Upcoming September 2012 issue of eroge magazine, “Monthly Moe Favorite”, certainly has a cover illustration most favorable – featuring the cute and colorful heroine of “Irotoridori no Hikari” hugging a doll.
As should be expected, the sheer innocence escaping the image is overwhelming – the “Irotoridori” series is already quite renowned for its artwork, so any illustration to stem of the series is definitely something to hold in high esteem. “Moe” would certainly serve as quite an appropriate, and of course, most relevant term to describe the illustration – although clearly, Irotoridori’s heroine is not to be placed on the same level as the typical moe found elsewhere.
As one should have already figured, the colors employed are of a class of their own. The selection of palette in itself is unconventional – rather than any plain reds being utilized to shine the pupils for instance, one can see that there’s a collective of shimmering gradients going from a light orange, to a deeper red, with even some purple being present as well. It’s a gorgeous analogous transition which acts as one of the more captivating features of the females of Irotoridori – eyes which steal the onlooker’s interest away.
Her hair is a blonde golden in hue, but seemingly turned soft with a layer of white tint – topped with the necessary shadow in the form of what appears to be a darkened, and very delicate layer of red, alongside some intense streaks of white for highlight in respect to the source of light.
Ribbons of magenta are found in both ends of her hair – and they magnificently aide in bringing out the other hints of red prevalent above and beneath, a skillful means of building a consistent visual balance.
And on that note, the same applies to the portions of white seen in the form of trim atop her outfit – as well as the jacket which wraps around her waist. The shadow seen caressing her ensemble, laid on top of these several recurring colors, is elegant and fine as was the case with that seen on her hair – however, it is only the value on her hair which contains a slight dose of red.
Her skin is rather pale, be it in comparison to the standard seen with other anime females, or otherwise – yet it’s still kept a color attractive, thereby allowing for all the more vivacious tones to blast forward and stand out, particularly around the visage. In fact, one of the most defining aspects of Irotoridori’s character designs is how they truly bring emphasis upon the visage first and foremost – with all else being quite subtle in turn, or simply serving to accent the face, which is actually quite rare a style of illustration these days.
Indeed, when there is quality to be seen, it certainly speaks for itself.
