Four more great submissions for this weeks' prompt, Ornament
KKat
This lovely door knocker from KKat was drawn in a brand new Daler-Rowney 150g/m² acid free cartridge paper, 148 x 130mm sketch book. I have used these books myself over the years and they are a nice drawing paper at an economical price. They do have the drawback of not erasing very well, being difficult to lift colour pencil and they tend to smear and smudge graphite somewhat if not careful. Which is a good thing -you don't want to rely on that eraser too much. These books are designed as sketch books and although they are good to work with they are not really a fine drawing paper.
KKat has used Prismacolor pencils in sepia, light and dark umber and black to create this engaging image of her 'Kat Knocker'. He is very whimsical and full of character! It seems as if KKat was drawing this knocker slightly on an angel, turned away from us, which tells me that the nose is not quite the correct contour, and perhaps the right eye should be turned a touch . KKats rendering and use of colour and tonal range is excellent. You can really see the indentations and inscribed features on the metal surface. Those ears are really nicely drawn, and the scallop shapes on the forehead. A fitting introduction page to your new sketch book!
(PS. don't forget to sign your work!)
'Kat Knocker' by KKat
Jean
The 1782 Rose Window from Mission San Jose near San Antonio, Texas is Jean's subject this week. This window is exceptionally ornamental! Jean has used graphite pencils 2H - 4B on Fabriano Artistico HP 300gsm. The carved shapes and cracks are intricate and Jean has observed them well. Similar to KKat's drawing above, the darker areas create depth and shadow helping us to understand the form.
The interior of the window is now boarded up and Jean chose to have this as a dark area instead of drawing wood grain. I think this was a wise choice as any texture there would distract from the detailled moulding surround.
Jean says she could not get the dark area black enough for her satisfaction. Remember, that the darkest area in a graphite drawing the veiwer will see as black. However, to achieve a really rick, dark black I have found it is best to start from dark to light, rather than light to dark. If you use a hard pencil such as a 2H first it is hard to layer softer pencils on top as the hard pencil will smooth the grain of the paper and reject the softer pencil. By laying down a layer of 4B first, then working on top progressively you can create a richer black. I would generally not use a 2H at all, even on the top layer, but finish with an F pencil in a circular fill. It does take time to build up to a good black without resulting in the dreaded pencil shine.
An interesting and detailed work by Jean.
'Rose Window, Mission San Jose' by Jean
KM
KD has drawn a treasured graduation gift from her Aunty Pat as her subject this week - a beautiful antique inkwell stand. She has drawn this on 210gsm paper with graphite pencils and additional Derwent colour pencils. KD has been paying attention to all our hints here on layering of colours and use of white paper! She has used indigo blue under the graphite to create a rich, marbled black. As well KD has been careful to leave the paper white to display the highlights of the cut crystal inkwell. Raw Sienna, Copper Beech and Chocolate has been used to emulate the brass pieces and ceramic pen holders - here I think she could have left the occassional white strip or highlight, as well as incorporating some of the indigo on the shadow side to help express the form of the pen holder.
KD, your observation and shapes in this drawing are good. I really appreciate how much your drawing of shapes and ovals has progressed! I remember your first ovals in class were a bit lopsided and can see definite improvement here. You do need to slow down a little on the back ground fill, a little less rushed next time. This probably looked liked something simple to draw when you first considered it, but it is deceptively difficult and you have done a good job.
'Aunty Pat's Inkwell' by KM
Monika
Using a sweet Swaroski miniture crystal bear as her subject, Monika has been exploring how to draw lights and darks to create reflecting glass. She has drawn this in her visual diary using HB graphite accentuated with Derwent pencil in grey, blue and ocher. Monika has also added touches of highlight white using a Derwent white chalk pencil.
Monika has drawn this from 'life' and is to be congratulated. Sometimes, I admit it can seem easier to use a photo, and for this drawing Monika says she feels a photo would have helped her more. Perhaps, but in my opinion you always get more information and feeling drawing from the actual subject. I do think that all the triangles and hard edges were confusing which hindered her drawing of the basic shapes of the bear - remember to concentrate first on those simple shapes of the form first before worrying about the surface angles, textures or reflections. This was another subject that looked simple but was quite difficult.
Those textures and reflections in this drawing are well observed. The strong darks next to the bright whites or mid tone grey work well to emulate the crystal reflections. The touches of colour bring this bear to life. He is a delightful little fellow and Monika has made him sparkle.
'Swaroski Bear' by Monika
Don
Don sent me through his ornament just after I posted this blog today. I love it and wanted to put it up so you could all see it. Don has several 'Green Men' hanging on the fence around his garden, protecting the family and keeping them company during this lock down. It is drawn in his Windsor Newton visual diary, 120gsm smooth paper with graphite pencils 2H, HB & 2B. Don has used a paper stump (not a tortillia!) and eraser as creative drawing tools - in fact Don says his paper stump is his new best friend.
This Green Man is an appealing subject and Don has handled the textures and tones very well. The light and shade is effective and the dark background surround assists to create white highlight edging and shape definintion. He says he rushed it a bit, but hasn't detracted from the image. I think this has created a relaxed feel that suits the smiling face. I'd be very happy to have this fellow visit my garden.
Great work Don.
'The Green Man' by Don
Please note if you have not completed your Week 16 prompt try and do so and send to me today. I will post any further submissions for Week 16 early next week.
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