I started collecting various materials to use for this exercise. I made a small sketchbook with various collaged papers and masking tape. I used recycled packaging paper, magazine pages, tissue paper, watercolour paper and envelopes for the pages. I layered some of the papers as I wanted to see how the same media reacted differently to different surfaces.

I drew a cup cake for these experiments. I didn’t draw the cakes exactly the same for each of these drawings and i’m glad I didn’t as it allowed me to experiment further – the simpler style ones allowed me to experiment with dry brushing and palette knives, where as the pen drawings allowed for smaller lines and finer shading.

Top Row;
Photograph of Sketchbook closed.
Next is dry brushed acrylic and acrylic gesso on magazine paper and masking tape.
I think using white acrylic and a smaller brush would have been more effective for this. I don’t think the gesso was layered up enough to be effective.
Next is pencil crayon and pen on the inside of an envelope and pink tissue paper.
Shading on tissue paper was very hard but was surprised that I was actually able to layer the pencils successfully.

Second Row;
Photo of first two drawings in book.
Biro drawing on envelope and tissue paper.
This is my favourite of all the experiments, I chose to use a biro as the brief said to include the ‘cheap and throwaway’. I loved how easy it was to draw with – I don’t think I have drawn with a biro since I was in secondary school! It drew on the envelope very easily as expected but it was very hard on the tissue – it actually tore at one point and I was being very gentle at that. I would definitely like to use biro more in my work.

Third Row;
A digital drawing using typical digital shading techniques collaged on packaging paper, floral tissue paper and pink tissue paper.
I decided to add a digital drawing because I wanted to see the juxtaposition of it with the found materials. I love working digitally but I still want to be able to explore ideas physically. That is why I print out my digital sketches and pieces and use them in my sketchbook.

Next is a photograph of the sketchbook spread with biro and pencil experiments next to eachother.

Fourth Row; Close up on previous drawing, fineliner on watercolour paper and background shaded with pencil crayon.
I quite like the texture given by the pencils on the watercolour paper however it is hard to blend.
Felt tip on the back of watercolour paper, smudged with water.
This is one of the most successful experiments, I would never have thought of using felt tips in my illustration but I liked the way they smudge and blend. They managed to retain any vibrancy.
Next is fineliner on packaging paper.
The pen bled into the paper and the lines lost sharpness.