Book Illustration

"Love like rain, can nourish from above, drenching couples with soaking joy. But sometimes, under the angry heat of life, love dries on the surface and must nourish from below, tending to its roots, keeping itself alive."

-Mitch Albom, The 5 People You Meet in Heaven

I wanted this quote to be understood without taking a completely cliche approach. I did not want to merge two couples into some root system and call it a day. Instead, I chose a willow tree. I have always felt that weeping willows symbolized extreme emotion. Every since I heard the song when I was a child I thought that everyone who was heartbroken sang about weeping willow trees.

To make the tree I made my own brush and had at it with the paint brush tool. I am impressed with the outcome of layering different colors.

I traced in the roots and used a gradient to show the ground giving nutrients and nourishment to the tree. However, these roots have proven to be the most difficult part of this project. I wanted to hide something in them without appearing too cliche and I feel that I did it pretty well. Adding the glow to the roots really helped them stand out from the background.

Overall, I am satisfied that I was able to get this illustration from my imagination to the computer screen.