Friday 19 December 2008

Messing About in Painter


I'm not feeling very well today: as if a stinking cold wasn't enough, I also have a toothache, from a filling I had on Monday. So, instead of doing real work, I feel I can legitimately spend the day playing around. I thought I'd show you what I've been up to...


Lately I've been inspired by how other people tint their sketchbook work with colour, after the event. I have never done this - I consider my drawings finished the moment I close my book and walk away. But coloured sketches definitely have more impact.


I'm not keen on the blandness of the flat brushes you have to make do with in programmes like Photoshop, but Corel Painter is all about mark-making, so I've spent this morning scanning in my pencil sketches and experimenting with various watercolour effects. The detail above gives you some idea of what you can achieve in Painter.


These sketches were originally done one summer in Edensor, a village close to Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire. I was sketching various houses, when a lady came out of one with a cup of tea for me (in a proper china cup and saucer) and a big piece of chocolate cake!

I have been finding it tricky choosing colours, when I've no memory of the actual colour, so I've used what I thought looked best, which feels a little odd for me, as it flies in the face of the 'reportage' nature of the original drawings.

I also thought I'd try something a bit less complex, so I could concentrate more on the marks themselves, like these feet. Here's a detail so you can see the marks:



I wasn't all that optimistic beforehand, but I must say, looking at them now, I'm pleasantly surprised that they do seem to work, especially the last one. So I will definitely be having another go!

12 comments:

Juan said...

Fantastic work Lynne! Beautifully done.
Your illustration for Illustration Friday is also excellent.
Have a great weekend!

Tina Poe said...

Hope you feel better soon! I love Painter, and your sketches turned out really well with the color :)

winna said...

Plaid socks? Never have seen them yet--but probably will several times now. Just wonderful rendition of your talent!

sophie philo said...

great illus, i like the shoes most and the others, too.

weechuff said...

Great work Lynne! I hope you will soon be feeling better after your visit to the dentist.

memi said...

it is admirable that you posted at all, given your state of mind and body.

I just had a good look at all of your travel sketchbooks- just wonderful!
One really feels like you are sitting along side of you.

Feel better!

Anonymous said...

I found your blog via illustration friday. Your work is amazing! I love your children's illustrations ;)

Ira R said...

These are terrific. I also enjoy mixing pastel w/watercolor in Painter.
Hope you are feeling better!

Lynne the Pencil said...

Thanks again for all your lovely feedback and positive comments.

Yes, thanks goodness, I seem to be on the mend today.

Unknown said...

nice crunchy shoes

RobCarey said...

Wonderful- your sketches are fantastic, and the color makes them that much better.

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Oh, I love that village. It's so picturesque, isn't it? Love all of your recent posts, Lynne. Your life drawings are fantstic. And, I just love these shoes. Fabulous.