Check the Over-All Appearance of the Sketch

When the sketch looks finished, I check out the overall feeling of the image. If a solid line looks faded in spots, I reuse the straight-edge ruler and freshen up the line. While I sketch and fill in the shadows of the sketch, the graphite smudges somewhat making white spots grayer than they should be.  I use a good eraser to highlight those areas that need whitening.  The contrasts between dark and light enhance the overall look of the piece.

Placing the signature

After all is done, I sign my work and date it. Not all artists will date their work, but that has been my choice. If the picture is unbalanced-looking, the signature goes in a place to balance it out.

As you see in this picture, the weight of the design is to the left.  I have done this purposely so that I can use the lighter part of the sky to superimpose lettering on the card in the future.

The picture is now ready for my graphic designer. The designer will scan the picture to her computer. The program on her computer will allow her to place the image of this picture on a card. She sends it to me for approval.  If there are improvements to make, we consult and decide on them.  When the project is finished, the digital image is sent to me and in most cases it is added to our website store as one of our products. I take the card image to the printer to make the product.

I hope you have enjoyed this side-by-side time as we witness the birth of a card.

photo credit:Deena Hall
photo credit:Deena Hall

Shading tool, a paper stylus, smudges and softens shades of pencil lead.

I particularly enjoy this part of the card production.  This makes the card come alive.  Contrast and texture in the sketching add depth and authenticity to the drawing.

Notice the technique using the side of the pencil lead.

To get the accuracy of the shading, the original photo is my guide.

Detail of Tractor Grill Made with Sharpened Pencil.

When all of the greater parts of the shading are done, I focus on the details.

photo credits: Deena Hall

Announcing our 40% discount coupon!

Effective immediately we are offering a 40% discount on all products on our website.  The coupon is effective through January 15, 2014.  This is an unprecedented opportunity to stock up on Christmas cards and note cards.

Enter the coupon code CHRISTMAS13 at check out when you place your order.

When I have traced and marked key points on my drawing, it is time to remove it and the large-size photo from the window pane. The lines, at this point, are very light and feebly drawn.  Lines, therefore, must be accented by heavier, firmer pencil strokes.

I rely heavily on a straight-edge ruler for my next tool. With it, the lines become distinct, straight, dark and powerful. As I work, I need:

• good lighting
• a pencil sharpener
• an eraser that can clean up errors and not leave a dirty smudge

Soon, the drawing begins to take shape.  It resembles a color book drawing at this stage of the process. Yet the progress is visible and satisfying.

I look forward to the next stage of the process.  The shading comes next.  It is time-consuming, but rewarding.

photo credits: Deena Hall

So many stories begin with “Once upon a time.” This past week became just that for me.  I got to travel to visit my daughters in a neighboring state. Away from the farm, my schedule settles down to where I can take time for drawing. I found time...to sketch.

I have a photo that was taken last summer. I took it as we worked in the field. Our tractor looked rather appealing as we baled hay so I snapped the picture hoping to make it into a card. I took it at an angle hoping that might look good on a card.

I scanned the photo and filed it in my computer. I printed the picture at full-size on a sheet of 8-1/2″ by 11″ paper. To preserve ink I did it as a fast draft. This print is the foundational help I use for this particular image on my next card.

I fixed this full-size photo to a window with tape. The daylight highlighted the image. I taped another sheet of paper over the top of the photo. I proceeded to trace the main lines of the photo. These lines assist me when trying to capture proper perspective and accuracy.

I used to consider tracing  as “cheating” in art. But in reality, it is a “tool” in art. It saves me much time in measuring when I have a limited amount of time in which to draw.

photo credits: Deena Hall

Here is another of our two latest cards.

“Standing on the Rock” pictures a tree that has embedded its roots on a rock. The tenacious plant has weathered many a storm up on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

I saw it standing as a sentinel while I vacationed in the north country.

“Standing on the Rock” is for sale at our introductory price of $0.99 for a limited time.  This offer expires November 30.  The card is available in our store .