Abstract-ish Illustration style or Fine art?

[eraserhead]

"So Much for So Little." Watercolor and collage on watercolor paper. 5" x 4.5".

X-posted from some other forums. Hope y'all don't mind.

It's been ages since I posted here on WC since I've been away from the drawing board enjoying (and staying busy with) a new baby and a new house, but glad to see some familiar faces.

I recently completed (always questionable with me) a small piece and would like to get some feedback on my usual quandary: is it art, or illustration? Also, just general compositional and executional critiques are most welcome. I know composition is one area I still struggle with.

Thanks in advance!

E

[W.J.Lexie]

how about illustration influenced by "abstract" art ? absolult volka ads come to mind , I believe it goes around , an " illustration " will influence "fine art ".
I can see your artwork style fitting in an editoral magizine piece, about abstract ideas .

[madster]

It's not an illustration.
An illustration clarifies or "decorates" text, and is used to reinforce a concept, or provide a visual representation that makes a subject visually pleasing or easier to understand.

While this is somewhat "cute" and innovative, the text, "so much...for so little" doesn't clarify anything for the viewer, particularly in relation to a lens eye, and a mouth. So much to see, for so little to swallow? So much to look at, for so little to chew on? What?

That is why it is not an illustration.

Absolut Vodka illustrations still illustrate Absolut Vodka. The bottle is the subject, which is the brand, which is decorative.

~M

[W.J.Lexie]

well madster , in a matter of a "style " whither selling a [product] or a [article] or [story ] .

[eraserhead]

Stillbill and Madster: I say you're both right. Because it wasn't originally begun to illustrate any particular story, article, or product, it's not technically an illustration. However, it is somewhat illustrative in technique (editorial) and as I'm thinking about getting into stock illustration, I may want to use it as such.

Thanks for both your input!