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| Mixed Baby Tomatoes 4 December 2017 Ink and Watercolour Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook 20.3cm x 14.0cm (8.0" x 5.5") |
Liz Steele's SketchingNow Edges course explains how to create sketches with a strong focus and a great sense of depth by understanding the importance of edges. It is intended for people with some drawing and painting experiences.
The first part of the curriculum explores different types of edges. It differentiates between edges that are changes in plane and edges that are changes in colour or texture. It also considers whether edges are hard or soft and strong or weak. The second part of the course examines how to prioritise edges to create focus and depth.
There are 4 lessons with indoor and outdoor exercises. The winter weather isn't conducive to working outdoors, so, I've studied the course material, completed the indoor exercises and will return to it in the late spring. This approach will work well because the concepts are thought-provoking and worth studying at least twice.
This post contains my favourite sketches from the indoor exercises.
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| Not Mine 4 December 2017 Ink and Watercolour Pencil Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook 20.3cm x 14.0cm (8.0" x 5.5") |
The shoes were an exercise in identifying edges that indicate a change in colour.
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| Desk Lamp 23 December 2017 Ink and Watercolour Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook 14.0cm x 20.3cm (5.5" x 8.0") |
The sketch of the lamp was an exercise in losing lines. It is not particularly successful, but I enjoyed it and it is a reasonable representation of the lamp.
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| Honeybuns 29 December 2017 Watercolour Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook 20.3cm x 14.0cm (8.0" x 5.5") |
Elaine bought the Honeybuns cake tin as a Valentine’s day gift in 2016. The contents aren't the original cakes – she refreshed the tin before Christmas. This was an exercise in simplifying and prioritising changes in colour. The result is unlike anything I’ve painted before. I kind of like it, but it raises more questions than answers. I am looking forward to returning to the course later in the year.
