Water, in all its forms, is interesting to depict. Owing to its reflective nature, it often is best represented by negative space. A lake can be understood simply by drawing a line of trees on the far shore. Snow, as on the coats in the last panel, is “drawn” with the mere absence of dark. But to me the more interesting thing about this cartoon from two years ago is the tracks in the snow. Arlo and Janis always walk single file, as they do above in Panel 4, because it’s conducive to dialog and to the camera’s point of view—at least I think so. It’s the same reason people on TV so often sit on the same side of the breakfast table (as do Arlo and Janis, now that I think of it). Anyway, the tracks in the snow were left by two people walking side by side, and for much the same reason they walk single file. Side-by-side tracks better fit the format of visual storytelling. Artistic license! Don’t sit down without it.
228 responses to “Snow Fun”
JJ has given us a new post, “Finish Line.” This one is over!
I hope this lands on “Snow Fun”, because I have no need to broadcast. I know the page has moved on, but if Mark were ever to come back by:
Thank you, and I agree.
There is nothing I can do in print, probably nothing I can do in real world, to change some of these things. Posting under any name would be immediately recognized. My signal-fist is unique. I enjoyed peoples sharing more than they obviously are willing to say, if they even see it. There are other things to do.
I have enjoyed all, but you took a moment, so I wanted to do same. Thank you.
Sorry you seem to be moving on, Morphy. But I hope you will come back eventually. We need more variety in posters. The Village is poorer for every genuine commenter we lose. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Mark