I am going through a weird little faze right now! Being a graphic designer, I always associate a piece of art with coordinating patterns. When working as a designer we always took a main image and added coordinating patterns to make a group.
I often think that way when I am drawing. After completing a drawing I almost always start picturing patterns that would work with the art. I often think about drawing a pattern to coordinate with my main image. I started playing with this idea this week. I have a couple done already because I'm working fairly small right now. I also decided to add a touch of color. I'm doing washes of watercolor. I will post another very soon. What do you think? Good or bad, I would love to get some feedback.
I'm also trying to figure out why my blog is not updating correctly on other's blogs. I'll keep trying, and thanks to those who have been trying to help me with the problem.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Playing with Color Again!
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10 comments:
Hey I got the update!!!! I think this is very unique Jennie, and looks great to me, if it fits what your drawing at the time why not?
These are stunning, Jennie! That little bit of color adds so much. And the patterns are beautiful - you are so talented! :-)
*Thanks Grahame, It is different and I find myself wanting to add pattern to a lot of my work. I am my own worst critic and I find it hard to look at my own work objectively, so I appreciate the feedback.
Yes it looks like I fixed the problem. Thanks for your help!!
*Kathleen, Thanks so much. That is the nicest compliment I have gotten in a long time, and just when I needed one the most : ) I go to your blog often to brighten my day, I just can't get enough of your precious little cloud!
I love the addition of color and that it is still a limited palette. Sometimes people can go overboard with color—especially with those Dr. Martins' inks! These are great.
I prefer the 2nd image myself with the close-up of the pattern. It doesn't overwhelm the birdies, but they are both stunning.
P.S. Do you come up with the patterns out of your head or are you inspired by anything in particular?
Also, do you mind if I ask what materials you use (i.e. paper and pencil?).
Thanks kerry, I too prefer the second image.
As for Patterns, being a designer I LOVE Dover, we used it at work a lot. I look at Dover books a lot, also just everyday patterns- like my paisley shower curtain. I try to use these references as loosely as possible, just for the shape or the idea. I have a folder on my computer and I save patterns that I come across, for later reference.
As for paper, I use 2 different papers depending on what I'm drawing - I love them both!
Fabriano Artistico, 300 lb., Hot Press
Strathmore Bristol, Smooth or Plate Finish
As for pencils, whatever is nearby- Actually, I just looked by my drawing board and found Derwent-Graphic, Prismacolor-Turquoise, and Cretacolor- Nero. I'm not as particular about pencils as I am about paper. I'm happy with the ones I use. I don't use a large range either. I have a super hard 4H, an HB, and a super soft 8B. The Nero I use for my dark, darks and to add finishing touches - They are charcoal and wax based, I love them.
Hope you had fun at happy hour! I was planning on going and Fern called with a little emergency and I worked till about 6:00 - One of these days well get together.
I love these! You do great work. I think you should do a calendar like this. Love the hummers - one of my favorite birds.
HMMMMMMMMM! A Calendar, what a great idea! I may just consider doing that. Thanks Karen. Hummingbirds are my favorite as well. We have the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum here, and they have a hummingbird aviary that I go to quite often. I believe they have over 100 hummers there. I get photos all the time of them sitting in their sweet little nests with eggs. Sometimes when you get to close they start buzzing you, it's almost scary, but amazing at the same time.
Jennie,
Check out the work of a friend of mine. Pencil and watercolor with strong design like your pieces.
www.michaelmcnelly.com
I think you will really like his art.
WOW- Dean, thanks so much for the link to your friends work. I just spent like an hour checking out each piece. He is amazing to say the least! I LOVE his style- I never realized how attracted I am to design in art. Maybe it's all the illustration classes I had to take while getting my degree. Amazing, thanks!!
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