Chapter 2b. Designs using the monoprinting method. Spiral drawing using a computer paint programme

I love monoprinting so was delighted to revisit this technique and this time in colour.

I love the element of the unexpected in the result

I made lots of samples using my chosen colours and experimenting with adding additional layers including lighter tints and darker shades. I arranged these in this spiral shape for the purpose of photographing them for the blog.

Spiral drawing using a computer paint programme

I was entering a technique entirely new to me so I asked my friends on our Distant Stitch Facebook network for advice. Ros suggested the Scribbler programme .

The fun began……………….

More experiments:

I was really pleased with this top image:

I discovered this effect with Scribbler and wanted to develop it further:

 

Formation of a spiral by rotating a shape:

I then had a go at filling spaces with colour:

I realised that I wanted to understand the Fibonacci theory more fully so I decided to take a closer look:

I love the idea of the Fibonacci sequence represented in flowers especially the rose, so decided to have a go at constructing one now that I understand more:

I made a paper sample:

And then I drew the petal shapes on the computer, layered and rotated them and filled them with colour:

Using the Photoshop computer paint programme to modify a basic scribble into exciting spirals:

Creating positive and negative images on Photoshop:

I’ve acquired a drawing tablet [so much easier] and now my drawing a little more mature!!

This has been a great learning curve but I have learned such a lot. The time spent will be an investment for future work!

Sitting at the computer takes its toll and I’m looking forward to playing with fabric and threads in the next chapter………..

Summer School very soon too, wonderful!

In retrospect chapter 1

Sian suggested I look at the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as the images may link in with my ideas around the rose; I was in Glasgow last autumn and was lucky enough to visit take a photo at the Hunterian museum and the Willow Tearooms

I also keep a stock of cards and found these:

Sian also suggested I look more closely at different types of spirals, how they’re formed and then relate these to some of my examples.

2D rotational spirals. 2D is defined as an object rendered visually in 2 planes representing width and height whilst rotational is defines as turning around a centre or axis. Sounds obvious but it helped me to clarify! I can see this in the blue beautiful drain cover I photographed in Barcelona [page 2] and the earrings on page 4. also the paper patterned coil on page 11

Equilateral spiral. Based on equilateral triangles and I can see this in the rose images on page 1 and the paper patterned spiral  page 13

Archimedes spiral. The simple coil seen in the fern frond on page 1 and the rafia mat on page 3.

Helix 3D. examples include the cabbage on page 1, staircase on page 6 and the ammonite on page 3.

Running spirals. Fern frond on page 1 and brooch page 2.

Linked spirals. Linked spiral paper on page 11

Spirals made from crescents.  I thought maybe the garden ornament on page 4

This has helped me appreciate the diversity of spiral patterns and shapes.