Abstract Trees Process

Here's a drawing of some trees in the water of the Thames near Windsor in Berkshire (UK). I was mostly interested in capturing the reflections in the water more than accurately depicting the scene. I did several different versions in different media. On one of them I melted candle wax mixed up with ink to create a nice texture in the water which I really liked. Sadly I can't find that one, lost in time I guess. The first one is your bog standard pen and ink with a grey wash and process white on top.

The next one is a quick watercolour sketch. Here you can see a bit more of the buildings in the background and I'm starting to think about colour.

Then it's time for an Indian ink version. I'm having lots of fun with this one and by now my approach is evolving. 

Now it's time to break out the gouache and think in terms of blocks of flat colour. I love gouache although I rarely use it. I used a lot of it mixed with washing up liquid for colouring the acetate cells of animation projects at my second time at art college in Harrow. The washing up liquid gave the paint a bit of flexibility so it wouldn't crack and fall off the acetate before videoing it. The flat colour lends itself to traditional graphic design and my Dad used to use it all the time. It has a very distinct smell and that coupled with the smell of gum arabic instantly takes me back to the 1970s and childhood. The final piece which I don't have anymore was a much tidier A3 version of this. I think the blocks of blue are particularly effective in creating the water which somehow looks a lot stiller. 

Of course I have also done an up to date digital version which I think looks even more abstract and graphic. Perhaps even a little stark? 

If you like it it's available as a design on Redbubble, links below.

CGUK ROUND UP-

If you've got some time have a look at sci-fi author Justin Knight's Blog here-

https://theravenhelm.blogspot.com/

You can check out his cyberpunk book Harem Knights on Amazon here-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harem-Nights-Showdown-Craydon-cyberpunk-ebook/dp/B08MXZGMGV

NEXT TIME- BUILDING BLOCKS 2

Funky Punk Merch-

https://teespring.com/en-GB/stores/funky-punk-comics

and

JonathanOdds

Previous Fred Fortune comics available here-

http://www.comicfleamarket.com/brands/Abbot-Comics.html

Coming Soon- Fred Fortune: City of Tomorrow 

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