Spatter Inspiration!
Look down when you walk and you never know what you might see!
Spatter Girl & The Rock Muses
Doesn’t the name above under the photo sound like a perfect rock band name?!
Sunday, I did not feel any energy to write or creatively pull together a post to send to you. At first, self-doubt came knocking, then the grumbles that no one was interested came slinking in, and last, a funk wound its way around me. I went to bed early and tucked in to read a great escapism book. Monday morning, I decided that when creative inspiration struck to get this done, it would find its way into your inboxes.
On my walk a couple of days ago, I happened to look down, and this brilliant white spatter mark on the street pavement caught my eye! I leaned down closer and smiled as I saw a face looking out up at me on that figure dancing on top of the cement-embedded rocks. I opened the photo up in Procreate on my iPad Pro, made it a reference along with turning the opacity down, and started doodling what I saw. A creative spark ignited, and down the rabbit hole, I went! Here are the full photos below and I did take some artistic freedom for her feet and arms.
What types of things or activities inspire ideas for you?
Her face was clearly identifiable in the spatter along with the fabric swirls of her outfit. The rock muses were fun to discover when I magnified the photo. Faces were obvious on some and I had fun making them up on others.
A rock muse pattern design may be next up for my Procreate practice. I envision it as a quirky gift wrap!
Sketchbook Warm-Up Exercises
Finding interesting ways to get your creativity revved up for the day ahead is an ongoing journey in my studio. Here is one that I want to share with you that you might enjoy trying.
Sketchbook Pattern Experimentation
Markers and color pencils are instant artistic tools to lay down some colors and patterns with no pressure. You can just play and scribble.
This sketchbook page was helpful to do in bands, as tackling the whole blank area of white felt intimidating. First, I drew freeform pencil lines to make stripes. Next, I filled in the bands with different colors of markers. Last, I went back on top to add the simple patterns with a marker or color pencil. Sometimes, you discover motifs or designs to develop further, but most of the time, it is just artistic play. You can also cut up these pages to use in collage art.
What are your favorite markers, paints, and color pencils to use?
My favorite markers are Tombow, Faber-Castell Pitt, and Ecoline, all in the brush pen style. I reach for Carand'Ache Luminance color pencils daily.
Wing The Pencil Scribbled a cat!
Mortimer The Cat
The face was the first part of this scribble and his eyes are complex. It feels like there are lots of thoughts running around in that brain!
I started this Blackwing pencil scribbling series as a 30-day project but will continue for as long as it sparks my creativity. For this reason, I’m dating them as they are completed, so this is the 46th sketch out of 46 days. I just realized that a new square sketchbook needs to be found, as there are only 3 pages left to scribble on!
The 100 Day Pattern Design Challenge Using Procreate
Marshmallows on Toothpicks 1/100
This is the first pattern for my 100-Day Pattern Challenge, and it is a suggested repeat, not actually in repeat. I’m keeping it as a reminder of my learning curve experience. Those happy marshmallows are making me crave a cup of hot cocoa with a few thrown on top! Yum!
Gray hairs have been gathering on my head quickly as the frustration of learning to convert my patterns into repeats using Procreate is taking a bit of time. I’ll think it’s right, and then, when I test the repeat, those dreaded tiny white lines appear, or the outlines are off slightly by a pixel or two! ARGH! This daily practice will make it a memorable skill in my post-sixty brain, so I can then focus on just the fun…creating patterns!
Hot Teacups 2/100
This was my second pattern and in repeat. Trying different motifs and styles is the perfect way to keep the artistic sparks popping!
I love making surface pattern designs and cannot wait to make them available on all kinds of wonderful products!
Thank you for being here and reading this creative blog. I love hearing from you so please take a moment to connect by leaving a comment, it would be wonderful!
It brings me great joy to create this for you! I’ll be expanding this blog with all kinds of creative goodies and have so many upcoming ideas to inspire you all! Your small monthly paid subscription would be deeply appreciated! Please share my Substack with others if you are inspired by these newsletters. Thank you!
Love the flock of birds and the girl who emerged from the sidewalk splatter.
Barbara H.
I’ve been curious … what’s so special about that pencil? In case you’re ever in a trivia contest, Tiny Tim’s favorite pencil was a Dixon Ticonderoga #2.