Just thought I would share some information on one of my favorite artists, David Downton. He is a very talented UK-based fashion illustrator, whose work I find to be absolutely stunning. It is the lack of lines and lack of certain, expected elements that makes his art so unique; so “Downton.”
David Downton in an interview with Tony Glenville
What makes an interesting fashion subject?
I think the most important thing is the sense of the body in the clothes. After that, proportion, colour, a detail. Anything can catch the eye – but what is interesting in fashion terms isn’t necessarily what makes a good drawing and vice versa.
Lets talk about your work methods. How do you arrive at the elimination of detail?
For me this is the hardest and the most interesting thing. In order to leave something out, first you have to put it in, or at least understand how every thing works. I do dozens of drawings on to layout paper taking the best from each one as I go. When the drawing looks right I start to eliminate, to de-construct if you like. I keep working until it looks spontaneous.
What methods do you use to apply colour?
It depends on the result I want to achieve and what is most appropriate to the subject. I use watercolour or gouache for small scale pieces. If I need flat saturated colour I use cut paper collage and then apply line using an acetate overlay.
What about the pure line drawing?
I use black Indian ink on acetate or paper.
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Some of my favorites:
For more information and images of Downton’s work go to http://www.daviddownton.com.
I like this kind of art.
Very nice
Really inspiring!
fashion illustrations? . . . my first thought was blah! . . . now i must have to say thankyou
I need to know David Downton’s biography, I’m doing research for my art piece in school and can’t find it anywhere on the internet, I need it by tomorrow (17th of June). Could you help me please? Like what’s his full name, Date of birth, is he marrid? Stuff like that. Thank you.
wooooooooooooow…………excelentoooooooo……..
awsum work
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Hey i am doing a report for textiles on david downtown and i am having trouble finding personl info( as said later), I Need as much info on david downtown as possible including things like place and date birth, education and paths taken during his Career, who he has worked with and techniques he uses in his drawings. I need this ASAP if possible as my report is due next week(18 may 09)