|
|
|
|
Eye See You
This little gem of a pattern was an original rug idea by Judy Carter. Judy and I have worked on several projects together thus far including, animal patterns for Noah's Ark and 'Mother's Comfort'. She called me one day and said, "Lenny, I have had this idea for several years and was kicking it around in my head but I am not sure how to do the pattern, so I have your next project". It was like I did not have a choice in the matter, it was something I was going to do...hmmm, Mary Sheppard Burton treated me the same way. So once I got the idea out of her head, and actually missed the mark with my initial sketch, I realized what she wanted. But now it became my problem! So I fired up my trusty 'photoshop' program to lay out a grid.
 Then the task of scanning her photos, taking them into photoshop began. I soon discovered every image had to be the same size and the same resolution. Each grid segment had to have a common denominator to make this work. So then I was able to print out reference photos of their actual size for my reference drawings. I would begin by simply holding the image near the square and lightly sketching a few pencil marks to center up any points, pupils, highlights, etc. Then with a nearly expended permanent sharpie marker, I use fine tips primarily, and begin making my marks. I gradually work my way up to a new, fresh marker for the darker and final lines. I shade with the expended markers. People often ask me why I do such enhanced (as I call them) patterns. My answer is for one, that is the way I draw and secondly, by drawing in the highlights and shadows, proper use of white space, light direction, etc. this enables the rug hooker to better plan the colors and gradients for a more realistic finished look.
Then it is just draw, draw, draw...like you would do with a pencil (graphite or pen and ink). Your sharpies come in different sizes and shapes and are great for achieving different details or covering large areas quickly. Progress was amazing. As each block was finished the pattern was screaming out it's potential. This is going to be an amazing eye study. I was able to practice drawing the eyes, something every artist has been through, and I was enjoying it. I was continually sharing my progress with Judy and then began sending her update pictures along the way. She had the same reaction and could not wait to get her hands on it. The idea was having an animals eye with just enough of the head to assist the viewer on determining what animal they are seeing. Some of my eye-deas were different than Judy's, like the alligator. She said she would have not thought to depict it like I did. But she liked it. That was good because it was permanent! Like a tattoo. Cannot erase it. So there are 38 squares and all free hand drawings with ink...no mistakes here, please dear God! Cheetah eye segment detail 6" X 12"  This eye segment is of Patches the cat. Same cat I used in the wood burn 'Paige and Patches' This was a labor of love and we have big plans for this little rug. Please follow this link to Rug Hooking Magazine article on Eye See You by Judy Carter by clicking here
|
|
|
|