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John Johnston

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Some time ago I did a pen drawing of some cobbled steps in Robin Hoods Bay (See here) and I'd fancied trying to create a vignette effect by not drawing right out to the edges. The result was a rather irregular shaped drawing. I am now working on another drawing of similar steps at the same location but this time I decided to make more of an effort to make the vignette effect more of a regular shape. I decided to keep the ink marks confined to an Oval shape.  Though I've achieved what I'd intended it's not pleasing me as much as I'd hoped and I'm unsure whether to leave it as is or do some more drawing to lose the oval. I'd be very grateful for your opinions please.

Edited
by John Johnston

IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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I like the shape and your pen work so far , I would think about letting the edge fade out rather than harsh line . The soft edges could make it look like they are slightly out of focus . 
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

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I agree with Paul. To me, a vignette fades out at the edges.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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You can soften the edges with various computer adjustments, if you'd like to: I have a drawing a bit like this in one of my sketchbooks, though in my case - I just couldn't think how to finish it, so left it with a scythe-shaped cut-off (no, I think I won't show it...!).  It's a fine drawing - not sure how I'd finish it, really (isn't THAT helpful?). This would work so well as an illustration in a magazine article, the image adjusted to fit text - so all you've got to do now is write the article, and publish it.....  no pressure, eh?  I hope you find a way of resolving the issue, because it is an excellent drawing. 

Tessa Gwynne

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I quite like the oval, and I also liked your previous similar drawing John. I always think it’s a bit odd that we feel a need to fill every inch of a rectangle because that’s the shape of the surface we usually paint or draw on. Fading the edges sounds good, but this is fine as it is.

John Johnston

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Thank you all for your opinions and suggestions.... they have been very helpful.  I favour fading out around the edges but have two issues in that regard. Firstly, the oval already comes close to the edges of the paper and secondly, I'm far from sure I can manage it in a convincing fashion (my usual low-esteem getting in the way). That said, I've decided nothing ventured, nothing gained, so I will attempt to stretch the drawing out towards the corners using lighter, thinner and fewer ink marks as I go. 
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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I think you have the correct approach there John and I have no doubt at your ability to achieve it. 

John Johnston

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I've attempted some fading around the edges but am still not very pleased with the result. That said, I'm going to call this finished and move on. It's something I've been wanting to try for quite a while and I'm very pleased that I've finally scratched the itch, so to speak. Comments and critiques are always welcome. 

Tessa Gwynne

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I would be very pleased if this were mine John. Beautifully drawn. 
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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You are being very hard on yourself John , I think it’s excellent.
21.08 slaley hall maluillustration PROMO - low res small

Gerry Mellor

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You are being very hard on yourself John , I think it’s excellent.
Paul  (Dixie) Dean on 06/06/2024 19:49:44
John, I second that. Great work, and kudos for experimenting.

Michael Randall

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A very good drawing but think you should do a little more to the top left corner.
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