Workshop Three

Enter a Competition

I decided to choose to do an illustration to submit to the next edition of "Unseen", issue 4. The theme was exciting to me, "In the Sky", and the colour scheme even more so, fluorescent pink and yellow, that when overlaid made a delicious orange.

Thumb nails

Thumb nails

Thumb nails

I began with the thumb nails, discovering that working in a stream of consciousness manner when doing so is far more productive. And it is interesting to note that often the best ideas seem to stem from the most bizarre or even down-right rubbish doodles, which propels me even further.

Rough drawing in pencil

Colour separation trial on tracing paper

Colour separation trial on tracing paper

Tracing paper layers together

After a consultation with Dolores and in receipt of some enlightening feedback I embarked on the rough drawing. The illuminating thing that Dolores pointed out, was that it was important to consider that, although one might have plenty of splendid and valid ideas, it was imperative to remain true to yourself when contemplating the content of your own illustration visions. This was helpful in deciding which idea I would complete.

Variable nib dip pen version

Rollerball pen detailed version

I chose to do a drawing of a cherub, in the belly of its mother, an angel, both with wings. It was the title which first provoked this idea, "In the Sky"; my name being "Skye" and I imagined my daughter in my own belly. Wings have been a powerful symbol in my work over the couple of years, as a metaphor for my recent personal freedom. These were also relevant to the Unseen theme.

Digital colour separation pink layer

Digital colour separation yellow layer

I completed two versions of the drawing, experimenting with dip pens versus my favoured rollerballs and high detail versus simplicity. I also had to consider the colour separations, and Dolores and advised me to work on tracing paper to experiment with this. After careful thought and a mix of opinions from peers and tutors, I decided to opt for the simpler version using the variable nib dip pen. I then scanned it into Photoshop and worked out the colour separations in a greyscale version. 

Final Outcome Baby Angel for "In the Sky" by Kitty Skye 2015

The illustration has been included for this edition of Unseen, I am pleased to say. I adore the printed result of the Risograph printer, it appeals to me on many levels: the natural soya based inks, the hand printed feel and look of the final outcome and that I can print on my current favourite paper; Bristol Board. I will be producing a set of limited edition prints for sale of this illustration.