Saturday, December 16, 2006

EDM#32 Draw something metallic


This is a coal scuttle. I have drawn this many times. Mainly because I am lazy and it lives directly opposite my armchair. I have never once got the shape right - and it still isn't. But I love the colours; the contrast between the metal and the coal. I like the way the inside becomes SO black. I think that these two 'materials' (is that the right word?) work perfectly in graphite pencil.


And now for another question. I am never sure which of these works better when scanning and posting pencil drawings. The top one was scanned in 'colour' the bottom 'grey scale'. Which looks the best? Any opinions or advice would be much appreciated.


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea! i like this one a lot -- its shape looks right to me, kind of like a bullet of some sort. But you're the one who knows.
I personally have a preference for scanning some pencil drawings in color -- it keeps the warmth of the paper, and even the pencil itself. It makes for a larger document, but who cares, right?

Colleen said...

Hi Andrea, I agree with France, the color is truer with the color scan, not as flat. The scuttle is a difficult shape, you did a great job. I like it when you draw things that I'm not familiar with, I've never known anyone who used coal and it's interesting to me to see things in your home that we don't use here in the U.S., at least around Chicago. I've never even seen coal, only in pictures, or the fake kind in a museum display. I used to love to draw in pencil, maybe I'll try it again.

Pedro said...

I Think the drawing is great and I prefer the colored scanning.

suzanne cabrera said...

I'll be the fourth to say that I prefer the color scan. I love the subtleness of your stroke so much.

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thanks guys for your comments and opinions. I think it's unanimous! The colour is better. I do usually choose the colour scan - the diference with this was that the 'scuttle' is closer to the grey scale in colour. It is 'bullet like' too!

You know, Colleen, that's something I love about the whole blogging thing too - seeing how other people live, the things that surround them that are unfamiliar to me. The plants, foods, buildings, countryside etc. It amazes me that you've never seen coal(!!) - but then why should you have?? I have a bit of a thing for some of the houses you have out there. I adore those Victorian houses - they are just so cool. I know that France has some great drawings of some on her blog. I've always wanted to live in a house like that! Anyway I'm daydreaming again now...

Thanks for your useful comments - and I'll always scan in colour from now on.

Teri said...

Add me to the list of agreement! What a wonderful drawing!

TeriC who is having trouble posting today.

Lori Witzel said...

And yet another who prefers the subtle warmth of the color scan...

;-)

I couldn't agree more with the beauty of the great patchwork quilt of a virtual neighborhood we all have knit together, and how fine that art and creative concerns are our metaphoric streets and gardens!

BTW, thanks for your encouraging words on the people sketching. I feel all wobbly at it, but am glad my practice is bringing some pleasure.

Danielle said...

Andrea,
Thank you for sharing your talents. I added a link on my blog www.taureandevi.blogspot.com

Jana Bouc said...

It's amazing you how paint with pencil! They both look beautiful but I think I prefer the color version since it is warmer. Little by little we get to see what your world looks like. It appears you made the switch to Beta. Is it working ok for you?

Anonymous said...

Well, my feeling is that yes the first one does have plenty of warmth and feeling (if a coal scuttle can!) but the grayscale has a more illustrative quality.

It's harder, more like the coal and metal.

That's my two-penneth worth anyway!

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thanks everyone I really appreciate you stopping by.

Jana, I've only just switched to Beta and I don't want to speak too soon just incase! I've been having a few teething troubles but hopefully I'll resolve them soon!!

Cheers guys.

Shelly McC said...

The coloured scan looks to be a bit clearer! I'd go with that one.

Mooneybeams said...

Now I know that you will probably never get to read this as it's approximately two years late; however, I have been told that the best way to scan graphite pencil is to place a sheet of acetate between the drawing and the scanner bed. Apparently it stops the scanner light from reflecting off the pencil and makes a real difference. . .