As I was reading Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard, I was pleasantly surprised to discover lots of humor sprinkled throughout the book. Often it’s quite subtle, sometimes it occurs in dialogue between characters, but in one particular scene it slowly unfolds as a sequence of events after a simple question is asked. I couldn’t resist trying to recreate the scene in an illo!
It all starts out innocently enough in Gabriel’s kitchen. His sister, Rachel, is in town visiting and has decided to treat both her brother and Julia to a home-cooked meal. But when asked what’s she’s preparing, her answer sets into motion quite an interesting chain of events! 😉
What unfolds next was almost like a Rube Goldberg contraption the way each reaction caused another (and more explosive) reaction! It was no surprise that part of the menu selection would provoke more than a casual response from Rachel’s dinner companions, but unfortunately for Julia, she was caught quite off-guard. Already trying her best to avoid triggering any more wrath from Gabriel, the mention of a simple side dish destroyed all hopes for an uneventful evening.
It was also unfortunate for Gabriel, since he had just changed into one of his favorite crisp, white (and of course expensive) dress shirts. But to be honest, he deserved the dousing and was in need of a cooling off! Just prior to Julia’s refreshing spritz, he had giddily anticipated–then enjoyed–closely watching Julia expertly savor her first taste of his special vintage Chianti from Tuscany. Perhaps he enjoyed it a little too much…as Julia noted to herself. 😉 So even though it was unintentional, Julia put out the fire she had innocently just started!
But, Gabriel’s reaction to the events was not funny at all, and instead stoked an entirely different fire in him. Once again he manages to upset poor Julia. However, this time he realized what he had done and tried to make amends. This treated Julia to a much more pleasant interaction with him, and allowed her to experience his much gentler and compassionate side.
-Victoria
Gabriel’s face is classic. I am loving the horror on Julianne’s and as for Rachel so completely clueless!! Great job again Victoria!
Thanks so much, Aline! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed all three of their expressions 😉
-Victoria
Just how I imagined it!
Wow! I’m really happy to hear that! Thanks Pam! 🙂
-Victoria
I love the surprise and Gabriel’s reaction in the book. The look on his face is priceless. Thank you for another great illustration.
heehee! 😉 I’m really glad you enjoyed the illo, Constance! Thank you so much! 🙂
-Victoria
Hey Victoria ~
This is a great scene. Gabrial’s reaction is classic, and so him. Poor Julianna…what a waste of good wine…LOL!!! Love these 2 as much as Christian & Ana.
Good job!! 🙂
Hi Christine! I’m really glad you enjoyed the illo, and how Gabriel turned out 🙂 Hahaha! Julia just can’t win, can she?! 😉 Thanks so much for the kind words!
-Victoria
Thank You Victoria for another great Illo of Gab and Julia!
He’s expression is priceless, the wine on the floor, and his expensive dress shirt covered with the red wine looks great. Kitchen is amazing with the light and dark browns. You outdone yourself Victoria, you have Fantastic talent!
Hi Christine! It’s my pleasure, but I’m so happy you enjoyed the illo! 🙂 Hee! I’m glad you liked Gabriel’s reaction and that you noticed the details! I really appreciate the kind words! Thank you 🙂
-Victoria
I LOVE IT! Me encanta Gabriel Owen Emerson
Hi Yesica! ¡Muchas gracias! 😉 I’m glad you liked the illo!
-Victoria