Drawing Inspiration from Romance Comics!

Last week, illustrator Joanne Renaud contacted me and told me of her affinity for romance comics. She also relayed how romance comics have inspired her in her own artwork, primarily when it comes to getting ideas for layouts. Recently, Joanne teamed up with historical romance novelist, Lauren Willig to create a comic book version of Willig's book The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.

The splash page of the comic book version of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation was inspired by the Art Saaf story I shared with you last week, "Sweet and Simple!" Shouldn't all romance stories have a scene in front of a fireplace? 

Another scene from the Willig/Renaud creation was inspired by the layout on a page from "One-Man Woman," a story that appeared in Girls' Romances #158 (July 1971).

Joanne was also inspired by the classic Marvel mini-series, Night Nurse for a page of the sequential adaptation.

If you have enjoyed seeing these romance comic book inspired pieces, it's your lucky day! The author of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is giving away five prints from the comic book version on her website! Enter for a chance to win here, the contest ends Sunday night!

Have a wonderful weekend and join me Monday for a new "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns!"