Shape

I liked the idea of combining simple shapes cut from green card with a fine liner outline of a figure. I think the contrast works really well and draws attention to the garment which is the main idea of fashion illustration. I took this idea and developed the line drawing into more shapes in a different media. I used pencil to show the figure and two shades of yellow paper to construct the dress on the right. I like how the angular form of the dress has been captured with sharp, graphic shapes and the hand rendered texture of the pencil makes the figure seem more natural in comparison.

Drawing the pure outlines of these figures made me realise how much information you can get across purely with the use of shape and no detail. 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle

Later on, I took inspiration for Eric Carle's work and created some textures on paper using acrylic paints. I applied paint in varying brushstrokes and thicknesses and scratched into some of the wet paint with the end of my paintbrush. This created some interesting textures and pattern which make suggestions about the fabric's qualities. 

I studied the folds and ruffles in the skirt of the dress on the right and cut out some shapes accordingly. Unfortunately, I didn't consider the space on the page well enough because I hadn't got enough space for the upper body on the top image. I used the negative stencil for the bottom image - I like how delicate the figure looks (drawn in pencil) in comparison to the more striking, bold shapes and pattern of the dress. Again, it leans the focus of the drawing to the garment rather than the figure. I feel this gives the impression that people who wear Haute Couture become defined by what they are wearing and that a big focus on clothing and appearance could express a lack of personality and individuality.