms

Walrus
© Kate Nelms
katenelms.blogspot.com

Kate Nelms is inspired by childrens book illustrations, and I really like the simplicity in her own illustrations, especially this walrus. The scratchy way she’s painted this beast is wonderful, the skin quality alone is so striking and the little beedy eye brings the image to life.