Heritage

I've heard every artist falls within a certain heritage, a lineage of other artists that have influence over him/her, who endeavor to master the same obstacles. Realizing which family of artists you belong to is an important step.

Right now, I feel a strong kinship with the "Golden Age" of children's book illustration, a movement which began with George Cruikshank in the early part of the 19th century. It flourished into the recognition of artists such as John Tenniel (famous for his Alice in Wonderland illustrations), Randolph Caldecott (after whom the prestigious award is named) and Kate Greenaway (undoubtedly a master of nursery books).

These artists have greatly inspired me (along with the poster art of Alphonse Mucha), and so I have set out on a personal project of honing these skills by practicing Ms. Greenaway's subject of classic nursery rhymes.

Here is "Little Boy Blue"

Portraits

I love drawing children. I think I've already said that, right?

Their open countenence speaks to my heart and reminds me to forget myself. Staying loose is the key. Allowing the air that contains something beyond yourself remain between you and the paper.

This is Logan, somewhere between awake and dreaming...

Welcome

I'm Alice Ratterree. aka Alice Ink, but I like drawing with pencil best.
Simply put: I'm an illustrator of children....and for children. Ironically, I studied music throughout college and graduate school, but I keep falling back into my love for drawing. Making the familiar beautiful.
So I'm forging a new career path for myself as an illustrator and portraiture artist, and this blog will track my work and projects throughout the year.
Hopefully, work will come.
If not, I'll create it.