One of my sons is obsessed with Greek Mythology – all of my kids were at one point – and that means that, thanks to osmosis, I have become a bit of a Greeky Mythology nerd myself. The mythological figures, especially the monsters, therefore often appear in my sketchbooks. A few years ago now, that theme was even the basis for a challenge I did to draw 40 drawings in 40 days. I have contemplated returning to that theme for a whole series of drawings – but without the time challenge – but that shall be for some future juncture. For now, I decided to draw Icarus in my Rainbow Art Journal.
I am currently working through the yellow section of my art journal and bold yellow suggested sunshine and sunshine suggested Icarus’ wings melting … This was my thought process. This was another page that had some little underlying texture as I had previously scraped leftover white acrylic over the page. You can spot the lumps and bumps. I kept the illustration simple and, therefore, kept the colour palette limited. I generally suck at drawing wings but I actually really like the way these turned out given that they are supposed to be a) manmade and b) broken. I tried using spray inks to create some visual texture between the sun disc and the falling figure but it seems that the inks don’t perform well on top of acrylic – hello, learning opportunity – but it adds a sort of glow around the sun so at least it did not ruin the illustration.
A Pict in PA 
Pretty yellow and I don’t see anything wrong with the wings. Maybe a little stiff.
Thanks, Beverly. Yes, I think they look stiff and heavy. Obviously that works for an illustration in which the wings are mechanical but it’s why I’m not very good at drawing birds.
I don’t even draw people much less animals and birds.
I love Greek mythology and Icarus has always interested me. It’s cool that you pick themes for your work. I want to be drawing more and am now thinking that I should give myself topics to work with to help me get moving. Thanks for the idea!
You are welcome! Some of my themes are loose (like the rainbow thing) and some are specific (like mythology or Harry Potter) but I do find it useful to have a general plan so that I use my available art time efficiently and don’t burn through time just coming up with an idea.
Brilliant. I’ve realized this before, but it’s one of those things I tend to forget, so I’m always grateful for reminders!
I like him, a nice modern-looking Icarus!
Thanks, Anabel. Initially I was going to go with Ancient Greek clothing but I a) didn’t have time for the research and b) I wanted the figure to be less fussy.
I like this. There is a stylization to his posture I really like. Somehow a detachment from what is happening to him.
Thank you. I obviously couldn’t get anyone to pose for me for this one. I looked at some photos of people falling and then just tried my best to cobble together a posture. It’s, therefore, not quite realistic but seems right at the same time.