Adapting my drawing technique

I feel like a lot of my drawing style so far has been very controlled and neat. I feel this may be due to me working in the sketchbook and therefore I am subconsciously thinking too much about the page as opposed to my actual drawing. Therefore my next step to develop my work is to move on to larger scale surfaces. I think another way to move my work forwards is to look back at drawing exercises I have learnt before. This week I’ve been using techniques such as blind drawing and restricting myself to a time limit. It has loosened up my mark making which has helped give a bit more variety.

Based on the tiled collage I created inspired by Merci Paris I cut a square viewfinder in cartridge paper and drew within the box. I allowed myself to go over the edges which cut the drawing off in some areas. I wanted to mirror the idea of the drawing being contained to a square and being dictated by the shape of the perimeter. 

Tutorial with Rachel Kelly

After my tutorial with Rachel Kelly, I realised I was not looking at my work from a designers point of view. In order for my designs to develop successfully, now would be an appropriate time to work on large scale surfaces. 

I have stepped out of my sketch book onto individual papers which do not restrict my drawing space. In addition this will enable me to put my designs into photo-shop without the issue of losing quality when enlarging my designs.

At some point I am aware that I need to give more consideration to my colour pallet as I have limited myself to one colour range. This was originally intentional as I wanted to focus on other elements such a shape and pattern before complicating my thoughts with colour use. Although I am unsure as to what it will look like, I am aiming towards a collection of designs at this stage towards wall paper, and I am aware collections usually consist of at least 8 or 9 colours to a pallet. I am also going to give thought to how I use colour and composition across a surface area of standard wall paper dimensions to understand my designs in a realistic light.

Merci Paris Wallpaper

I came across wallpaper designs by Merci Paris. They combine the idea of tile formation more as imagery as opposed to a relief surface. I decided to take drawings that I had done and create a similar collage piece in response to what I have seen here.

Camden Markets

Camden Markets in London have been another point of visual research informing my project. I came across beautifully hand carved stamps which related really well to my initial theme. 

This has enabled me to think about the idea of stamping as a way of making marks and I want to push the concept of hand processes. It has been a long time since I have experimenting with lino printing but it has worked very successfully as I have been able to achieve an alternative line quality and an opportunity to bring in some texture. Lino stamping allows me to explore the element of positive and negative space as to make marks the surface has to be carved away.  My colour pallet has not been particularly informed in this sample which is something I need to work on for my ideas to progress.

Initial Drawing

My aim from my initial drawing has been to develop shape, line and pattern. I envision my work to be for an interior market so I have been thinking about components or motifs that could go into a design. I have been working a lot with fine line on to paper.

This is allowing me to create very detailed drawings but it is not giving me enough development within my imagery so I need to be more experimental in the way I’m working. I want to create original designs and my style at this point is too literal. Each drawing is also very detailed which is taking a lot of time. To move forward I am going to look back to skills from previous project which will give me confidence to work more fluidly. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Whilst in Glasgow, I seeked further inspiration from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. I was looking at an alternative colour pallet, something vibrant with an impact. I initially felt, although my thailand photographs were perfect for inspiring my drawing in terms of pattern, they may not give me enough from a colour pallet. These butterflies had lively colour tones which I have gone on to experiment with.

Following on from looking at butterflies, I began to look at birds as they were a feature in cushion by The Hmong Tribe; a thailand based textile company who work with embroidery. I didn’t want to restrict myself but in doing so I feel I am trying to cover too many directions.

Having experimented slightly with drawings and painting studies, I have decided to move quickly back to architectural pattern in terms of imagery. I am aware that I will have a stronger project if the concept underpinning my ideas and decision making is clear and focused. However I do like the colour pallet I have extracted from the particular study above and may continue experimenting with this.