Experimental Artwork

I I decided that I as going to experiment with a different technique I could base my work upon, choosing to focus on John Holcroft's work. I used Illustrator to create my own copy to become familiar with the process so I could then replicate this style later on in my work.

I first sketched out the outline of the work free hand using an HB pencil, which I then scanned onto my computer, which I then placed onto illustrator.

I then locked this layer so i could begin to outline the piece using the pen tool.

I tried to focus on keeping the layers in order so that when I coloured them in it would layer up similar to that of the original piece.

To allow me to work at a faster pace I utilised the  'divide' tool on the different pen outlines I created. First I would create an open ended pen outline, then by going onto 'effect', 'pathfinder', 'divide', it followed the outline of the other path whilst also connecting up the original path.

To help me I brought up the original image to the side so I could refer to it when I needed help changing the size, or adding in shadows I missed.

I then began to add colour to my work, by double clicking on the 'fill colour' box to the left when I was on the desired outline shape. I then altered the colour to get as close as possible to the original, allowing me to understand the colour choices more.

To create the more detailed coin in the original work, I utilised the 'pencil tool' on the left hand bar, which allowed me to draw the outline of the image gather than that of the pen tool.

I then copied and pasted the coins I had created, after connected them together using the 'trim' tool which was under the 'pathfinder' tools.

I then used the pencil tool again to do more of the finer detail within the piece.

When I had completed the outline in Illustrator I opened it up in photoshop where I could add the texture seen within the original piece. I did this by selecting a card texture, placing it into a layer, and then changing the layers setting into one that best resembled a card exterior on the work. I trailed the different settings before ending up with the 'Divide' effect.

I then placed a texture over my work by thresholding a paper texture, then changing the colour to blue so that I could give it a more rough texture like the orgional.

Here is my final version of my experimental work compared to the original.