Drawn

Here’s some great insight into the process of one of my favourite illustrators, the inimitable Ronald Searle. The Ronald Searle Tribute blog has unearthed a magazine article written by Searle in which he details the creation of this illustration.

The secret to Searle’s vibrant linework?

If, at this stage, the final drawing lacks the immediacy of the original thought, then (time allowing) I scrap the whole thing and use it as a guide for re-drawing. Fortunately, in this case it was unnecessary, but if I ever have the slightest uneasiness about the finished work, I re-draw it at once rather than attempt to scratch and patch. I feel it is essential for work of this nature to appear spontaneous. The moment an illustration appears laboured, it loses atmosphere, and with it — life.

Related:
Searle’s Secret Sketchbook
Ronald Searle’s Scrooge