Literally and figuratively, I work "step by step" when I am working on an illustration. This home was done one step at a time, massing in the areas in pencil, the rock walls, the vegetation, the grassy knolls, the home and the steps. I then work in micron pen, erasing after the ink has had a chance to dry. A drafting brush to brush away the eraser crumbs is an important step. The final step is layering in the watercolor after a palette has been decided upon. Clean water is a must. Do you work step by step?This was a "give-away" for our school education foundation which I love to participate in. The winner and home-owner now has "House" cards, a postcard to send greetings. Sometimes, just a post card is the first step in connecting with those across the miles or even right next door.
Do you have house post-cards to send to those near and far?
20 comments:
Another beauty Patricia. I do love the idea of postcards- I'd send them to everyone I know. I don't have a drafting brush- I'll have to get one. I'm loving this new paper that I splurged on-how will I ever go back? I forgot what a difference it makes.
Debra,
It all starts with the paper. I love trying new papers out to contrast and compare. My High School ARt teacher told me to look for paper with "tooth!
Her words still ring loud and clear!
pve
This is wonderful. Wow on those steps. I love my moving cards that you did for me. I think I need to print out more for note cards now. I do love them.
As a writer it is all word by word for me.
This is wonderfully enchanting piece and what a great giveaway for a good cause. (tayq - I am too undiscipline to work your good method) You are amazing!
Kwana,
I love that -"word by word" ~ It is also "idea by idea"
poured out onto paper with immense possibilities~
pve
Tina,
The discipline does help to build confidence and to throw caution to the wind, which I do on occasion, starting fresh with a blank canvas or paper.
pve
No, I don't have any house postcards, but you just gave me a really good idea for a xmas gift for my friend. She would love this.
This is lovely. Love those big pines, they make the house seem so nestled and cozy. I can picture sipping hot cocoa by the fire on a chilly winter day.
As a non-artist, I love hearing about the process.
This is an amazing house, and your card is lovely.
This is absolutely beautiful Patricia...love your illustrations, xv.
Just beautiful! I work the same way, step by step!
You and I have a very similar process.
I love your houses, they're wonderful!
Love this one, of course. As a former writer, I understand Kwana's comment of word by word. But as someone (that would be a crazy woman) who built a stone staircase it is much more complicated. Like your art teacher advised, it starts with a firm foundation. It takes fitting stones, making sure everything is locked together. What doesn't show are the calculations, modified on site by the size of irregular natural materials. A staircase, while it begins on the bottom, has to land perfectly at the top. Sounds easy. Anything but! And as with any art form when it is done well, looks so easy. You have spent a lifetime of building those painted steps with perfect ease!
and sometimes it is just taking that first step ...
still working on that ...
to follow in your steps would be incredible ... you are such an inspiration ... and i thank you for gently taking our hand and giving us insight and guidance ...
one step at a time ...
this is a lovely piece, pve ... and a most delightful idea to incorporate into a postcard ...
prairiegirl xo
I would have some postcards of you!!!!!!!
Greet
its gorgeous!
and thanks for your exam tips! they were simple and useful !
How lovely! And so nice of you to give us more detail about your work. I'm always in awe of your illustrations.
That's so funny...I read your comment and I also had a teacher who wanted us to work with paper that had "tooth!" :-)
This summer I crafted some cards out of vintage postcards from our Jersey Shore town. Cost me pennies a card and I love that they "say" something about where we live.
love those stairs ... i can see them decked out for fall/christmas/easter ... lovely work.
Very lovely. Watercolor is a beautiful medium, and you use it so well here!
What a cozy, gorgeous illustration! I want to move right in! I'm so glad you visited my blog today--what a treat to find yours! xo
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