![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf4.myportfolio.com/c01481d0d57af5785284e7ce1a8bda8a/f3e147b7-ef81-4f04-85d8-b8523c447eb4_rw_1920.jpg?h=dddce8ffce11b023e1cbd50d19bd31c8)
This illustration was, for me, a really fun exploration of texture. I enjoyed building up the grubbiness of all the surfaces in the alleyway. I also really like subject matter that is both whimsical and dark, and I think you'll find both elements at play here. If you look very closely you'll notice a pair of evil, monstrous eyes staring out from the window, but never fear! What appears to be an ordinary alleycat is in fact a benevolent guardian angel, here to keep the little runaway safe.
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf1.myportfolio.com/c01481d0d57af5785284e7ce1a8bda8a/9c9b64a3-dcde-4c08-9e27-65fde8d28400_rw_1920.jpg?h=3f23277e5a8e7c922024c0aab513680b)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf.myportfolio.com/c01481d0d57af5785284e7ce1a8bda8a/19f3e669-8ba5-4280-9c4f-06e095ffba6e_rw_1920.jpg?h=2515731a17f6420fb3d9dad3afda62d7)
Some preliminary sketches.
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf6.myportfolio.com/c01481d0d57af5785284e7ce1a8bda8a/a6b29aaf-076a-4b63-a4e1-f00909ac8bde_rw_3840.jpg?h=e2949ae707dfa6c568cbcefb0da4aca1)
I used this little rabbit figurine to test how the shadow would cast on the wall behind under similar lighting conditions.
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf6.myportfolio.com/c01481d0d57af5785284e7ce1a8bda8a/a7c36e0d-35ad-48f0-ab05-c939d0793ed7_rw_1920.jpg?h=dbfdfab3c8ce45d21c85ce3bd3889ebd)
detail of The Runaway, highlighting the alleycat and the window behind with the monstrous eyes peeping out. This detail was meant to be subtle and to create a feeling of unease that you couldn't explain, though I think if I were to do this illustration again I would brighten them up ever so slightly.