Pixel art describes a technique for creating digital illustrations at the individual pixel level. This type of art was the result of low resolution displays in early videogame systems. Today, our phone and computer displays have millions of pixels. Despite this, the art form is very popular and the “retro” videogame look is used in many contemporary games.
I’ve already created 24 illustrations of buildings in Tongwynlais. I still enjoy the process and the results so I’ve added another two collections.
Collection 7
I completed these versions of the Lewis Arms quite a while ago when I was planning my history of the building.
I really enjoyed creating these different versions as the facade has changed significantly over the years which makes them very distinctive. I’d like to add a couple more from the early to mid 1900s.
Collection 8
My latest collection are all residential buildings that started with another request from someone I know. This is a lovely property on Castle Road that I think I’ve captured well. The owners recently moved away so I hope they keep this to remind them of happy times in the village.
I wonder if the new owners have seen this?
The next illustration is an old house at the top of Ironbridge Road that used to be a shop. This is another one of my favourite buildings in the village. The texture of the stone wall was really hard to capture and the white window frames were challenging.
The row of cottages on Merthyr Road are beautiful and such an iconic part of the village. I’ve taken dozens of photos over recent years to use as reference for a pixel art illustration. I wasn’t sure which one to start with but the striking red ivy on number 14 makes it stand out. I was tempted to remove the fence but eventually decided to leave it in for accuracy.
The final building in this collection is a beautiful semi-detached house opposite the golf course. These old properties have fantastic bay windows and lovely stonework.
I have a few more buildings I’d like to include in future instalments of this series. If you have a favourite, please get in touch and suggest it.
