From the vibrant multi-colored frames of comics to the exquisite detailing in children’s books, illustrations hold an unparalleled charm. They function as a visual language, encapsulating stories, emotions, and creative expressions. One artist who effortlessly brings this narrative to life is Isabel Ricaurte, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) whose style is noted for distinct thin lines – a technique some label as ‘cartoonish,’ but she incorporates it as a signature style to give her work a unique edge.
Isabel Ricaurte’s journey as an artist led her to explore several areas of illustrations, including storyboarding, editorial and children’s book illustration, and comics. Each area provides different opportunities and challenges to shape and express her distinctive style.
Storyboarding, often used for commercials, films, and video games, allows artists to tell a story through sequential pictures, giving directors a blueprint to guide filming and location selection. Isabel’s works in storyboarding are characterized by the use of thin defined lines, a stylistic choice that sets her drawings apart and bolsters the narrative.
Her editorial artwork sees an emphasis on illustrations created for magazines and articles, using her brushstrokes to reflect the theme being discussed. Suspending reality a bit, her unique style of using thin, defined lines can elevate an ordinary magazine piece to a higher artistic plane.
In the realm of children’s books, Isabel’s work shifts basis. She creates lush, full-page illustrations for children up to seven years old, while for children aged eight and eleven and upwards, she sprinkles the pages with vivid drawings. These images transform the stories into sensory and immersive experiences, catering to the imagination of young readers.
For comics, she combines her signature style with a graphic format, inserting panels to outline the sequence of events in the narrative. Depending on the story, her comics cater to a wide range of age groups, once again letting thin lines and bright colors take her readers on an adventurous ride.
The versatility and dynamic range of Isabel Ricaurte’s work are further honed by her continuous appetite for learning. After graduating from SVA, she attended online watercolor courses conducted by the acclaimed Mexican artist Victor Velez “Chubasco.” From him, she learned various watercolor techniques, color theory, as well as the use of “grisaille” in different portraits. Isabel’s adaptation of these lessons resulted in a unique blend of traditional techniques with her distinctive style, producing art that is not only visually appealing but also holds a depth of expression and meaning.
While embracing the instructions and techniques taught by her mentor, she maintained her signature style. A distinctive example is her piece ‘Almost like paper Factory,’ where she substituted stark black lines for softer line tones. The piece was lauded by Chubasco himself, cementing her confidence in her creative artistry.
Isabel Ricaurte’s artistry is evident not just in her artwork but in her commercial and creative thinking as well. She leverages her love for anime and her flexibility with different styles to cater to commercial industries like television and books. Furthermore, she showcases her creativity by generating several sketches for a given theme, highlighting her fast ideation process.
Her illustrative prowess was recognized when her work was displayed on the social media of the online Colombian magazine “El grillo Rayado” as part of their “Drawn Concert”. This exhibition featured artwork related to the 2021 attacks in Colombia, reflecting the socio-political unrest and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work, lauded for its clarity and meaningful depiction, was an epitome of her artistic versatility and expressive power.
In a world captivated by images and creativity, Isabel Ricaurte’s artistry shines through as she breaks conventions, pushes boundaries, and creates memorable art pieces. A visit to her website or a scroll through her Instagram will allow you to further appreciate her signature style in various settings – an artistic treat unlike any other. Her journey highlights the power of determination, versatility, and staying true to oneself in the creative industry.
