An illustration is a visual representation of a subject, used to accompany a story, a poem or a scientific text and it is reproduced through printing with ink on paper. An illustration is not a realistic representation of the subject but a stylized one.
Even though the primary use of illustrations is for these to be printed in literary or scientific books, as a genre it has developed quite a following, so today there are many fine artists that choose the illustrative style as their way of expression.
An illustration can be humorous, surreal, scientific (e.g. depicting plants in botanical art), satirical, technical and medical, to name just a few types, each used for their respective purpose in books, magazines, posters, brochures, catalogues, etc.
Illustration as an art form began gaining more credibility with artists, galleries and collectors. While in the past when describing an artwork as “illustrative” was meant as a negative critique, nowadays illustrations are becoming more and more popular with the general public.
An illustrative artwork telling a story can be hung in children’s rooms, while a humorous illustration can bring a touch of fun to an office or to any other room. This art form benefits from exclusive exhibitions and has admirers interested in collecting original art that was used to illustrate books.
