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Monday, July 29, 2013

Princess Mononoke

I've been meaning to share some of my illustrations on here, and I could really use a break from making dolls. This is one of my favorite illustrations to date:

PmonokoesketchThis sketch is based on the 1997 Japanese historical fantasy animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke is one of my husband's favorite Miyazaki films, but to be honest it took me several attempts to finish it. I am more into cutesy and happy films, and this one was too violent for my tastes.

Eventually, I finished the movie and grew to enjoy the edgy story and visually intoxicating artwork. Miyazaki's devotion to detail is part of what makes his films magical to me. I found it interesting that he and his art crew spent 3 days soaking in the landscapes of the ancient forests and mountains in Japan for this movie. His style is unwavering, and you know right away that you are watching a Studio Ghibli film.

Although my sketch doesn't portray any edginess, I feel it captures a whimsy of how a Miyazaki film makes me feel. I plan to sketch more characters from his films in the future.

If you've never seen Princess Mononoke I recommend watching it. Here is the trailer if you are interested:







Do you have a favorite Miyazaki film? Mine is Howl's Moving Castle.

12 comments:

  1. Howl's Moving Castle is my favorite too. Miyazaki films are the greatest. My next favorite film is Spirited Away.

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  2. My next favorite is Kiki's Delivery Service. Have you read the book Howl is based on? It's very different but an interesting read.

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  3. I've thought about reading it several times but somehow I always talk myself out of it. Is it worth checking out?

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  4. The movie is loosely based on the book, and the book has very different characterization. I definitely preferred the movie to the book. I'm not sure if that answers your question. : /

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  5. The first line of your comment is the answer I was looking for. I'll give the book a shot just so I can say that I did read it and give my own comparison. Thanks a bunch and awesome post :)

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  6. Thanks. Although I wouldn't recommend the 2nd book. I got half way through and still couldn't figure out what was going on. Enjoy and thanks for visiting my blog :)

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  7. Spirited Away is my favorite! Love the illustration :)

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  8. I love Miyazaki's films! Spirited Away would probably have to be my favorite, if I had to choose :) It's just so magical yet kind of dark at the same time. Oh, and Totoro, of course! :D

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  9. Ughhhhhh this makes me wish we had a working DVD player! I have a collection of Miyazaki movies and am about due for a marathon. Hm. As for my favorite? Today I'll have to say Kiki's Delivery Service. I even went as her for Halloween last year.

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  10. Oh wow! I bet that was the cutest costume ever! I love the song in Kiki when she's leaving home. I want it as my ring tone! We own all but Porco Rosso which I've never seen. I think I will get it for my husband for Christmas this year.

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  11. […] can find out more about my inspiration for the Princess Mononoke Illustration here, or purchase your very own copy here for only […]

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