This week's theme is Theatre (I'm using the English spelling!) - Japanese Kabuki theatre. I'm very fond of old Japanese wood block prints and this illustration was inspired by one made by Sharaku of the Kabuki actor Morita Kanya. For my version I've experimented with some new oil pastels which are quite a departure from the controllable coloured pencils, ink and watercolour I'm used to! These are so thick there's no way I can achieve any fine detail! After blocking in the colours and applying a further layer of black pastel over the whole image, I used the sgraffito technique ( scratching and scraping into layers with a craft knife) to reveal the colours beneath whilst bringing some texture to the piece. You can view a print of the original woodblock here and read more about Kubuki here.
Those old woodblock prints really are marvelous. I haven't looked at any for awhile...I guess I should, huh? I like the technique you're playing around with. I remember doing something like that as a child, but haven't in over thirty years. I have oil pastels too, but find them too...maybe as you said...not being able to get any fine details. I think I like edges too much. And marks with them are so irrevocable.
ReplyDeleteBut I really like this picture--the brilliant colors with the black, and his soulful face.
Wow! Caroline! this is so beautiful! it seems an antiquity, I really thought when I saw it it was engrave, or wood block, the effect is exactly that! i must try with this thecnique you explains! thanks for share your owns experiments ;-)
ReplyDeleteA lot of feeling in the piece, very effective.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece!
ReplyDeleteI especially delight that how oil pastel can turned out so beautifully with your magical hand!
Wow Caroline this is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteMy art therapy stuff was great therapy but the art that came out of it was total shit. I threw it out. But the emotions it released. Awesome.
Love Renee xoxo
Really nice job! Love the colors.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I like the technique you used. Wonderful solution for those oil pastels. And the way his clothing drapes is just beautiful!
ReplyDeletevery beautiful and it seems you have mastered the technique :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the oil pastels Caroline! I really love this.
ReplyDeleteNice textures!
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