I just finished reading a book about an artist while simultaneously working on a few sketches using another collection of used markers. This collection of markers was massive, and the tips of a finer point. I decided it was a fine opportunity to try using some cross hatching techniques, with hopes that I wouldn’t muddy the whole piece. I am after all still experimenting with this whole marker thing.
My inspiration for the drawing, a photograph by Norma Joseph, that I saw in one of my reference books titled: Royal Geographical Society Illustrated. Her photo was beautifully exotic and colorful, which seemed perfect for a marker experiment.
It was the perfect coinciding experiment for the book I was reading, Vincent and Theo the Van Gogh brothers, by Deborah Heiligman. It was an interesting and BEAUTIFUL read. I learned so much more about the man, Vincent, and the impetus and drive associated with the creation of his art.
There were some of his drawings inserted into the book, and the marks he made on his pieces kept pushing me forward in my efforts to complete the piece I was working on. Marker is pretty unforgiving, and I was trying to be bold and yet sure of the marks I was putting down. It was a fun experiment, and I don’t know how well I did, but it was worth the effort. It’s good to learn something new, and always push yourself a little more. It seemed to be a thought at the forefront of Vincents thinking.
Vincent used cross hatching in many of his drawings, so I wanted to investigate who some of the best drawers were. I found this very good post that addressed the issue titled 10 Master Drawers (and what they teach us) which I think any illustrator would be interested in checking out. Also check out the book on the Van Gogh brothers, I’d recommend it to anyone.