One little, two little, three little…
Feathers (Indians).
I remember that song from childhood, and Bugs Bunny. The originals mind you. I never thought it was anything other than a fun song, but now that I am an adult, I know better. Sad how some things come about. If you are interested in learning more, take a look at this Wiki page. I did not know it was Irish, or that there was an Icelandic version. The originals are really gruesome, especially when you consider they were for children.
More pieces and parts of what will be a repeating pattern. I am showing you the progression, starting with my sketches. Looking for interesting shapes… oh and an OOPS! Red got away from me. Thinking that these will be smaller elements in the design, to give a bit of depth.
Feathers sketches. Watercolor and pencil. © 2014 Sheila Delgado
Here, after a digital cleaning. They are each individual pieces. It isn’t showing in the scan, but I did add a bit of grey to give some form to the quills. After the cleaning, it just looked like dirt, so I took that out as well. The final design will be as much about the white, or negative space, as it will be about the feather shapes.
Feathers cropped and cleaned. Watercolor, approx. 2. in. tall. © 2014 Sheila Delgado
Playing with the idea of adding digital elements. If you take a look at yesterday’s feather, you can see that my white pens were not cooperating. And while I do like the soft look, for a painting, those details will have less impact in a pattern design.
These digital lines really pop.
Digitally enhanced feathers. © 2014 Sheila Delgado
Another benefit of adding details digitally, is that they can easily be changed within the design. For instance, once the feathers are placed in a repeat, I may see that I have to many dots close together, or the lines may need to be thicker to show up. That is part of the fun of designing, so many options to play with!
Don’t forget to glance at Leslie’s page for all of today’s amazing artwork. I have also started a Pinterest board for the Challenge. Hoping to give a little more exposure that will maybe even lead to sales!
Happy painting everyone!
I love the direction you are going with these – brilliant!
Thanks so much Sue!
Love these feathers – both in watercolor as well as the digital. It is really cool that you started a pinterest board. I need to go on there more, it’s such a fun site. Thank you for adding my painting #1 to your pinterest board, it was exciting to see it there. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you have in store for day #3.
You’re welcome Joan. I will need to make up for a couple days, I won’t have time to add more until Friday. I love being able to see so many great works all at once. happy painting to you Joan!
Your pattern and design skills are really knocking my socks off. Would be beautiful in a repeat.
Thank you Susan 🙂 The pattern is complete, you will see it tomorrow 🙂
You are making lovely progress and amazing me with your computer skills!
Thank you Carol. Not the Fine art that you create, but art just the same. I am hoping to do s few landscapes later this month.
Love these Sheila!! 🙂
Thanks Sylvie, that means a lot!
Scanned through the Little Indians article on wiki…I never knew that either. So sad…really so many songs and nursery rhymes and stories for little children were not always very nice.
Love your feathers!!!
Thanks shadowlillies. (love that name) I know right, no wonder kids need to sleep with the light on! ha ha
Ha ha…oh…and in case you don’t know, I’m Karin at Simply Painting too. I have too many blogs… 🙂 It’s confusing for me too.
I knew but I forgot… hehehe YOU DO have too many blogs. And I know I am following Words of life, but I don’t think I am getting the posts… need to sign up again. 🙂
Oh, I can so see how these would lend themselves to repeated patterns. I like your thinking. So fun to see your art.
Thanks Pam, I love seeing your art each day as well! Your work is always so happy!
This is super. It’s nice to have insight into the way you work.
Thanks so much Sea!