Ever since graduation from art school in 2005, I’ve slowly come to realize that drawing is a discipline and the artist eye and hand needs exercise regularly. A few weeks ago I really noticed that my art muscle was really getting flabby compared to my art school days so I’ve made a point to dig out an old sketchbook and sketch something, anything, a couple times per week.
Sometimes I execute art quickly with a great idea, but often it takes me awhile to think through and plan. Particularly when I work on calfskin vellum it’s best to make an exact plan because a tiny piece is so expensive.
First is the various parts taped on some grid paper, usually with color…
…then traced the outline for transfering to the vellum with Seral paper…
…next vellum preparation with XXF dental pumice rubbed all over, about 15 minutes for this 5″x7″ piece, then dusted off…
…and lettering the words with black gouache…
…then applying Instacoll before the gold application…
… and laying the 23K gold leaf and shining it up…
…finally the painting with gouache and shell gold!
See the difference between the raised gold leaf (center of the flower) and the painted shell gold (stripe down each leaf)? And see the veins in the vellum?
Meant to post the photo of these envelopes sooner but I forgot until last night when the internet was down. lol
Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly so I thought I’d share one of my favorite poodle valentines.
As always you’re welcome to use my illustration for your own personal use. Enjoy!
Love’s Greeting to my Valentine (PNG) Download
It doesn’t often get very cold here in Texas, but today it is rainy and colder so I thought it was a good day to share this poodle drawing with you.
It was one of my first poodle illustrations using a 1920 Norman Rockwell painting as inspiration. I always used this drawing for greeting cards and once or twice in a 12 month color-your-own calendar. As always you’re welcome to use my illustration for your own personal use. Enjoy!
Poodle Reading a Thermometer (PNG) Download
