REPEAT PATTERNS - FOREST

Another go at doing a repeat pattern.  This one was an attempt at learning how to do crowd repeat patterns, with each row overlapping the next.  I'm a simpleton, so it took a while to get my head around the process, but I got there in the end.

I quite like the colour scheme in this one, but I don't like how regimented it is, with all the figures in straight columns.  Next time I want it to look like a more organic crowd.

DIP PEN AND INK SKETCHES

I bought a load of Bristol board and drawing ink in order to try out my dip pen for the first time.  I love that I can now work really small while still retaining the control and variation in line thickness - this will make a big difference to the way I draw comics.

Here are some of my practices.... 

REPEAT PATTERNS - SKELETONS

This year is all about experimenting for me, learning new skills, developing and expanding my work and style.  As such, the other day I finally learned how to do repeat patterns.  I've been envying the wrapping paper and wallpaper designs of numerous illustrators, so it's really cool to be able to try my hand at it.  I assumed it would be really complicated, but in fact it's dead simple.  I fed it back to some of my students and they took to it really quickly.

Here is my first proper attempt - a super-topical Halloween wrapping paper design.  A dance macabre if you will.  Sorry...

SKETCHBOOK

Sketches from last night.  Trying out some crosshatching and black and white line shading with an eye to bringing a bit of depth and texture to my ligne claire-esque line art.

TWO-COLOUR PRINTS

I've been continuing my printmaking experiments - this time with a two-colour process.  I measured out two Lino blocks and cut one for the background and face surface colour...

Then, once that had dried, applied a second block - this time for detail and darker surface.  It worked out quite well - I like the colours.  However, while I generally embrace little flaws in the printing - having two blocks increases the amount to a level that detracts from the overall look of the print.

So I spent a little time the other day cutting into the blocks a little more to smooth out any raised areas, then did a new batch of prints...

There was too much ink on this run - something I'll have to keep an eye on in future - but I think the flaws have been reduced to an acceptable level on this run.

I'm enjoying this new image-making process immensely.  I would love to do screenprinting and my work has the necessary equipment, but I've heard they don't let staff use them - just students.  Bah!  I'll keep trying though.

The plan with Lino printing is to go bigger next and try one and two colour prints on a A5/A4/A3 level.  If I get a good enough image I'll buy some nice paper and do a run to sell online and at events.  Lino blocks are REALLY expensive though - I saw an A3 one in my local arts supply shop that was £15!  That's fine if I nail it first time, but block cutting is an unforgiving medium and I'm still learning.  These little prints will fit quite nicely onto an A5 page (allowing for a border), so when I've done a good few more I might do a little run of them as a limited zine.