The Hunter | DAN MAY
Dan May’s work is soft. Truly, that’s the best word I can use to describe it. His fanciful depictions feel painted in thin layers to give the final image a glow, a technique called sfumato, which Leonard DaVinci often used. I don’t know that May actually uses this technique, but I doubt he would mind the assumptive comparison.
I choose The Hunter as the focus of this post because it highlights the contrast of his soft style with the harsh content. Here, a fluffy monster holds a knife, glaring menacingly over a hedgerow. These images take a childlike subject matter and make it creepy. Good work, sir.
I love the juxtaposition of the soft, vibrant colors with the menacing subject matter. It does remind me of an illustration for a children’s book, but with much more depth. The texture here is great and I appreciate the fine, sinewy lines which make up the majority of the beast and the foliage.
Good find, Caleb!
JS