Just in case you hadn’t seen enough of this image – here’s one that I ‘drew’ with needle and thread. I didn’t trace the image first – I worked from a drawing in front of me. This may explain why it is rather wonky, but I am interested in the visual effects that you get from stitching. I would however have found this far easier if I’d had an embroidery frame!
I am experimenting with some techniques for printmaking at home, using inexpensive materials. This image was produced using intaglio print card to create a drypoint etching plate. I scratched the design into it using a bradawl and small screwdriver. I then inked it up using Artisan (water miscible) oil paint, wiping the excess off with torn pages of a telephone directory. To test it out, I dampened ordinary cheap cartridge paper, blotted it on newspaper, and laid it over the inked up plate. I then ‘pressed’ it using an ordinary rolling pin! It’s not perfect, but it is a start, and I plan to keep experimenting. I’ve made some cream handmade paper, and I plan to try using this for printing.
My intention with this was to lay down the basic shapes and colours of the image, which I could then work on top of. The problem is – I quite like the quality of this as it is. It has a ghostly, floating quality that seems consistent with that of memory. What do you think?
I very much enjoy looking at collage, so I’ve attempted one in my large sketchbook (A3 size). I’ve got no idea what I’m doing, but it’s fun to play!
(P.S. If you haven’t already found it, this might be a good opportunity to play with the colour changer on this blog. See those tiny coloured squares on the top right corner? Try clicking on one.)
Mum scanned a few of my childhood photos for me. Here are a few sketches of scenes involving dolls (and good old Teddy too). This project seems to be broadening out from dolls to childhood. I’ve been filling my sketchbook with ideas, images and research. Click images to enlarge. The first two are carbon pencil; the third and fourth are dip-pen and ink.
