I found the drawing from reference studio workshop really informative and helpful. I feel I have learnt a lot about how we can use visual references to inform our work. As an illustrator, it is important to develop an unique and personal voice. - it would not be 'illustration' if we were to simply copy a photograph. I have learnt that we use reference photographs as a 'blueprint' for the development of our own ideas. it is suggested to have an idea in mind first before using an image as a point of reference.-Why use reference material at all?
It can be a useful way to find information about a subject that you don't have in your imagination/ can't remember certain details. The aims of this exercise, is to interpret and translate the information presented, in our own way.
The task was to create a minimum of four drawings, all working from the same photograph. initially i translated the image quite literally, (- proportions and points of detail), but through each drawing, my interpretations change and developed into simpler forms. I began to be more selective in the information I took from the photograph, and i felt that my method of working began to improve. Here are some of the more successful interpretations.
As well as simplifying the detail and tone, I also altered the proportions and line. - becoming more structured and simple. By the final drawing, the interpretation was quite a jump from the initial image. In drawing from the same photograph over and over, I found that I discovered more about the image each time, leading to many variations.
Observational Drawing.
For todays observational drawing task, we were asked to bring in a 3D object, to draw from. Our medium was ink, combined with a variety of sized brushes and dip pens. I found observational drawing to be a really interesting and useful exercise. - similar to our 'look, think, draw' task but for this i feel we spent more time focusing on and studying the object. - we were able to touch it, move it and arrange the composition. - i feel that we connected more with the object in front of us today. The session really evolved around us creating our own interpretations; it was up to us to decide how we chose to present the information. The main difference between this and drawing from reference is the process of translating a 3D object, this was quite challenging, but enjoyable.
The object i brought was a rose in a small glass vase. I soon found that the flower was more difficult to draw than i first imagined. we were asked to draw our chosen object 3/4 times, on A4 paper. - but the complex structure of the many layers of petals meant that i'd spent too long on one piece. I found that i'd focused on drawing accurate proportions, and quality of line rather than the rest of the interesting details. - such as changes in tone - this was rushed. I also felt that my interpretations were not very unique - the proportions didn't have to be accurate, it was more about our interruptions and how we wish to translate the object. i feel that this piece could have been more successful if i'd have been more selective in the information i chose.
I also complete a study of a houseplant that Tilly had brought in. This i feel, is a lot more successful. Here I focused more on the subject - thinking more carefully about the choices I was making. - what marks best represented the areas of tone, or edge of the leaves. I was more selective about the information i included - picking mainly three areas of tone to depict allowed me to include enough detail without getting carried away.
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