Making of a fashion illustration: Illustrating Zuhair Murad Couture Dress



As the title indicated, I looked for inspiration in a couture dress. The designer I choose to illustrate is Zuhair Murad. I'm sure you all heard of him, he's super famous. Anyway, I always liked his hyper feminine designs. I've also made a video showing the process of drawing and colouring it but I decided not to post it. I'm torn as to whether or not I should make and post drawing/ painting videos at all. I'm not an art teacher. Who knows what I could be doing wrong? I can't say that my techniques are the best or the most efficient. I may be happy with the result, you may like it, someone else might buy it but who knows if I selected the most complicated way to draw or do something? I'm just not experienced enough because I've been free styling it my whole life. An art teacher could tell you what is the most simple or the most easiest way to draw or paint something. I can only share my way. Who knows if my way is time efficient or not? If someone copies my style of painting, they might end up complicating their life. I've been taking art courses for a while, but I still don't feel confident presenting 'my technique'. Maybe I'll wait for a while and then post them with a disclaimer. I don't know, I really need to think about it. Art is a very serious thing. Anyone who decided to do it, will have to spend a tons of time,  energy and money on, so I don't want to put out there a video that won't be absolutely useful to the person watching it. There are already so many talented art teacher on YouTube, maybe it is better if we amateur artists don't move in on their territory? As I said, I need to think about it. 


Making of a fashion illustration: Illustrating Zuhair Murad Couture Dress


It's been a while since my last 'fashion illustration' post, right? It's been even longer since I've showed you a 'making of a fashion illustration' process. Today I'm back with a new fashion illustration. The medium is watercolour on mixed medium paper. I'm not sure about this brand of watercolous, I got it from the art gallery where I'm taking classes. I'll need to buy new ones soon, so I might check it out when I do. The paper is from a paper block from brand Strathmore, dimensions 9 inches x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm), weight: 90 lb (190 g/m2). This mixed media Strathmore block was a gift from Natalia Lianova, do check out her blog if you haven't. These papers are quite practical & easy to paint on. Besides watercolour,  I've also used a bit of colour pencil to finish this watercolour painting but I'll explain why later on. For now, let me explain my painting process & logic to you. 



#pencilsketch


Making of a fashion illustration: Illustrating Zuhair Murad Couture Dress


First step is often a pencil sketch. Not always though. Sometimes I will apply watercolour directly but as you will see if you scroll bellow, I sketched this dress with pencil first and then I applied the first layer of watercolour. If you are going for a more realistic look, it is probably a good idea to sketch in pencil first. Same goes for if you're new to watercolour or not sure have you mastered it yet. Anyhow, after sketching with pencil I then applied the second layer of watercolour and then the third. Somewhere in the process, I deleted the traces of the 'original pencil' sketch. Watercolour can take a while to dry, so I like to utilize sunlight, since my home is like a glasshouse, why not? Scroll down to see more. 


Making of a fashion illustration: Illustrating Zuhair Murad Couture Dress



Making of a fashion illustration: Illustrating Zuhair Murad Couture Dress


Here is where I started to add coloured pencils. After I had deleted the ordinary pencil, I used a coloured pencil to define the skin and make the transition easier on the eyes. If I had left the originally pencil (the gray one), obviously it would make the skin look less natural. It all depends on what you are trying to do, what kind of an effect are you trying to achieve. Here I wanted to make the dress very detailed, but I also wanted the model to look natural. If you keep scrolling down, you'll see that I took the time to do draw the hair, the eyes, the everything. It's a matter of prefrance. Some people just illustrate clothes and don't bother with the face. I like to do everything because I love that feeling of a complicated painting. But, that's just me. 






Bellow is the finished product. After I was done applying layer after layer of watercolour, finishing the hair, eyes, everything with watercolour, after all that, I took a white colour pencils and just added little dots and crosses to make the dress look sparkly. The original design of the dress was like that, it was sparkly, so I wanted to mimic that. Sure, there are other ways to do it but I picked this one. All in all, I'm happy with how this fashion illustration turned out. It took me a long time to do this one, because I wanted to do the original dress justice. It is a beautiful dress and it was a pleasure to paint it. Thank you for reading!






https://tictail.com/morart/fashion-illustration-inspired-by-zuhair-murad

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 Have a great start of the week everyone! Happy Monday!

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Comments

  1. bellodiesseredonna7 May 2018 at 00:53

    meraviglioso questo abito *_*

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lilli7 May 2018 at 04:51

    Just Wow Ivana! You are so great and the dress is truly stunning, Id wear it! Kisses! xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rowena @ rolala loves7 May 2018 at 05:41

    Even though you are not an art teacher, you are an artist so it's always interesting when you share your creative process. You chose a stunning Zuhair Murad dress and it was fascinating to see your illustration come together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split8 May 2018 at 05:01

      you're right, every creative process is interesting. I personally watch YouTube videos from both professionals and amateurs, artists and art teachers. But still I'm afraid of presenting a difficult or complicated way to something.

      Delete
  4. Missymayification7 May 2018 at 07:42

    I will gladly wear that dress to an Oscar awards if I was a celebrity. Absolutely stunning dress Ivana. You're talented!

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Letne Dni Look Younger7 May 2018 at 07:50

    Hi Ivana, I love your illustrations, they are very nice, well done.
    Hugs,
    Dusana ;-)

    www.letnedni.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ann7 May 2018 at 10:15

    You are so talented,
    your illustration of that Zuhair Murad gown is gorgeous. ♥

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Silvia Negretti7 May 2018 at 10:26

    Hai scelto uno degli stilisti ch preferisco stavolta! :D
    bellissima illustrazione; Ivana!
    Per quanto riguarda la tecnica, certamente nelle scuole di arte o design ti insegnano le tecniche e ti suggeriscono gli strumenti migliori per ottenere buoni risutlati, ma alla fine ciò che conta di più è la pratica.
    Comunque anche su Youtube ci sono moltissimi video interessanti e fatti bene che secondo me ti potrebbero esser molto utili!
    Baci!
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gabrielle7 May 2018 at 15:20

    Zuhair Murad creates some of the world's most spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful gowns - I'm not surprised you found yourself inspired by one of his dresses! With regard to filming the creation of your illustrations, I think it's important to keep in mind that every artistic process is unique and there is no 'wrong' way of creating! :) Hope you have a fabulous week Ivana...

    aglassofice.com x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split8 May 2018 at 05:49

      I didn't say my way was wrong, every artist develops his way of doing things, but seeing it could needlessly complicate a life for someone looking for lessons about fashion illustrations. For them it is probably best to look for videos of professors who have experience teaching fashion illustration and design communication, because they can learn all the different techniques and styles from them.

      Delete
  9. Miguel Gouveia7 May 2018 at 23:42

    Thanks a lot :D

    so nice work as usual :D I really love all your draws!

    NEW REVIEW POST | THE BEST: LANCÔME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR. :o
    Instagram ∫ Facebook Official Page ∫ Miguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Unknown8 May 2018 at 04:33

    Zuhair Murad has been a designer house I always have admired and been in awe of, they create one of the spectacular outfits every season! Glad to see you getting some inspiration from their couture collection! You are truly a talented artist and I feel there's nothing wrong in the way you create, art is art after all :)
    Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
    xx
    Ankita | Real Girl Talks
    http://realgirltalks.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Maray8 May 2018 at 04:53

    Beautiful, kisses!

    www.alasdeangel.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Adventureswithcourtt8 May 2018 at 07:00

    I love these illustrations!!
    https://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amy Aed8 May 2018 at 08:34

    The coloured pencils look really well, and I love the effect of this one. The dress is done really well, I know I wouldn't be able to create pattern and texture like this. Probably one of my favourites ones right here :)

    Have a great week!

    Amy; Wandering Everywhere

    ReplyDelete
  14. Paola Lauretano8 May 2018 at 08:59

    Favoloso l'abito e ancor più il tuo disegno!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    ReplyDelete
  15. The Dainty Dolls House8 May 2018 at 09:33

    This is so gorgeous, I love it!! x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anna and Klaudia8 May 2018 at 09:37

    Wow!! It's a beautiful ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jointy&Croissanty8 May 2018 at 11:25

    Such a beautiful illustration! You are so talented!

    jointyicroissanty

    ReplyDelete
  18. Selvaggia Capizzi9 May 2018 at 00:24

    Ivana ogni artista ha la sua tecnica, non ne esiste una giusta e una sbagliata ! Io aspetto i tuoi video!!!
    https://www.dontcallmefashionblogger.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pablo Parra (Fungi)9 May 2018 at 02:55

    Ooh Ivana, you're always surprising me when it comes to how you understand art and apply different methods and techniques to your drawings. I would say the most important part when it comes to art (whatever it be: painting, sculpture, writing, etc.) is to never stop learning and practice, there are many resources of inspiration and techniques that is almost impossible to try all them but the best is to never stop, we're always growing and evolving is the key to success in your own conception.

    I do know Zuhair Murad, his designs are full of joy, spectacle and textures that it is difficult to capture his essence in a dress but you managed to get a good result, and as you said, as long as you're happy with the result that is the best motivation. Personally, I adore the pose and the way you captured the texture of the dress (still figuring out how to draw and colouring transparences by the way).

    Best and always feel motivated by reading you !

    Pablo
    HEY FUNGI 

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ivana Split9 May 2018 at 05:18

      thank you, I do agree that it is important to keep developing and improving our skills. Every day we can learn something new. There are so many techniques and mediums available that it is really impossible to try them all, but we can always choose the ones we think will work best for us.

      Delete
  20. Jennifer Behrs10 May 2018 at 01:06

    i like such looks "behind the scenes"...;-) making ofs are always a good look to how create some works - very interesting!

    hugs
    Jennifer
    https://jennifer-femininundmodisch.blogspot.de/2018/05/preischeck-so-viel-kosten-meine-looks.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. Glamour ZONE27 May 2018 at 18:50

    I really enjoyed the step by step process. Great talent.

    ReplyDelete
  22. So Alice29 May 2018 at 13:06

    Fantastic drawing my dear & wonderful fashion inspiration :-)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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