Day two hundred and ninety: I spent a lot of time looking at impressions of Rembrandt prints today, seeking out particularly nice ones. One I had never seen before included a bearded man with a floppy brim hat. Close inspection showed that the shadow from the brim on the man’s face was made mostly with parallel lines, and also a little plate tone (a film of ink left on the printing plate between the lines). This sketch was inspired by a detail from that print, and I enjoyed playing pushing some shades of gray around on a layer behind the lines to create a similar effect. I have also decided to continue doing what I do best, and imitate master artists instead of worrying whether I have the skill to draft up a new composition on my own. I say, “phooey!” I am going to draw what interests me, when I want to. (One each day until the end of 2011. Seventy-five sketches to go…)
Post a Comment