Moving away from the cutlery theme for my sketchbook work I toured the house looking for inspiration and finally chose this Royal Crown Derby Little Owl paperweight, one of a collection Mr T has bought me over many years. I love the rich colours and the shapes in the decoration so I thought I would use this as a theme for a series of pages.
After a couple of quick sketches and looking at the owl in detail - probably closer than I have looked before, even though I have owned him for many years - I chose this particular feather pattern as the basis of my design. There is something reminiscent of '30s patterned paper about it.
My first project using 'magic expanding sponge' was to make a negative and positive print. I used the feather shape and mixed up some acrylic paint to reflect the gold, Imari red and cobalt blue.
This is the page so far with some colour wash - not sure where I will take it next, or just leave it as a pattern.
Meanwhile I have cut a small 'lino' print of a double feather. Below are a proof print and a couple of rubbings taken from the block. The one on the right is gold oil pastel rubbing on brown paper with a colour wash which I am particularly pleased with.
Hopefully this little motif has a bit of mileage in it and I am already twitching to get out the needle felt.
And for all of you kind souls who asked about Marvin here he is...
"Look Ma! No dribbling"
Although I have to say his fur has looked better.
We had snow this morning, although it has all melted, it is now beginning to freeze hard. Hope you are all keeping cosy and have a a good week.
Jill
