Black Widow (Frame Composition)

In this commissioned interpretation of "Black Widow", I wanted to use the "Frame Composition". The "frame composition" is used with environmental objects (trees, walls, shadows, ect.) to frame around the subject of the composition to give the viewer a sense of stability. In this composition, I used a "partial" 1-sided frame (the brick wall) in the composition which gives stability on one side of the character and the freedom of space on the other side of the character. Because popular media portray her as a femme fatale, I used influences from both film noir and Japanese comics to interpret this character. Taking some advice from comic illustrator Shawn Martinbrough, a silhouette can be very effective in establishing depth by establishing a foreground element. According to him, since it's a solid black shape without detail, the viewers focus will not be drawn to it instead of to the main subject. Because a silhouette includes no details to provide interest, the shape itself must be particularly distinct. In this case, I chose a silhouette of the Kremlin for this composition. "Super Bonus Points" if your know how old this character is.