Illustrations for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill" 1956

Hryhorii Havrylenko created this illustration for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill" using delicate linework that captures a serene countryside scene. The composition is divided into distinct zones; a field in the foreground, trees marking a horizon in the midground and finally a sky and clouds above. The artist uses the full range of tonal values from the lightest whites of the paper to the darkest blacks of the ink to create depth and texture. Notice how the curved lines in the field create movement, contrasting with the vertical strokes of the plants on the right. This contrast emphasizes the interplay between the cultivated and the wild, suggesting themes of nature and folklore inherent in the book. The balance between open spaces and intricate details invites us to reflect on the narrative structure, where simplicity and complexity coexist. Ultimately, this drawing serves as a visual code, enhancing our understanding of the story.