Hi Friends,
I'm working on a project now, which came from the cover of some ancient sheet music that I found in tons of boxes of stuff that I inherited from my parents' house. The original was probably pen and ink, circa 1920's, that I scanned in. I had to clean up the lines a LOT, to turn it into kind of a line drawing. And I did take some liberties here and there. What is that called...artistic license? The flowers in the original are only sort of implied. Anyway, here's part of it:



I'm not really an artist, certainly not by training. I've just always enjoyed the creative process. But I'm stuck at the moment, not knowing what kind of style to use. As you can see, in some places, I've added shadows and highlights, working towards a semi-3d/realistic effect (the earring, the gold-beaded enameled hair thing, and the center of a couple of flowers). But for the rest of it, it seems to work best as simple 2d line drawing with color. And I can't decide whether to go all line drawing w/color, or all realistic/3d. Or maybe some combination that I can't quite envision???

I know you're probably going to say it's my decision, and that I have to discover my own style. But I'm hoping you might have some comments, or perhaps resources on artistic style? I'm tempted to do it both ways, in 2 separate projects, just as a study, and exploration of my own "muse", but fear I would burn out before finishing and therefore discover nothing.

I just really love the image, and want to do right by it. Any words of encouragement, advice, or resources to share??
Any comments or input appreciated

Hi Brynn,

I would encourage you to go with the 3D effects. 2D is fine but IMO the challenge comes to me when using 3D effects. As an example for a flower, I would download a real life image of a similar flower and then use inkscape to apply the shading/highlight effects onto my inkscape drawn flower (not using the >trace itmap feature).

-vw

Thanks vwanweb
Yes, definitely the 3d is the bigger challenge. Always!

I would download a real life image of a similar flower and then use inkscape to apply the shading/highlight effects onto my inkscape drawn flower

That is very clever! But doesn't that defeat the purpose of the challenge? Oh wait....are you saying to use the actual shading/highlights from the downloaded flower, or just to use the downloaded flower as a model? Oh yes, that makes sense then

Thanks again

HI Brynn,

Use the downloaded flower as a model for shading and highlights...

-vw

Its missing some feathers, I think that was a major thing back then

OH feathers, yes!
There was quite a lot of liberty-taking, in turning the line sketch into unique objects. So I could easily, say change some leafs to feathers. Or just stick some feathers in here and there!

Thanks redalien

Brynn - have you worked more on her yet? Well, now I know why you were working on feathers, lol.
I lov ehow you did the leaves, the curves and such, which give a romantic feel of that time period. So I'd say do the same with the flowers, a bit realistic with some curves to be romantic, does that make sense. Right now there are too many styles of flowers, I don't care for the blue or pink style of flower on her. Also, I wonder how this would look with a more monochrome effect of flowers, like all in dk orange or red tones, again, for a romantic feel. Let us know how you proceed!, am loving it so far.
dee

Oh, thanks dee
I appreciate your comments, they're vey helpful. Lol, no that's not why I was working on the feathers. The feathers I made, and the tutorial, came before the feathers were suggested for this image. I don't even remember how I got started with the feather thing, but now I'll know how to handle them, whenever I get around to it

This project is on the back burner for now. One problem that I've had with my "art", all my life, is not being able to really develop my own style. If I'm trying to reproduce a photo, or something that simulates 3d/reality, I'm fine, and content to continue to develop my skills in that area. But when it comes to an artistic style, I'm lost.

As it has been noted already in this thread, I have 2 different styles going on -- parts of it show the 3d simulation, and other parts 2d. I think I need to settle on one or the other, and I haven't been able to make a choice. I'm leaning more towards the 3d/reality path, but of course this will be very challenging, especially because I won't have an actual model -- just whatever's in my head. And because of dreadful past experience with portraits, I'm even more hesitant

If I do have a style, it's more towards abstract, geometric, symmetric, and bright colors. And clearly this image does not lend itself to such a style. I think if I can try to focus on what it is that I like so much about the original line drawing, then I can move on towards applying my personal style (such as it is). Or maybe I'll give up on style, and go 3d.....

So you can see why it's on the back burner But I won't give up on it; I do believe I will pick it up at some point in the future....and probably will go the 3d route....

Thanks again for taking the time to comment. I like the idea of something close to monotone for the flowers. There are 3 distinct shapes of the flowers, which as far as reality, would require 3 different colors. But they could be similar for sure. I just love bright colors, but am trying to hammer it into my "artistic style" that one bright color among a lot of not so bright, only works to enhance the brightness of that one color, and is so much more effective than lots of different bright colors. Yeah, so far my learning curve is well over 40 years, lol

Anyway, thanks again

Ah, as artists we are so critical on ourselves it seems. Just a suggestion that you may enjoy as a challenge. How about duplicating the image right now, and making one 3D and one in a different, more romantic style, yep, I'm suggesting making both styles (don't kill me!). That way, you'll be able to work both through to the end, then compare them, maybe even find a style you like.
I think you are much more of an artist that you give yourself credit for!
I grew up always wanting to paint (my older brother is an artist and my sister painted tole), but I never took a painting or drawing class in school. Tried to draw and paint on my own, but never got anywhere with it (sound familiar?). Well about 7 yrs ago I decided to take a few classes using the One Stroke method at the local craft store and I was hooked, so I ended up taking the certification class and then became a teacher for awhile even!
The classes really helped me (I love painting flowers), I still really can't draw so well but I learned that I don't need to draw to paint, and it gave me some direction finally. Now I'm attempting to transfer my acrylic painting skills to digital art. I also love geometrics, and various styles, but I'm starting with things I can handle and hope to grow from there. Just wish I hadn't waited so long in life to do this (I'm probably a few yrs older than you too). ok, that's my ramble for now, can't wait to see what you come up with down the road.
dee

Oh yes, I've thought of doing both ways, as a study. But it probably won't be any time soon; I'm working on another large image at present. Oh wow!! I just had a great idea of something I could do with this lady.... Oh, I'm so excited Ok, gotta go before the inspiration wears off.

Btw, I suspect we are actually pretty close in age (I'm in my 50's) (I figure I was 8 or 10 when I got interested in art, that's why I said over 40 years experience).
Anyway, thanks again for your comments, they are much appreciated

oh, can't wait to see what inspiration you got!
p.s. isn't time you started another challenge or competition? I wouldn't mind a challenge of peacock feathers to see what creative ways people come up with.
p.s.s. I'm 51, lol.
Also, not sure if you ever decided on a metallic circle that you liked for her hair. I just happen to come across this tut today and thought the outter portion of this button (omitting the inner button) has a pretty good metal circle that I thought with a little bit of adjusting, you might like. It's worth taking a look at least:
http://www.learndigitaldesign.com/watch ... p?video=51
dee

Hi Brynn,

I was attracted to this forum because of this image, I had a few questions about the sheet music you found the image on & whether or not your parents had any more.

I really like the start you've got here, color wise for the period I think a little darker overall would make the lighter colors really pop. I'd be very interested in licensing this image from you once it was finished. Great start.

Oh gosh dee, I don't know how I missed your last message. I will check out the video asap.

Hi johnnygalt,
There are several other pieces of sheet music, but only one of this one.
I've recently started working on this again, but it will be a long while before it's finished. I'm going to try for a realistic appearance. But I think I'll also do just a plain line and color version too.

The colors I've used in the screenshot are not the final colors. They are just approximations, and I expect I will change them many times, before I find a combination I like.

I'm really curious why would you want to license it? As far as I understand copyright, it probably has expired by now. I mean on the original drawing for the sheet music. So I wouldn't see any problem with sending you the original scan I did, and you could do whatever you want with it. Although please note that I'm not an expert on copyright issues And also note that I don't have any kind of fancy scanner. It appears to have reproduced the image fairly well, at least to my eye and for my purpose. But it's probably not a perfect reproduction.

Thanks for your comments