In this exercise, I am using the word “sea” narratively. I am sketching a line drawing by using solid and definite lines.  I will then scan the image into Photoshop and use the invert function, which will convert the white into black and the black areas into white.  I will then create a new illustration by exploring the tonal values.

Figure 1 is the line drawing sketched with Indian ink on an A3.  I used an A3 to avoid resizing when inverting and making photocopies.  I deliberately used more extensive areas of black, so I have more to work with when inverting the image. The drawing was inspired by a stock photo which I used as a reference to draw in pencil and then in ink.

I then printed the images on A3 paper and started cutting out shapes from the black image and pasting it on the original drawing.

At first, I found this very challenging until I had pasted a few shapes down and then started to understand what this is all about.  I honestly love this way of working as I could adjust and manipulated the tonal values, change the focal point, and create new shapes.

I simplified the drawing.  Even though I have added thicker hair and detail to the reflection, I refined the tonal value to draw more focus on the girl and her reflection.  Next time I will try to refine the drawing even more. 

Tim Easley is an example of an illustrator who simplifies his work to be described as a ‘graphic’ image.

In conclusion, I understand black and white better after completing this project and will most definitely use this method in the future.