From looking into photos and drawing in digital art in the last free inquiry blog (4th), I recalled how Monty python has interesting photo and non-photo graphics incorporating recognizable and peculiar characteristics. Going into this inquiry section I have watched Monty Python’s Flying Circus with my family, and have always wondered how they created the images (animations).

Pythonesque Art Stlye

Pythonesque, developed by Terry Gilliam for Monty Python, is known for blending surrealism, satire, and irreverence. As well as using absurdity to create humor, often through nudity and violence, presented in an innocent, comedic way.

Terry Gilliam described himself as a “lazy artist,” developing a unique cut-out animation style. He often used found materials, like Victorian-era photographs, and combined them with airbrushed original characters. His art highlighted the humor of deadpan expressions and antiquated moustaches, which he found inherently funny.

He used manipulation of scale as a comedic tool, with exaggerated objects like Cupid’s oversized foot causing chaos; drawing inspiration from Agnolo Bronzino’s An Allegory with Venus and Cupid (1545). His animations often featured nudity and violence, delivered in an absurd, innocent manner, enhanced by the jerky animation process. His work blended surrealism, satire, and irreverence into a signature style.

Traditional Cut-Out Animation

Gilliam created hand-cut collages from vintage clip art, animating them using stop-motion techniques. He also used photocopy or photostat processes, giving the artwork a second-generation, line-art appearance. Many of his pieces were believed to be hand-colored, adding a tactile quality to his creations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otV22Pe4yiM
Terry Gilliam Monty Python animations – Pythonesque art style

Transition to Digital Methods

Digital tools allow for similar artistic outcomes with greater efficiency. Vintage-style art can be scanned or downloaded, then layered digitally in software like Photoshop. Techniques like layering, masking, and compositing mimic traditional methods, while filters can distress photographic elements to achieve a vintage look.

Comparing Traditional and Digital Approaches

Traditional methods emphasize craftsmanship and imperfections, offering a raw and textured aesthetic. In contrast, digital tools provide flexibility, speed, and precision, making it easier to animate and refine work. Both approaches offer unique opportunities for creativity and humor.

Tips for creating Pythonesque art;

  1. Embrace the Absurd: Think of bizarre and unusual scenarios, combining elements that don’t typically go together. Monty Python’s humor often revolved around the unexpected.
  2. Collage Techniques: Monty Python’s animations often used a collage style, with cut-out images and drawings, influenced from Victorian art and magazines.
  3. Add Humor: Incorporate witty, nonsensical, and satirical elements; puns, wordplay, and visual jokes.
  4. Proportion Play: Exaggerate proportions and play with scale to create a surreal effect. Overly large or small characters and objects can add to the humor and absurdity.
  5. Incorporate (British) Cultural References: Monty Python’s humor often included references to British culture, history, and society.
  6. Experiment with Animation: If you’re interested in animation, try creating short, humorous sequences using a stop-motion or cut-out animation style.

My Interpretations

Noticed the style is often photo based, I used photos found off the internet as well as some digital drawing. First I found the photos, converted them to a transparent and black version, then used an airbrush to fill in the colour from behind.

I found this video extraordinarily helpful to convert the images:

Blade and Quill (Turn any photograph into a pencil sketch using Krita).

Popular Bits

I conglomerated all of the Monty Pythons popularly known bits (parrot, lumberjack, silly walks, old ladies/grannies, black knight) into one wacky image.

While creating the above image I decided that the silly walks needed its own copy and looked too good to not include. I appreciate it’s simplicity, though effective. I have always had an appreciation for physical comedy and this bit could have very well been the spark of it.

From this I delved into what else could John Cleese be doing with his silly walks; kicking! Many times the Pythonesque style covered political or controversial topics. After struggling for a while to create my own I used an existing Monty Python graphic to adapt into.

From this I delved into what else could John Cleese be doing with his silly walks; kicking! Many times the Pythonesque style covered political or controversial topics. After struggling for a while to create my own I used an existing Monty Python graphic to adapt into.

This was inspired by a more political stance of a grandmother figure at the hockey game (Yes, I do homework at hockey games). I thought the idea was too funny to pass up.

Chatterbox

In this one my aim was to create something ‘funny’ or satire, as well as using a photo of my own (the mouth is mine, adjusted, but mine). Additionally I have the tendency to not know when to stop talking…

Some Resources

Other inspiration ideas

  • Just for laughs; Canadian and has lots of bits/gags; could use to draw insperation from.

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