Ruffly Speaking - Oct '21. Try this one simple tip now to make a sensational pet portrait pattern.
Welcome to the October issue of Ruffly Speaking. If you know where September went, please let me know. I'd like it back!
Of course, I jest. September was a beautiful month in Victoria. The pumpkin fields are overflowing with big orange jack 'o lanterns and the afternoon shadows are getting distinctly longer here on the coast. And shadows are a great segue for this month's Artsy topic: how to read the values created by shadows and reflections as you prepare to make the pattern from a photo.
Values Create Shapes
Values play a key role in conveying shape and form in a photo and indeed in the world around us. This isn't the entire reason that we see depth and dimension in a two dimensional photo, but pattern making is all about tracing shapes so it's the most important one for the purpose of this discussion.
Connect ... Then Take a Closer Look
When you select a photo to make a quilted portrait, it's important that it speaks to you in some special way, like this photo of a beautiful cat I took as I was out on a neighbourhood walk with my Jack Russell. I haven't made a portrait from this photo but it's high on my list. Photos like this that create a strong connection with the subject will keep you motivated and engaged in the project. Before you start making a pattern though, it's best to switch hats and spend a few minutes looking closely and exploring the photo from a more detached perspective.
Black & White Photo
The best way to detach from the subject and view it more objectively is to spend a few minutes studying a black & white version of the photo. Removing colour from the photo reduces the visceral and emotional impact and highlights shapes, lines, textures through value alone. Rotating the photo to view it upside down can also help.
I've superimposed a 7 step greyscale value finder and an "I Spy card" on the black & white photo below. These two simple tools are super helpful for this exercise.
- A greyscale is included in the pattern making course (Pet Portraits: How to Make Your Own Pattern) or may be purchased from an art supply store.
- An I Spy card is simply a piece of card stock with a small hole punched in one end.
Together, these tools help to tune your eyes and your brain to notice all the values present in your photo and importantly, how they transition both subtly or abruptly.
How to Use the Tools
The greyscale breaks up the gradation between pure white and pure black to create 7 values. Your task is to explore your photo and identify the values in every nook and cranny. Observe both the subtle and the sharp shifts in value and try to identify which value on the greyscale is the best match.
In the example above, the I Spy card reveals a value 2 to the left of the cat's chin, then the shadow deepens closer to the jaw and lightens again along the lower jaw. Now, notice how the the wispy fur along the right side matches with value 3 on the greyscale. It deepens to a 4 closer to the jaw and then lightens again along the lower edge of the jaw below the whiskers.
Continue moving the I Spy card and/or the greyscale around the photo to isolate and identify the values within the small circle. Explore the entire photo to become familiar with all the subtle and not so subtle shifts and transitions. Being fully aware of the values in your photo will pay dividends as you make the pattern.
Move on to the Colour Photo
Now that you've tuned in to the photo's variations in light and shadow, you can return to the colour photo and indulge in all your emotional connections with your subject as you make the pattern. Soak up all the feelings you have for your pet or animal as you trace what you see on the colour photo. Use your awareness of value to inform your choices as you trace the pattern.
After this easy exercise, I predict you'll do a better job of pattern making and ultimately end up with a pattern that bears a striking resemblance to the subject in your photo.
I hope these tips are helpful and show you that you can make your own pattern from a photo of a favourite pet or animal.
Each month, I will choose a different topic so stay tuned for the next newsletter and please let me know if there's a topic you'd like to see in a future edition. You can check out the September newsletter for more Pet Portrait fabric collage tips.
Thanks for reading and, until next time, be well.
| Check out Anne's online course How to Make Your Own Pattern |
Anne Mathers
Animal portraits to love and cherish.
Collage Artist, Teacher, Animal Lover
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