Sir Valance Surveillance
5″ x 7″, Copic Markers, Micron & Prismacolor fine liners
Made for the Illustration Friday topic “Surveillance”. So I was just going to do a dapper fellow called Sir Valance who liked valances. But Bert thought I should make him standing behind the valance, and then I thought it should be an ad for his detective agency. I thought the idea was too complicated and I didn’t think I’d be able to illustrate it. But then I did. Which is very satisfying. (And the result of a lot of practice. Tons. If you wondered.) ;)
Murmak Cogwrench ATC
2.5″ x 3.5″ Copics, Microns, gel pen
And this is an art card for a “People of Planet X” swap, which is third in a series after People of the Forest and People of the Sea (see previous posts)! I tried to get some vital statistics so I could introduce this fellow, but the universal communicator reverted to ones and zeroes and I wasn’t able to fix it in time for this post.
Thanks for visiting! Progress pics below. Questions and comments always welcome!
[portfolio_slideshow size=”large”]
Sir Valance seems pretty well camouflaged here – and debonair. Haven’t visited in a while, glad I did today. Your ammonite lizarid is a total wow. Tell me more about the white pen…
Thank you! The gel pen I use is a Signo Uniball. It is nicely opaque for pen and ink, though the tip tends to clog some.
You are sooooo creative! Sir Valance is a hit:-)
I would definitely hire him!!! Lovely work!!!
Hi! What a great word play to change surveillance to a Sir. I had to look up ‘valance’, and it was what I thought: a curtain (thing). Very handy to peep through and watch.
I like it that you are trying new things: making an entourage and the skulls and robotic creatures. In spite off the big theeth this iXy beast is looking so sweet, bit sleepy, not scary at all. And veryvery beautiful decorations!
This is so clever and creative, plus I love his name! I’ve been thinking about purchasing some Copic and gel pens for my daughter. Can you share your favorite colors?
Thank you! Oh geez, favorite colors! They do change, and I do have over 100 colors. But one of my early favorite groups of colors was Pale Pink Fruit, Tea Rose, Peach and Bougainvillaea. I tend to like light colors and do a lot of blending. Other pale favorites are Green Bice, Cool Shadow and Heather.
Clever word play, and I love the way his hands are on the curtain rod. Nice job!
Better than a nanny cam! Love the wordplay – great idea!
Sir Valance is so much fun! He looks like the perfect 19th century detective. Is he standing on a chair back there?
Cindy, Sir Valance is a riot! He’s stolen my heart!
Sir Valence is delightful! He looks like he belongs in an old western salon or carnival. Like the drapes too….defintely a departure from your usual style. And love how Cogwrench’s eues sparkle!
Wow, nice! I adore your style and attention for detail. The colors are beautiful and I like your interpretation of this weeks IF theme!
Looks like he will have no trouble accomplishing his mission! Fun illo.!
I linked over from Illustration Friday – LOVE your detective!! I would totally hire him if I needed some surveillance done – especially surveillance in a drawing room!! (Hee hee – I cracked myself up!)
What a perfect calling card for Sir Valance, Cindy.
I have to say this reminded me of that hilarious Carol Burnett episode where she descends down the staircase with that hastily thrown together curtain rod dress. Good stuff.
Your Sir Valance just made me burst out laughing. It would be funny anyway, but you have executed it so daintily and nicely that he is an extra appealing dapper chappy. I have always thought valances were silly so I love that you played with the idea. Now about my long absence. You know me by now Cindy … I have been on Fakarava, a remote coral atoll in the South Pacific, with no internet, TV or hot water. It was GREAT GREAT GREAT! I promise to write a blog post as soon as I (a) download my 3000 photos and (b) thaw out, as it is midwinter back here in Tasmania and there isn’t any hot water here either, I turned it off!
Sir Valance looks great!
Sir Valance made me laugh! Really love the subtle colors you’ve used here.
That is one great name. You are so creative!
ahaha, Sir Valance is pure awsomness! reminded me of inspector Clusoe and his need to hide :) great great illustration!
and the text under the scull cracked me up too… gosh do I like your sense of humor!
very very clever. well done.
Makes me chuckle, Cindy. Now where in the world would I put Sir Valance, in my home, where I could still feel comfortable about his presence? Ha!
That is so clever and made me chuckle! Great illustration!
Just waiting and watching, ready to catch someone out. I love Sir Valence and your clever play on words.
He certainly looks lordly too, quite the highbrow spy :)
Cindy: Sir Valance is a Hoot! & I like that idea that Bert suggested & you followed thru with it!!Love, Mom