Tomoshibi (ともしび) is a picture/children’s book illustrated and written by Junaida, a Japanese artist I’ve been following for quite a while now. I was actually fortunate enough to see the original graphite drawings from this book during my time in Tokyo earlier in spring at Tsutaya Books Daikanyama ( image below ); check out my older post here to see more pictures.
What makes Tomoshibi unique from the rest of Junaida’s previous works is that the drawings from this book are all graphite, monochrome drawings, a departure from the always luscious, vividly colored drawings like those from Monster Land. That said, the artist’s hallmark of intricate, detailed draftsmanship is ever present, although the absence of colors make for quite a different viewing experience.
A small, near pocket sized book that is perfect as a gift for anyone who loves a beautifully drawn picture book. Recommended.
“Tomoshibi – Junaida picture book” art book details :
Dimensions – 5.91 x 0.47 x 7.72 inches
hardcover, 27 pages, graphite drawings
In Japanese
Buy From Amazon.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
I definitely recommend checking out Junaida’s other art books that I have reviewed. I also plan to pick up a couple more of his other illustration/picture books for review in the near future.
You might also be interested in these items :
Monster Land – Junaida Illustrated Picture Book Review
IHATOVO – Junaida Illustration Art Book Review
I’M ME – Junaida Collected Works Art Book Review
IHATOVO 2 – Junaida Illustration Art Book Review
Tokyo Spring Trip 2024 – Junaida Mini Art Exhibition
July 28th, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I am a decidedly amateur artist, and I love seeing professional artists’ graphite and monochrome works. There’s so much to learn from studying them and trying to recreate them as artist’s studies (what decisions they make on value and line quality). I love the children’s book quality to these works. I’ll definitely check this book out.
August 1st, 2024 at 3:57 am
Chris – Yes I agree, I also feel that the work that artist’s create for “children’s books” are sometimes overlooked, there’s a lot of amazing illustrations going on there ! I’m always on the look out for such artists and their books.