Apple Kit image, 5" x 7", coloured pencil on Stonehengecopyright Teresa Mallen
Last week was my first week back at work in my studio following the holidays and it was great to be there. I had a productive time too which is always good. I created a new cp practice kit! This has been on my to do list for 'someday' for a very long time. Heck, you can see from the photo below that my reference photo was taken back when I used a film camera! Okay, I was one of the last folks on earth to go digital (I was waiting for a digital camera that would accept the macro lenses that I used on my 35mm SLR camera) but still...
Now I work directly from a digital image that I view from my lap top (which I perch on my slanted drafting table - fortunately the weight of the computer keeps it from shifting). I like how my computer image is large (compared to a 4 x 6 inch photo) and I can also click back and forth to other pictures and zoom in as required.
You can also see in the photo below my sheets of notes. Creating a piece for a kit requires me to stop and write down what I am doing and why and also to note the colours used. This definitely disrupts my flow!
If you don't know what I am taking about when I mention practice kits do visit the practice kit page of my website (to get there click here). I have shown the contents of the Moth Kit below. Included in each kit is a reference photo, a detailed line drawing, a sheet of Stonehenge paper to work on, you get detailed step by step instructions, pictures of the piece as a work in progress as well as a final image. All you need are pencils! All of the kits are created using the 48 pencil set of Prismacolor pencils (Premier line not the Lightfast line). If you use a different brand of pencil, I can email you a swatch list of colours so you can match the Prismacolor colours to the ones you have.If you are interested in purchasing kits and you are not sure what the Canadian prices would convert to in your country's currency, just do a google search on 'currency converter' and you will find a site that will do the conversion from Canadian funds for you. Please note that when you use the on line shopping buttons provided on my website, your currency will be automatically converted by PayPal. If you are interested in the Apple Kit, please be patient - I still have to type up the instructions and I also have to add the info to my website. I shall let you know when it is ready to be purchased.
I also worked on the letter D last week. As you can see, I used a very sophisticated graphics software program...ha ha, I confess I am rather a Luddite :-) and the D is a close cousin of the Motivation Monday M.So what is the D for? Well, I am starting a new series that will involve audience participation so I do hope you will help the series along by leaving comments. That's all I shall say for now and with that teaser out there, I shall head back to the studio. I am working on creating a new still life set up for my next piece. I am venturing forth into new territory on this one so I hope the photo shoot goes well. Stay tuned and oh, the D series will appear in a couple of days...
