interpreting digital images in traditional media


Of Thistles, coloured pencil, Vivien Blackburn

I'm up to my eyes in stuff to do but took time to work on this coloured pencil drawing based on some digital images I did using the mr doob programme, Harmony.

I wanted to see how the marks would translate into traditional media. It's something I think I'll experiment with further. This is just the first version in a moleskine folio sketchbook.

There is more subtlety in the colours than I can pick up in the photographs or scans :>(

Worth pursuing do you think? maybe in watercolour plus pencils? pastel and much larger?

Comments

Jean Spitzer said…
This is beautiful. As are the digital images.
2:54 pm
Lisa Le Quelenec said…
How exciting! The rhythms of the marks are very energetic. I think this would look great on a large scale with big sweeps of runny paint.
3:42 pm
Unknown said…
I love this and also the digital photos that it came from. I used the camera and computer programmes a lot when doing my A level (as a mature student) earlier in the year - it can help you see things differently. I think using the camera and Serif or Photoshop etc are perfectly valid as a starting point and you have captured the beautiful ethereal feel that was in the photos. Not come across your programme before.
Lynn
4:06 pm
Julie Dunion said…
I think the distinctive marks have translated really well, Vivien. I'd love to see a large pastel version.
4:42 pm
. said…
Vivien this is excatly what I have been experimenting with recently! I'm very very interested in it, it's working very well for me and I'm very actively persuing it.

Hoping Santa might bring me a graphics tablet as doing things with the laptop mousepad thing is proving rather tedious ;-)

I've tried interpreting Mr Doob doodles too - I'm working up some large scale watercolour standing stones based on some Mr D sketches I did.

I'm also playing with mashing up photos to create the bones for abstracts, layering them up and embelishing in Photoshop or on the iPhone in the Brushes app there and then as I take, then printing and using *that* as the basis for the abstract painting. I've done some things I'm quite pleased with with autumn leaves, and also the ash clouds when they came over.
5:24 pm
vivien said…
Thanks Jean and Julie.

Lisa I agree - this was a small try out but I think it really needs to be BIG.

Lynx I totally agree - it gives you different mark making possibilities to exploit. I hope you carry on with your studies and go on to do a degree. I did my degree as a mature student (having done the Foundation Year at school leaving age). I've never used Serif but do use Photoshop and Corel (photopaint and paint). I used the camera and computer a lot during the degree to develop images and ideas too.

Nicki I'll take a look at what you've been up to
10:03 pm
Unknown said…
Hi Vivien,
Re your reply - I have actually signed up with OCA to do my BA(Hons). That's how I found your site - through a link with another student's blog. Only on Drawing 1 now (they like you to start with that), but looking forward to getting back to painting. However, coloured pencils are allowed in this module and your painting is inspirational, so after Christmas I'll let myself go a bit more and see what the tutor says!
Looking at other comments - not heard of Mr Doob, but checked it out and it's great. I also need a graphics tablet - mouse is too restricting!
Have a good Christmas.
8:39 am
vivien said…
that's great - good luck with it. I hope it includes get-togethers with other students and tutor occasionally as you learn so much from each other.

Graphics tablet is much better but I managed for years with a mouse so it is possible to do some good stuff without the tablet
6:17 pm
Lisa Le Quelenec said…
Merry Christmas Vivien! Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011. With love, Lisa
10:41 am
vivien said…
Thanks Lisa - and the same to you :>)
8:39 pm
rob ijbema said…
looks good and promising vivian
love the sweeps and swoops,i'll be following with interest!
11:55 am
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