American Illustration 43 Winners

Trip to the Farmers’ Market

This crayon and color pencil illustration captures my impression of the beloved farmers’ market held at San Francisco’s Ferry Building. Every Saturday morning the place erupts into a spectacle of colour and activity. I used quick gestural lines and bright colours to render the vibrancy and busyness of the scene- people leaning over crates piled high with plump squashes, juicy eggplants, purple beets, and bottle green rainbow chard sitting under a sea of canopies and tents. Amid this hustle, the lady in the foreground, our protagonist, is seen cradling a baby romaine in her hand, perhaps contemplating a crunchy salad for lunch. This observational drawing is a part of my ongoing project documenting the daily life and the distinct character of San Francisco and its residents as they navigate their day.

Time traveller at Green Apple Bookstore

A visit to Clement Street is incomplete without immersing myself in the old-world charm of Green Apple Books where I can lose track of time browsing through books for hours on end and if lucky, encounter a compelling subject for an illustration, like this modish character who seemed to have stepped out of another era. Her vintage knee breeches and color coordinated socks and waistcoat immediately drew my attention. The lace-up boots and the bowler hat with a floral pin added contrast and elegance to the entire ensemble. I wanted to capture how conspicuous she looked in her retro outfit and yet blended seamlessly with the timeless ambiance of the quaint bookstore with its creaky stairs and gas light fixtures. This observational drawing is a part of my ongoing project documenting the daily life and the distinct character of San Francisco and its residents as they navigate their day.