Large Scale

The month of October presented me with an opportunity to work large scale. I was asked to create artwork for a youth event. There were 5 large canvases ranging from 5'x8' to 8'x10' that would be the backdrop for the stage. Luckily I have access to a shop area that I could work on these all at the same time  with minimal rearranging as I worked.

Also, there were 5 canvas assemblies that had been created. These were to be painted to hang separately and would fit together as one piece of art on the last night. Each assembly shape and background colors were predetermined and brought to me before I began. The main message was written on the large central canvas and the small secondary canvases utilized text as texture. Each lay out is different and independent. But each assembly had the swirling imagery as a central theme. I had only 8 days to create the canvas assemblies so there was not a lot of layout and decision making time. Which turned out to be a blessing for me. I seem to overthink and overwork if time allows. 

This was such a great project to work on! I have come to realize that I love working large. Ok maybe not the 5'x10' large, but the canvas assemblies were a blast! I have also realized that I love working on canvas. I will be pursuing this in the future. 

Unfortunately, the picture quality is not great and I did not get a photo of the canvas assemblies in their final configuration. 

Which Style (con't)

Earlier I posted about trying to find a style and layout that fits a quote. You can see them here.

This style and layout has come closer to my feeling of of the quote. Although, I realized I had the words a little mixed up:) The exact quote reads: "The boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places." So far I have not written the exact words. Sometimes I wonder about my ability to remember. haha

This layout was written with sumi ink and a Speedball B1.

Which Style for Quote

I have been playing in the studio today with a quote that has been in my head for the last few days. 

"My boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places."

I have created several rough sketches but am having a hard time finding a layout 

that works for the way I feel about the quote. 

Which do you like?

Written with Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White and a ruling pen.

Created with Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White and ruling pen for the outline and filled in with watercolor.

Written with Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White and an Esterbrook 357.

Text as Texture 4

The fourth example from my journal with text creating abstract shapes and texture. I like this one!

The washes of walnut ink and watercolor on each side add depth and movement without being too distracting. The main word going vertical on the page creates a nice shape. The outer colors not touching the black, but coming close creates a contrast element with the black sumi ink. The small text inside the main word gives visual interest without overwhelming the main focus.

The elements that are not working is the random text in the blue area. I don't mind the strokes but the words are too legible and thus do not make sense.

I think the sketches are improving.

Text as Texture 3

Okay, here's the third example of text as texture. (The first can be seen here and the second here.)

The things that I think work in this example are: the background interest is more complex. There is also more variation in sizes of text. And I like the single spot of color in the middle. The two vertical boxes add a structural element to the otherwise organic feel of the piece.

The things that do not work are: the 'c' in grace has been completely covered. Where this piece is not necessarily meant to be legible, the covering of the 'c' leaves a visual a hole. There is no real focal point to grab the eye and move it around the piece. It's too disorderly.

Text as Texture 2

This is my second example of text as texture. I am experimenting with abstract layouts using text to create shape and texture. My last post was my least successful sketch thus far. This example is a little better. The overall shape is more interesting and the walnut ink in the lower left corner creates some interest as well.  Although, there is a little more contrast in value from the previous post, it is still not enough. And then there is the issue of the blank spot in the upper left corner. Something about it is appealing but uncomfortable at the same time. Overall the sketch is too clean, not enough background depth and not enough variance in size of lettering.

I have generated about 4 of these so far and am saving the better ones for last. The colors are being kept the same and to a minimum. There is black sumi ink, walnut ink, and turquoise watercolor.

Text as texture

I have been experimenting with some abstract layouts using text as texture. The image above is one of the sketches from my journal. This is actually my least favorite and I'll tell you why. It's too clean and orderly. There is some contrast in value but not near enough to be pleasing. You know what they say, "The artist who can control contrast can control the world!" Or something like that.

I will post several of these to show what works and what doesn't work for me. Then I hope to take the best one and recreate on a large scale.

Peter Thornton Workshop

I had the pleasure of attending the Peter Thornton pressurized roman caps and layout and design workshop hosted by New Orleans Lettering Arts Association. The workshop was filled with information. Peter is a genuinely talented calligrapher and teacher.