Continuing from my previous frustration with my sketchbook, I started loosening up and using gouache to paint some shapes which I could overlay paper cuts onto, I used my reference imagery and more images from the internet to find these shapes and colours. This exercise allowed me to relax a bit and gave me time to think and get some ideas flowing, I started thinking about the potential to layer other media on top of these shapes and also the possibilities available to me on Photoshop.
I used a dip pen and ink to draw the spines and some details of some feathers of tropical birds which I could layer on top of these coloured shapes I had painted. I scanned my imagery into photoshop and pieced them together and was actually really pleased with the way it looked. I liked the freedom of the paintwork but it worked well with the controlled line work to create a balanced image. I quite enjoyed this process and there was scope to play round with it digitally, colour for example was easily edited with the hue/saturation levels which would be useful if I want to repeat the same image with different colours in my patterns.
Stemming from this, I experimented with other processes of layering things over colour. I tried fine liners but the result looked quite clumsy and not as well crafted as the dip pens. I also cut into the feathers I had painted to add detail, I thought this looked quite clean and sophisticated when layered over black but I didn't think the qualities of a paper cut would translate well onto a digitally printed design. So far the dip pens have been the most successful in my opinion so I produced more drawings in this way for all of the imagery I had selected.
I added colour to most of my drawings, even if I didn't think they were particularly successful in the hope that with a completed image, I could make a more informed decision about which ones were good enough to work with.
Colombia (emeralds)
I like how there are white patches left on some of them because it suggests a shine. With the feathers I liked how the paint and the lines didn't match up perfectly but for the emeralds, the edges might need cleaning up a bit. I think the colour of the emeralds might need some enhancement later on to make them a bit brighter. I put my paper cut over the colour as well as I had initially planned but it didn't have the effect I was hoping for and I don't think it would work against a transparent background which is what I have in my mind at the moment.
Ecuador (flowers)
I think the more obscure and exotic looking plants will work best because I want this pattern to show the rich biodiversity of Ecuador as well as its flower exports. It shows something unusual and unique rather than typical flower shapes we have all seen before.
Guyana (rainforest leaves)
I think the colours of these will need to be enhanced because the green gouache paints I have used look a bit washed out. I was trying to get a watery texture to the paint work because Guyana is known as 'the land of many waters' so I want this to come through in my images but not in an obvious way. I am also going to be using some feathers from my previous test because of the biodiversity within the rainforest. I am going to make the feathers blue to bring the whole design into a blue/green colour scheme making it seem more associated with water.
Bolivia (salt and ametrine)
The salt flats are a major feature of Bolivia but they just don't translate well into a floating spot image. I tried to draw salt crystals and they do resemble the images I worked from but they just wouldn't be immediately recognised as this, personally I think they look like ice which would be very misleading. Instead I am going to use the images of ametrine which is a gem stone that is exclusively mined in Bolivia. I think the fluidity and bleeding of the gouache works well here as it shows the interesting way that the purple and yellow colourings blend.
Things seem to be going a bit better now I have a clearer idea of what I am doing. I am pleased that I have some useable elements for each of my countries and I am confident that the common process of making these images will ensure that they work as a set. My next steps are to select my best individual floating spots and make some repeatable pattern squares on Photoshop which I can play around with. I am aiming to work with a transparent background so the tonic water level can be seen through the bottle wrap. I think it will make the bottle look more sophisticated and clean because it shouldn't be too overwhelming and the clarity of the drink inside can be seen easily.
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