Playing with an Idea

I started working on a commission - when, it's hard to say, as my process begins with thoughts - cooking up an idea. From that point, I may search through clippings for inspiration for a layout I like, may doodle on a tablet, but I always begin with a pencil rough.

Yesterday, I just started writing, not aiming for great lettering, but just a feel I wanted. By the end of the day, I had the layout I liked, and I'm ready to proceed with adding a watercolor wash (to a fresh sheet of paper, of course) and the calligraphy in deeper shades.

The client wants blues and purples, but I may throw in something like a deep magenta or red for accent - "may" is the operative word. I know I will add some touches of gold - a little glitz goes a long way!

Here's the 2 roughs, in order of progression:

Folded Pen Practice

I decided to get out my trusty folded brass pens, which I had neglected for too long. Sitting dejected on the shelf, they were begging to be played with, dipped in the watercolors and gouaches of palettes from past projects.

Out came the paper - various watercolor - hard and cold press and Canson Mi-Tientes. Music of the blues genre, mainly Bonnie Raitt, helped get the creative juices flowing. In the process, I remembered how a little Schminke powder in the paint can really gunk up the pen.

It was a fun, playful afternoon!