WIP - Discovering pointillism in pen and ink

[Steve Mills]

Once again, I find myself trying "new" media. Things I only touched upon in my youth have been gathering my attention this past year. I'm primarily a pencil artist (graphite), and have concentrated heavily on one medium for over 30 years now. But the past year has brought out an adventurous path of re-discovery.

Pointillism has me firmly in it's grasp. I ADORE this technique. This is done on Rives heavy weight, using only a Koh-I-Noor 6x0 (finest point).

What do you think? This work is based on my original photograph called Triangle (http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle.jpg). This work is about 5x7, and I'm wearing a magnification visor while I work. I'd go nuts, otherwise. ;)

[trevors]

Steve I think it is a facinating method of working but I doubt that I would have the patience to do it! But it looks like you do and what you have done so far is really good! How long do you think it will take you?

[Steve Mills]

Hours... well, so far I've spent maybe 5-6 hours actually sitting at my table. In this case, it's my dining table, since my drawing table is occupied with a pencil work that's going neglected.

I find myself having more patience with this technique than I have with standard pencils, really, and have been able to sit for longer periods of time. Typically with pencil, I'll be up in less than 10 minutes to get a fresh view. Maybe the angle (flat table) is better for me, I don't know which.

Here's an update, compared to my earlier image. I prefer linking to images from my site, since there is such a tiny limitation on attachments here.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle1small.jpg http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle2small.jpg

[macrobertson]

Steve, this is always a technique which has can have a great impact and requires great patience... this might work out better than your photo... if you don't go nuts first! :p

Mac

[Steve Mills]

Update. I think insanity is starting to creep in..... ;)

I've veered from the original, trying to insert musculature and boniness on that left arm, which were not present. I think it needed it badly.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle3small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

Trying to create some complementary lines in the background space. She was sitting on a comforter that was deliberately smoothed out to eliminate distractions, but I want some fold lines.... creases, highlights.....

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle4small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

I can't stop working on this thing!

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle5small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

Day 3. Developing the background into sort of a quilt pattern. Seeking out rough transitions in the shading (an endless task, it seems).

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle6small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

Be patient while the muscles are worked over again. Looking for more distinction along the backside of her arm, so it won't look so imposing in the foreground.

Blanket detail behind her is from out of my head. Which is probably exactly where I am.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle7small.jpg

[synthetic]

Beautifull work. the dedication and attention to light and shade is awe inspireing. :clap:

[Journeyman]

Took me some time to find out were you had said what size it is Steve, wow 5x7 I was thinking much bigger! Wonderful work and nice to see such attention to detail look forward to seeing the finished work. :wave: Dave

[Steve Mills]

Contrast control is very hard in scanning this piece. I've done as much as I could to get this one nearer reality than the others, but it's still not right.

Much to be done in that blanket, this is only the start. She's nearing completion, though. Just the leg shadow, and some details to clean up.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle8small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

Finally, the weekend! I can work on this again. My weeknights are not conducive to art.

I've completely changed where I was going with the background, but I'm tentatively hanging on to those wrinkles. I like them in muted light.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle9small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

The background is roughed in. Detail won't change much, but values will. I need to level things off, to balance with what I did to outline the area.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle10small.jpg

[Adair_P]

Great work Steve! Is there a pattern to the way you apply the dots..... or is it completely random? It's very effective....:thumbsup:

[sula]

Amazing work Steve ............and such patience :eek:. But it really produces the tones :thumbsup:.

If your into this technique you should check out some scientific drawing/illustration. These same stippling techniques have been used forever by museum artists and taxonomists to document in minute detail all the features of new (type) specimens. These biological works can look really spectacular and very funky :D.

[Steve Mills]

Hi, Pauline.

Pretty much random, though when things are getting tight I slow down a lot, looking for the open spaces. I'm sort of teaching myself as I go. What amazes me is how much difference a single dot can make.

[Bob(2)]

I agree, great work, and thanks Steve for posting the process.

[Steve Mills]

I think this will be the final WIP scan before I am finished.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/triangle11small.jpg

[Steve Mills]

It is done.

http://www.pencilartist.com/images/trianglesmall.jpg

This is the best reproduction I can muster with my scanner (Epson 4490 Photo). Reality is still much better to look at, without the artifacts that scanning and compression have generated.

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and comments. Anything else you would like to add is welcomed.

:wave:

[Adair_P]

Congrats Steve..... a very beautiful piece....:thumbsup:

[macrobertson]

well done Steve you persevered and it's an excellent piece :cool: ... you'll probably have to go and do some lines now for therapy! :p

Mac

[trevors]

Yes ;Well done!!

[IRArtist]

Hi Steve,
I've been a fan of your work since I started drawing (about 7 or 8 yrs ago now) I first discovered your pencil drawings on the net several months before I started lurking here. Excellent work as always. Love your attention to detail. I've been thinking about trying pointslism myself. Bought the pens but haven't had the guts to open them yet. Any way good stuff and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the future.

[EFT Studios]

WOW!!! Insanity be dam**d! Keep going! Amazing work...and I like how you have toned down the quilt in the background as it was a bit distracting at first. This is an amazing piece from a beautiful reference. Will keep an eye on your work. :thumbsup:

[jjackm]

amazing....

[bnoonan]

Boy - that takes a lot of patience!!! Barb