Thursday, 19 February 2015

Exploring is Fun!!

After my first couple of efforts with pen & ink 'hatching' I was determined to find out more about types of hatch and how to hatch. It quickly became apparent that it's not just a case of laying down lots of parallel lines. The direction of hatch, the tightness of the hatch, whether or not the lines are straight or curved, and a score of other factors all contribute to whether the shaded area looks natural or not. So, to that end, I'm exploring 'hatching' in particular and pen and ink work in general.


I'd taken a photograph of this Castle Door when visiting York Castle many years ago and gave me a chance to show the different textures between the wooden door and the old worn stonework.

 






This is the Town Hall (and Museum) in Royal Wootton Basset. Built in 1690 it is in a mock Tudor style and stands on 15 stone pillars. No rough stone in this one but the roof provided a different texture for me to try.











For something completely different I attempted a flower. I don't think the delicacy of the Tulip shows through but I'm pleased with it's overall shape and form.











This old Yorkshire Lime Kiln provided an opportunity to just run riot with the hatching and was great fun. Back in 2011 I attempted this same drawing also in pen and ink but the results were very poor. My effort back then made it look as if the kiln had been painted with camouflage stripes. I'm much happier this time and very pleased that I've made some progress.




Exploring any new medium/method/technique is all about trying things out and taking note of what does work and what doesn't. There's no doubt that I'm really enjoying pen and ink right now, even the things that didn't work quite as I'd hoped.








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21 comments:

  1. Judy19 February 2015 at 15:26

    It really looks like fun too, John! I love how you even tried it on a tulip, and very successfully!

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    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2015 at 20:53

      Thank you Judy. Yes, it is fun and I find the hatching to be very therapeutic.

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  2. Gatepost productions19 February 2015 at 15:54

    This is first class stuff, John, you've really got it. Hatching I do my own way, and cross-hatching I seldom use. I use different thickness's of line all the time to get value changes. I can't see if you vary the thickness: the old eyes can't focus that well on small work

    The Wootton Bassett building is right outside of the front door of the bank I used for 30 years. Most of my friends live in 'Bassett'

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    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2015 at 20:55

      Thank you John, you're very kind. I am varying the thickness of line and the spacing but am still very much finding my way a cross-hatching is a great 'rescuer'.
      Interesting that you know 'Bassett' so well ... it's a lovely place.

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  3. Unknown19 February 2015 at 17:27

    Beautiful pen work. I admire the evenness of your marks when do make the curved shapes. That's something I've yet to master! Thanks!

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    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2015 at 20:57

      I can't believe there isn't anything you haven't mastered Katherine ... your work is exquisite. You're very kind .... thank you.

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  4. ann @ studiohyde19 February 2015 at 18:14

    I really like all your drawings!

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    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2015 at 20:57

      Thank you Ann .... lovely to see you here. ;-)

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  5. hmuxo19 February 2015 at 19:38

    Fantastic drawings John. When I zoomed on the drawings you can clearly see your outstanding work on the hatching!!

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  6. Victor Errington20 February 2015 at 10:24

    All brilliant Drawings John, Full marks. All the best.
    Vic.

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  7. Jane20 February 2015 at 19:36

    Great works, and zooming in you really get how precise and accurate they are !

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    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2015 at 21:01

      Zooming in? Gulp!!!
      Thank you Jane, you're very kind. ;-)

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  8. Barbra Joan21 February 2015 at 00:38

    Well John, you get better and better with age. LOL ! Your efforts here are all excellent examples and I like the variety. Love the curves of the tulip, but MY favorite is the castle door..
    BJ

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    1. John (JWJarts)23 February 2015 at 19:49

      Hey, less of the age thing!! lol. Thank you for your lovely comment BJ.

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  9. Catharina Engberg24 February 2015 at 18:03

    It´s so fun to visit here and see your love of drawing. It really shows in your art. They are all perfect!

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    1. John (JWJarts)24 February 2015 at 20:00

      What a lovely comment Catharina, thank you very much. ;-).

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  10. Sandra Busby24 February 2015 at 18:08

    It certainly doesn't appear that you have anything to learn about hatching here John! A lovely selection of accomplished drawings indeed! :0)

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    1. John (JWJarts)24 February 2015 at 20:03

      Thank you Sandra, that's very much appreciated. ;-)

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  11. _Frankb1024 February 2015 at 22:34

    I really do like your illustration work John and these are no exception. Seeing your door reminded me of a joke I heard - When is a door not a door? The answer, well .... when it's ajar! Ha ha...

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Your comments are very much appreciated and I value every one. Thank you

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