Sketches and Snippets 15th November
Creative Process: Winter Berries Sketches
Saturday was a good day - out for brunch and a beautiful bright autumn walk with my favourite man in the morning, followed by sketchbook time in the afternoon.
After saying last time I wanted to do designs based on Cotoneaster leaves and berries at some point, I thought why not now...?
So, I turned to a fresh page, sharpened my pencil, and started drawing around a circular belt buckle until the page was covered with big dots ready to fill, mixed up a murky greenish-brown colour with acrylic inks and painted in the background. It’s the same colour as the second-hand coat I bought last week so that probably influenced my colour choice. A nice dark neutral is always good for making the brighter colours pop and luckily I picked up a bottle of pink ink last time I was in Edinburgh.
Listened to Sue Perkins in conversation with Armando Iannucci while I sketched, which I really enjoyed. Sue Perkins is a national treasure as far as I’m concerned. She’s funny and clever and has such a warm rapport with her guests, which brings out the best in them. I’ve only just discovered her podcast An hour or so with… and am enjoying what I’ve heard so far. I listen to podcasts more than the radio now. There’s always something new and fascinating to learn about and I just love hearing knowledgeable people talking about stuff they’re really into…their enthusiasm is infectious! Art and history are my favourite subjects but I’m always looking for something new to listen to. Do you have any recommendations?
I’ve been using these spiral-bound sketchbooks from Flying Tiger for the last few years because they’re so affordable. The paper isn’t really the best for these inks. It’s rough and a little too absorbent but these sketches are just for me, to get something out of my head and down on paper to use for the next stage, which will be translating them into fabric. My initial idea was to make embroidered brooches (and I already know they’ll look good against my coat) but I think they’d work equally well as Christmas baubles, or applique for purses, or on little doll’s dresses, or stuffed animal toys…or…or… So the next decision is what to make…?
Have a good week! Until next time, Julia x
Have a good week ahead Julia