Process

I tried something new with my Gothic Alice triptych. Which isn't saying that much, actually, because I'm really just making this up as I go along!  It's fun to play without rules. :)

In this case, I first created a pencil sketch on paper, which I've done many times before.  The NEW part is that I then scanned my sketch into my computer and cleaned it up digitally with my pen & tablet (which I'm still learning and playing around with; so fun!) 

After making a few digital changes and erasing some extraneous marks (most of them from my dirty scanner glass; ugh) I lowered the opacity of the line art to something very light and gray, and then printed it out on nice cardstock.  Then, back to the studio table I went.  I inked over the printed lines with a very fine Micron pen, and in places, made changes, like adding fur spikes around the cat's face for one. 

Once my line art was completed for a third time (1st, pencil sketch on paper; 2nd, digital work printed to cardstock; 3rd, inked lines) I moved to the color phase and laid down layers of Prismacolor pencil, using thinner to blend for a smudgy effect.  A very, very spare use of white gel pen at the very end of things added back in highlights and accents in places where they had become obscured.  As a last step, I sprayed several coats of final fixative to my work, to prevent smudging over time.

Here's a look at how that played out.  The top image is the cleaned-up pencil sketch, ready for printing; the second image is my inked line art (which for the first time ever since I started doing ATC's, I scanned and saved to possibly recolor and recustomize for additional Gothic Alice projects); and the third image is my final artwork.

Personally, I love it when I stumble on progressions like this; for sure, one of my favorite things in the art world is the vast number of "process" tutorials, demos, books, and videos available to Joe Every Man, like me.  I learn so much from them.  Well, that, or I just enjoy myself silly taking them in; it's so fun to peek into someone else's methods and mindset.  I can highly recommend you visit YouTube and SEARCH "speed paint" whe you get a chance.  You'll see some amazing (usually digital) process art for yourself!

Comments

[Melanie Jayne]

Hi Shelli

I love how you are able to show the stages of the works by using your original sketches combined with the digital process, I'm sure you will let your imagination run wild here and please do as the all the images are great!...... by the way I should stop myself from visiting your blog, your so giving me the urge to pick up my paint brushes again, but maybe I can get my fix here.

love
MJ

[Ellen Borggreve]

Hi Shel,
I love seeing this process and I do like all stages, but the final stage is mind bogglingly beautiful. Like Melanie Jayne, I can't help but feel the need to get started on other projects than just the bears when I visit your blog...You really are an inspiration and I am so happy you are enjoying yourself this much!!! Hugs, Ellen

[Shel]

Wow, thanks so much you guys! It's absolutely wonderful to hear I've inspired someone in their own art; kinda makes my heart sing, actually. Art makes me feel good and I just wish that for everyone. So YES, do go create something new! :)

[Melanie Jayne]

I have got to agree here Shelli,you can truly see the love,enjoyment and inspiration you are experiencing in the works you are producing which makes them all that more special. When it comes from the heart it is ART!

love
MJ