One of the illustrations I chose to write about was Quentin Blake’s ‘candide’ illustration of the book by the author Voltaire.

Immediately there is a dark theme in Blake’s signature loose illustrative style with a combination of black ink and what looks to be black acrylic paint. The multi-media illustration is on a grey fabric which makes the introduction of the white on both the character’s features and the wooden plank pop. Both of the characters are in the centre of his work engaging with one another they have outward body language and simple yet expressive facial features Blake uses free, swirling markmaking techniques to achieve the look of rapid uncontrollable water. Whilst also using white to emulate sea froth and give the water depth. The black sky is in the shape of a messy irregular rectangle In this dark sky is a white line zigzagging until it reaches the ocean in the background far behind our central characters who seem to be mindlessly ignoring the weather around them.

Dark colours are central in this illustration. There are differing tones of grey and white which set the tone of work as gothic and extreme. It is bold and despite the two main characters there is an element of isolation and trepidation. Blake’s oceanic lines create an atmosphere of succumbing to the inevitable with his characters calm, immobile features. These are a clear contrast between the roaring sea engulfing them. One character reaches his hand up, nearly touching this black sky pressing down on them. There is an acceptance here between the characters and their environment.

The most engaging aspect, despite the muted colour palette, is Blake’s ability to create a narrative in one illustration rather than a series that would create a storyline. We are left pondering how these two characters got themselves into this situation, a glimpse of their relationship with one another. One appears more outgoing whilst the other is more reserved, intently listening to his peer. We want to know what will become of these two, if they will be saved.

In the background of the illustration there appears to be the mast of a ship with a single line acting as string flaying in the wind. Confirming a loss of control or an accident of some kind. We’re these two characters in this shipwreck? The mass is darker, we can infer this accident has happened a while ago for these characters to have floated so far from the wreckage. A rough timeline can be produced of events.