|
B I O
Bil Donovan is an artist,
fashion illustrator and educator. Donovan subscribes to the idea that less is
more and uses this premise to create work that is elegant with a timeless style.
Donovan’s ideal of glamour and
beauty have nurtured a working relationship with the cosmetics, beauty and
fragrance industries. In April 2009 Christian Dior Beauty named Bil Donovan as
their first Artist-In-Residence. In this role Donovan serves as an illustrator
at selected events, creates promotional illustrations, consults on product
launches and acts as an ambassador for the brand.
Donovan’s unique style
combining elegance and wit is evident in the illustrations gracing the pages of
the Harper Collins publication of Edith Head’s
“The Dress Doctor”, Prescriptions For
Style From A to Z”.
Bil uses selectivity as a
backdrop for his work. His ability to capture the essence of a fleeting moment
or spirit of a personality with a minimal amount of time and detail initiated a
working relationship with Vogue which commissioned Bil to capture events and
create portraits of the attendees at various Vogue special events.
InStyle magazine enlisted
Donovan to capture live, with brush and ink, the character and spirit of Meg
Ryan at a LA photo shoot as Ms Ryan modeled the Fall collections for an October
issue.
Donovan also employs brush and
ink to a variety of genres outside of the world of fashion. Applying the same
vision and style to a myriad of projects he was
commissioned by The St. Regis
Hotel Chain to create a series of illustrations for a limited edition boxed set
commemorating the 75th anniversary of its signature Bloody Mary
Cocktail.
Lifestyle, environmental and
architectural illustrations for Laspata Decaro agency for brochures and
billboards, mailers, signage and window displays for Lancôme, packaging design
and a series of a limited edition of note cards for Dior Beauty. One of the note
card images, “Dior Café,” was selected
for inclusion in the Society of Illustrators 52nd Annual Show and
publication of the same title.
Donovan’s elegant and
sophisticated images have been included in many exhibits most recently the
Night and Day at the Museum of The
Fashion Institute of Technology and highlighted in The
Line Of Fashion at the Museum of the Society of American Illustrators.
Bil Donovan has had an ongoing
relationship with FIT, first, as a student, then advisor, mentor and presently
as an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Illustration Department where he
teaches Illustration that reflects the contemporary market.
Donovan is the author of
Advanced Fashion Drawing/Lifestyle Illustration, which draws upon his experience
as an educator, student and professional. Advanced Fashion Drawing, published by
Laurence King U.K. is unique. As a textbook it promotes the idea of observation,
thinking and selectivity through a series of exercises and demonstrations that
explore the concepts of line, shape and composition. Beautiful illustrations
from a variety of renowned artists grace each chapter, inspiring the student and
validating the information. Advanced Fashion Drawing/ Lifestyle Illustration
will be available Fall 2010.
As a fine artist Bil makes
work under the name of William Donovan. These paintings, drawings and sculptures
contrast sharply with the spirit and light of his illustrations. Although a
fascination with the figure is still evident the genesis of this work centers on
personal experiences and memories, executed in unorthodox materials such as,
poured enamel, glitter and rubber. For further information click here.
Bil Donovan’s artistic journey
began in his birthplace of South Philadelphia where for two years he attended
evening classes at The Art institute of Philadelphia.
A desire to pursue a career in
fashion illustration initiated a move to New York and a degree in Illustration
from The Fashion Institute of Technology. A thirst for knowledge, a competitive
spirit and motivation to nurture his talent resulted in a seven-year crusade to
attend as many classes as possible. Freelancing while studying at The School of
Visual Arts, The Art Students League and Parsons School of Art and Design had
the desired effect and Donovan’s style began to develop and earn recognition.
Fulfilling a life long dream,
he embarked on a three-month sojourn to Europe to experience life, art and
opportunity. Three months evolved into seven years of living and working in
Milan and Paris. Donovan credits this invaluable experience in shaping his
sensibility and style and returned home to New York to test the waters and
established a working relationship with the Advertising, Beauty, Editorial and
Fashion markets.
A return to New York also persuaded Bil
to share his experience as others had so generously done for him. Donovan
returned to FIT upon request as a guest speaker,
Advisory board member, a
mentor in the BFA program and eventually found himself in a familiar space, a
room full of easels. However standing on the opposite side of the easel as an
instructor presented a new set of challenges, discoveries and eventually
gratification. The ability to share information is rewarding and to better share
this gift Bil returned to another familiar space, The School of Visual Arts, to
attain a BFA in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts.
Bil currently resides in the
East Village in New York City and works from his creative utopia a studio in
Tribeca.
|