A good while ago I was approached by Alan Male (Head of Illustration; Senior Lecturer – Falmouth University) and he asked me if I would like to feature in the 3rd edition of his book, Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective.
I was more than keen to take part and after a discussion we agreed that my painting of Cromer in Norfolk would be most suitable.
As mentioned, we had this conversation a good while ago. So just recently I was delighted and surprised to receive a copy of the book in the post. I flicked through and there was my painting accompanied by the initial watercolour I produced on my day at the beach in Cromer.
It all looked rather fine and I felt privileged to be in a publication next to such accomplished professionals, many of whom I have admired for years.
Beneath my paintings is the following copy
‘Liam O’Farrell is an artist and illustrator, renowned for his detailed vistas of historic, quirky and atmospheric townscapes and landscapes, usually incorporating figures that are interacting, going about their business and enjoying themselves. He employs a style a style that is vaguely retro, partially related to the figures. However, both architectural and natural features pertain to hyper-accurate observation and pictorial realism. O’Farrell’s approach is to sketch the chosen scene from a suitable viewpoint and use the initial drawing as a reference for the subsequent finished illustration. This image is of the coastal town of Cromer in Norfolk.’
About Alan Male
Alan Male is an illustrator, academic and writer. He directed the Illustration programme at Falmouth University, UK for many years, leading it to gain an international reputation for excellence. He is now Emeritus Professor and a keynote speaker on the international stage. He has written and edited several books about illustration, winning a number of international awards for his work.
About Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective
You can buy the book here
Alan Male’s book is a classic in the field. Bringing together theory, context and issues around conceptual understanding, it is a perfect companion for illustration students around the world.
Hundreds of images from a wide variety of contemporary illustrators explore how successful creators work with depth of knowledge and understanding of their subjects. By looking across examples from around the world, readers gain an understanding of:
– Visual metaphors
– Storytelling and narrative
– Truth and documentation
– Identity and persuasion
– Briefs and development
New for this edition is ‘Illustrator as Author and Polymath’, a chapter which explores the mix of skills that illustrators need beyond a strong visual style – they must be problem-solvers, visual thinkers, researchers and communicators. It also reveals how image creators from the world of illustration, visual communication and fine art can illuminate and present exciting and original concepts and ideas related to everything that is current, in the past and in the future.
This edition has also been re-designed and contains an expanded glossary and further reading, and up to 30% new imagery, to reflect recent trends in contemporary illustration practice.
Table of Contents
1. Education
The Program of Work
Developing the Brief
Answering the Brief
The Conceptual Process
Research
Drawing
Professional Practice
2. The Nature of Imagery
Visual Language
Visual Metaphor
Pictorial Truths
Aesthetics and Non-Aesthetics
3. The Role of Illustration
Reference and Instruction
Commentary
Storytelling
Persuasion
Identity
A Public Interface
4. Illustrator as Author and Polymath
The Polymath Principle
Final Thoughts
Glossary
Further reading
Show all
Product details
Published 11 Jan 2024
Format Paperback
Edition 3rd
Extent 264
ISBN 9781350283534
Imprint Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Illustrations 360 colour illustrations
Dimensions 270 x 210 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
One comment:
Thanks for this, I am starting my MA Illustration in Sep 2024 at Falmouth so I think this book will come in handy. Great art work by the way.