I hardly practice my designs, because they are more of a guide for painting than an "arform" on itself. Key are the shadowparts with characters and flow with the letters. The sketching is also a reminder to keep on going, a continuous process of being busy with it. With large commissions I always draw the roughs for perspective and several details as ideas for elements. After the sketch of the foundation, papers and books are put back in the backpack and painting starts. Sometimes I use elements of photo's in the works, which are used the same way as the sketch: I lay out the base, put away the example and start painting.
There is a relentless hunt for style, but I know from experience that sticking to one style or direction feels uncomfortable, tied up. That's why I change subject so often. Even my tag-name has changed several times throughout my life. Not for safety reasons, but for the love of letters. The fun of being allround? :-)
I hardly practice my designs, because they are more of a guide for painting than an "arform" on itself. Key are the shadowparts with characters and flow with the letters. The sketching is also a reminder to keep on going, a continuous process of being busy with it. With large commissions I always draw the roughs for perspective and several details as ideas for elements. After the sketch of the foundation, papers and books are put back in the backpack and painting starts. Sometimes I use elements of photo's in the works, which are used the same way as the sketch: I lay out the base, put away the example and start painting.
There is a relentless hunt for style, but I know from experience that sticking to one style or direction feels uncomfortable, tied up. That's why I change subject so often. Even my tag-name has changed several times throughout my life. Not for safety reasons, but for the love of letters. The fun of being allround? :-)