For Pencil Line's 4th birthday, we were allowed to choose any sketch from those four years. This is sketch #170:
 
Sk170_jan17_A
And my interpretation:
 
MattinFiveWords-sm
To me, sketches are an opportunity to go wild and let my imagination soar within the safe confines of good design.

MattinFiveWordsDetail1-sm
I used gesso to white out a spot in the intensely patterned paper, stamped over it and then used washi tape to secure my photos.

MattinFiveWordsDetail2-sm
I couldn't get the paint color quite right.  Four layers of paint later, I'm quite happy with the teal!

MattinFiveWordsDetail3-sm
Painting these words was a last minute decision, but I think they make a big difference.  Check out the layout before I painted the words:

MattinFiveWords-beforepaint
I think it's missing that oomph and intensity that the painted words give it!  It can be hard to put paintbrush to paper when a layout is pretty much done.  But I'm always up for the risk!  What's the worst thing that happens?  You simply start all over again!

Check out the birthday madness (including prizes) here.  (More information in my post below too!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

12 thoughts on “Pencil Lines: Sketch #170

  • I love it! My favorite part is the gesso on the patterned paper – genius. Also, I agree that the painted words make a huge difference. I admire that you will take risks – especially when your layout is basically finished! Great job.
    Susan

    Reply
  • I love it! My favorite part is the gesso on the patterned paper – genius. Also, I agree that the painted words make a huge difference. I admire that you will take risks – especially when your layout is basically finished! Great job.
    Susan

    Reply
  • I love it! My favorite part is the gesso on the patterned paper – genius. Also, I agree that the painted words make a huge difference. I admire that you will take risks – especially when your layout is basically finished! Great job.
    Susan

    Reply
  • I love it! My favorite part is the gesso on the patterned paper – genius. Also, I agree that the painted words make a huge difference. I admire that you will take risks – especially when your layout is basically finished! Great job.
    Susan

    Reply
  • I like the Lo without the painted words, but they do add quite a bit of zazz!

    Reply
  • I like the Lo without the painted words, but they do add quite a bit of zazz!

    Reply
  • I like the Lo without the painted words, but they do add quite a bit of zazz!

    Reply
  • I like the Lo without the painted words, but they do add quite a bit of zazz!

    Reply

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