I like to begin my experimentation exploring form and shape with a series of quick sketches, I have not had much experience drawing bugs before, unlike flowers or greenery which I have studied in the past so I really wanted to explore the body shapes of them, and looking at the legs at what point it goes from cute to creepy with them.
I explored a range of techniques which working from the initial insect photographs. I used pens, pencils, both plain and coloured, as well as Indian ink to achieve the effects that I wanted, I particularly like the work with patterns on the first image which I think I could explore more, as well as the Indian ink ones which roughly show the shape of the insect with this bold messy effect which I think actually turned out very pretty and decorative.
I moved on a little to start exploring colour, using a range of paints and pencils, I used a few techniques too, such as using the paint to create a bright coloured background for the motif to sit on, as well as using the colour to give the bugs the shape and tone I wanted for them. I based the colours off of the jewel beetles, which are very bright and bold, unlike colours that we often see in nature. I also tried a technique using the blue with added white to it, as flat shades, which I think is really interesting and I did enjoy working in that style, although it was hard to maintain and not let the colours mix as they did. I also had a go at a pattern with the bugs, varying the shapes and colours of them and adding patterns to some of them as well. Overall I enjoyed this stage of experimenting, although I do not really see anything that jumps out at me for motifs, even with the bright colours.
Tahlia Paige 