So here we are:)
This time the drawing took me a really long time, because I started it 3 times ;/ First I stopped in the middle, I was totally dissatisfied with it, second - it started fine and then I completely messed it up. I hope this version doesn't look very bad;/
It took me a while to do some attempts of illustrations for the series of Herbert's books about the harsh planet Arrakis. I have sketched the characters of my favourite sci-fi series many times, but it is very difficult to convey the complexity of characters that Herbert has created over the years. Although the book has many parts - the descriptions of the characters' appearance were not very elaborate, or easy to visualise. What makes Herbert's literary works so engaging and imaginative - at the same time makes it extremely difficult to turn events, places or characters in physical form.
We know that director David Lynch found this out the hardest way.
Lynch is famous for his niche, artistic productions, and when it was decided to adapt Herbert's extraordinary work - Lynch was the obvious choice. Unfortunately for Lynch and unfortunately for the audience - and above all - for the fans of the book series - 'Dune' from 1984 is a dirty blot on the pages of cinematography. Lynch had never worked on a major Hollywood production before, so there were huge tensions between him and the producers. He went from having a visible role in the production of his previous pictures - to taking a back seat.
Lynch – as always - had a very definite vision for the film, which - let's be honest - also had very little in common with the book. In fact, Lynch admitted that he was not a fan of the book at all; in fact, he read it in full only during the filming. That alone should disqualify him as a member of the project. But it doesn't stop there, oh no. Lynch wanted to resign several times during the shootings. At the very end of the shoot, by his own admission, he "just sat and cried", because not only did he not have any influence on the design of the scenes, he did not even have any influence on the final editing of the film!
Even though the film is an absolute disaster - it has its fans. Especially after knowing all the facts – many film buffs look upon this film with a favourable eye.
But not me... As much as I love Lynch's work (as a matter of fact I grew up on 'Twin Peaks'), I think that, this film is a disgrace to him and an assault on the memory of the excellent writer Herbert was.
His (Herbert's) books present a deeply thought-out puzzle, each character has an agenda, which slowly unfolds before us, like Ariadne's thread. The author deceives us, plays with euphemisms and reserve.
The world, or rather entire universe - because more planets than the mentioned Arrakis(Dune) appear in the book. We have, among others, Caldan, Salusa Secundus, Ix, Wallach IX, Tleilax so on , so on.
Today I present to you the darkest of all villains and infamous representative of the planet Giedi Prime: Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.
Leading antagonist and great rival of Leto of Atreides.
Favourite saying:
'Plans, within plans, within plans'.
The Baron is a cacophony of frightening and impressive character qualities. Insanely intelligent, but also cunning, brutal, self-centred, hedonistic, and often vain. One could go on and on. It does not change the fact that he predicted his enemies' movements years in advance. His web of lies was so extensive and complex that more than once his closest associates were stunned to hear of the Baron's next move. The conversations the Baron had with his underlings and his inner monologues - this is my favourite part of the book. Despite being cruel - he was an excellent strategist and tactician.
I don't want to spoil too much of the book for you, because I really hope that at least one person reading this - will read or listen to the podcast 'Dune'. If not - the film by the excellent Denis Villeneuve is also worth recommending, although for my taste - too much Zendaya there :)
About the Drawing:
I won't bore you with Dantean scenes of my agony while drawing, because it's tedious and embarrassing. Today, short and to the point!
I started working on egg shell 220g paper with pencils and black acrylic ink, I added little bit of blue(watercolour – pencils). I cut the figure off and glued it on black paper. I used sponge to create suggestion of Sand Planet and I added art–deco style frame, because I feel this aesthetic matches Dune's world.
As always - I would love to read what you guys think!
I wish you all wonderful week!
Yours,
Strega Azure
I've used pencils: 6B, 4B, 2B, F, 4H, 8H, gold metallic acrylic paint, white acrylic paint, black acrylic ink, sharpie in 'metallic gold, watercolour crayons.
Drawing & pics are my authorship if not stated otherwise, all rights reserved @strega.azure ©
