Be your own Virtuoso

As stated in my last post I have been busy working up a new version of my Very Own Virtuoso class. I hear so often ‘I cant draw to save myself’ , ‘I could never draw or design anything like that!’. Well, although I believe anyone can learn to draw, this class has been developed for those of you who don’t have the confidence to start…. cos, maybe you cant draw, but you can trace!

As a designer I see potential designs and inspiration everywhere I go and always have my camera or sketchpad at hand… travelling around the world each country has its own design elements and architectural styles also – now I haven’t been to many  countries but where I have been I have snapped happily – one day I hope to get to many more and add to my photo and design stash! – but I have more than enough to work from for myself and to share with you all.

So, how do I start?  Well I enlarge and print my photos, just in black and white from a photocopier or printer – not as a photo…

Then pick out the main individual design features and use a black sharpie to outline… there you have it, the first design element…

then with the help of rulers, grids, tracing paper and time the options are endless….

I have hundreds of these!!!

and hundreds more in my photo albums…..

View Full Album

now, can someone give me hundreds more spare hours so i can stitch and colour or appliqué all of these ideas into quilts!

If you come to any of my design classes you are able to use my design element package already done for you to make a wholecloth design on the day – you will then know exactly how to start your own portfolio… imagine that, your very own design portfolio.. and you said you couldn’t draw! Before you know it you will be designing your very own original elements and adding to the architectural styles of the world.

happy inspirations, hope I may be able to share and help you with your designing process one day at a class somewhere..

hugs, Helen – back to drawing for me now…

I always agonise about Copyright as I am very respectful of this. So if you are  concerned about using this process here is some information from the Australian Copyright site.

Do I need permission to photograph or draw public art?

You may draw, paint, photograph or film a sculpture or work of artistic craftsmanship which is publicly displayed “other than temporarily” without permission from the copyright owner. This does not apply to other public art, such as murals. You may draw, paint, photograph or film a building without permission.

Comments

[Laura M]

Oh no! I feel another obsessive hobby coming on! Thanks for the inspiration (I think)!

[Stephanie]

Thanks for showing us how you do that. I am really intrigued by it. I would love to take a class from you sometime!

[Tracee (Quiltkitty) from Perth]

Hi Helen, I'm one of those - I can't draw people & would love to learn. It's smart little ideas like this I need more of - fantastic. I agree Jo, have an urge to do a walk around the cemetry soon & look again at all my old building photos. Brilliant! Tracee xx

[Jo in Tas]

I think 'll be paying closer attention to the details on headstones from now on!