For this exercise I will work towards creating an image in a single colour, combining natural and man-made objects and contrasting materials.
I have chosen a pair of jeans for my subject. My aim is going to be build up a three dimensional shape of the object and the fabric’s texture.
I start by taking some photos because I hung the pair of trousers up in the kitchen to allow me a good angle to take pictures.
I decided to use the whole trousers’ image to practice for this exercise. First I was thinking about drawing the top bit of trousers but when I got the idea of tie a knot for the two trouser legs I just want to draw this item.
First I grab my sketchbook to do a rough drawing.
This drawing just let myself to sketch the obvious details on these trousers then think about the next step which I am going to practice on a A3 170gsm white paper.
First at all I used a pencil to draw a basic line and simple shadows.
Then I use watercolour to follow the light direction to fill the colour of this pair of trousers.
At the moment, I can see the relation of the fabric and the overlap of the drapes. But some questions I need to tide up:
- The left pocket and around it.
- Below the hang up of the belt loop is not correct area.
- Shape of the shadow as it never dissociative when the light exist.
- A lot of details to improve this object.
Also some technique of watercolour painting and drawing:
- Does the watercolour need to be complete in one go? So there is coherence in thought and unity in style. Will it upset the result if I leave for a night then carry on in the next morning?
- I have drawn the fabric texture by watercolour. I will use an uni-ball eye pen to tide up the detail, what will be happen? The fabric is going to strong or more like man-made?
Another pause and stand back to watch it.
It still need more work especially right side shadow. Then I used colourful pencils.
At last I have to rush to finish as below. As the trouser leg is thinner than the one overlap it because it has a bit of a fold behind it. I think I should change it when I was doing its position.
I am happy with the outcome even the right top below the belt loop(the darkest area in this drawing) is still not perfect. As the for the watercolour technique I need more knowledge and practice to gain experience.
Overall I was happy with the process for this picture.