My son was not much help. Although with my observation skills on high, I noticed that he did not exude the usual excitement at viewing one of his pets in graphite. His eyes kept scanning the drawing. It is a familiar photograph to him, so I am sure the lack of writing made a difference... just speculating here or being paranoid. ;)
So after losing more time to mulling it over, I thought of another approach to the dilemma. As you all know, my drawings begin as a graphed sketch on transfer paper. The premise behind this is to have a preserved sketch on file in case of an aborted start or the desire to put a subject into color at a later date. Well... Why not use the sketch to see what the drawing would look like with lettering? It may not be as dark as original work, but it will at least offer an idea of the finished piece. It was worth an afternoon of laying out the lettering, just to see a glimpse of an alternate ending to this subject.
Below is the updated transfer paper sketch. I wasn't really seeing an answer, so I darkened the lettering with a marker and pulled out my trusty light box. :)
The light washes out the drawing to a degree but leaves enough of the shading to allow me to see a little bit of dimension. It was actually kind of cool to see the lettering appear, and it's nice to know there is another plus to starting my sketches on transfer paper! ;) The Washington lettering will be dark thread, and the larger DC lettering will be in a very light thread.
Since I am messing around with the idea anyways, a little 2b pencil was used on the transfer paper to slightly darken the Washington lettering for a little more effect. My hubby walked in during the process and said that he liked the composition both ways. How's that for decisive? ;) After seeing it up on the screen (even though it is washed out), I am kind of liking the lettering; although, there are times that I worry my backgrounds could be distracting. A lot will be going on for a composition that measures 4 3/4 by 6 1/2 inches. I'm giving myself until tomorrow to make a decision. Maybe, my son will get home early tonight and have some input. But... I am really liking the lettering the more that I look at it! :)
4 comments:
IIIIIII don't know. uuuuh I think that the lettering seams to help the background make more sense.
Either way it is still a really good drawing:)
Thanks for your input Andrew... I agree that it does make the creases make sense and pull the shirt together for the viewer. :)
I like the lettering! Gives the drawing another dimension.
Thanks so much Sally... My initial worry was that the hamster would get lost in the layout. But as long as I don't make the letters take center stage, I completely agree that it pushes the central character forward.
I really appreciate the feedback. It's so nice to have other's opinions on my work! :)
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