Self-Portrait
My first big project using Adobe Illustrator
Getting an idea
The most challenging part for me in this project was to get an IDEA.
Techniques
I ruminated about dozens of different techniques we learned and the possibility of their applications.
Back in time
I have a lot of artistic hobbies. But I decided to go back to when I was first bitten by the art bug.
A tribute to my native city
Thus, the puzzle was starting to come together. I decided that my self-portrait will be some how a tribute to my native city that I left for
good 30 years ago.
All the elements are there for a reason
Cityscape
The city was designed to be another Amsterdam and Venice. There are more than 90 canals and the rivers with beautiful promenades and mansions.
Cats
One of the elements of my portrait are cats. These cats are very special – they are called Hermitage cats – a group of cats residing in the Hermitage Museum. The cats were present in the museum, originally a palace, since the 18th century to control the mice.
There is a legend, according to which cats are cared for by fairy-tale little men and women, the Hermits and Hermitesses. They live in museums and old houses, and at night they play with cats, keep track of them and knit “magic scarves” from their fur.
