Alternative Sketchbook

I have started making progress with my alternative sketchbook, and have completed the base layer of my tree using wood, wire and modrock and I have left holes in it to add sketches and to wrap wool around. So far I'm happy with the way it looks quite rough and textured, but I'm not sure what colours to paint it; either natural browns and greens or using inspiration from Trisha Kieman by using abstract colours instead...

Plaster Casting

We had a go at plaster casting the other week as part of our technique samples and I was really happy with the way mine turned out as the plaster picked up alot of detail and is quite easy to do. I also like the way it is quite free as you can make a cast of anything, so I'm considering using it for or as part of my final piece but maybe next time I can try using leaves and berries or other natural materials or maybe create a series of  different squares. I would also need to make sure that the edges where straighter to give the cast a more finished and professional look.

Trees

Following on from my artist research I took some photos of some trees for some inspiration and ideas on the detail, shape and texture of tree trunks, to help me when I continue to make my alternative sketchboook. I also took some in black and white to show the finer detail and patterns more clearly. I particularly like the close up photo of the fungi in the hole as it represents what I want to do with my tree by putting drawings inside the holes and gaps of the trunk to make it a little more interesting and intriguing!