Time has not been kind to Eurydice as she wanders about the Underworld. After an unsuccessful rescue by Orpheus, she is left to roam the realm in search of an escape. It’s been years — centuries even — and yet she continues onward. This drawing marks the start of a small series of Greek mythology illustrations that highlight certain characters and locations in the kingdom of Hades. We’re starting out with a creepy one for sure!
The Reference
An artist friend of mine, Patricia Faulkner, had suggested that I draw a portrait of her one day. Digging through her impressive model shots, I saw one that she’d done at Fort Pickens back in 2021 and I knew it would work great. While the end result is pretty different (she isn’t a zombie, for starters!), we’re both happy with the result.
To help me guide the drawing, I measured out a numeric Y axis and a lettered X axis. These are applied to the final illustration as well and I use it like a grid for proportion measurements. I shifted some elements a bit to the right, altered the spacing slightly and changed a good portion of the foliage as well.
The Dread
Using Patricia’s photo as-is would certainly make for a nice drawing but what if we wanted add the element of time and really drive home the length of time that our protagonist has been traversing the Underworld? That’s where the skeletal features come into play. The sense of dread is one that I imagine Eurydice feeling often and one that she is able to instill in the viewer.
While the original Eurydice drawing is destined for Patricia’s art collection, prints will first be available for purchase at GalaxyCon here in Nashville at the end of May. In June, you’ll be able to snag a print at the Etsy store.
Keep telling stories,
Jeremy