I spent a fair bit of time plotting and planning the layout of the piece, to create interesting angles, positioning and spacing. I found using the black and white photographs quite useful, as the greys , lights and darks are easier to see.
I practiced some marks to see if I could get the effects I needed. Dipped ink seemed to work well for the wooden frame – as this media produced lines and gave a good representation of graining seen in the material.
I liked the delicate pen outline of the flower petals.
I wanted to use some Hessian material to give the piece texture. I could then use the techniques Id tried earlier in the project. I also tried something new – using a piece of hessian and rubbing charcoal on it, then using that to press on to the surface of the paper. This effect was pleasing – is it drawing or printing though? Rubbing through the paper (frottage) didn’t work with the hessian.
I can not yet work free hand (maybe I never will!) and have to plot out the shapes quite carefully before I do the main body of the work. I have to do this to get the angles and composition right.
I have noticed that, as I’m right handed, my lines tend to slope noticeably to the right. I need to be aware of this and try and make corrections.
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