Here's a project I'm working on currently.First, the colors of the quick sketch may look odd to you, but really it's a cursory study of light and shadow. I grab the first markers I find out of my box, with cool and warm properties. In my head, this helps me think through and distinguish material properties and the micro-essences within the space. I quickly scribble on the back of the tracing paper hints of shadows and volumes with these markers. Next, I scan the sketch and I eliminate the saturation in Photoshop. The highlights and low-lights, now in a monochromatic spectrum, create a sense of space.
(SIDENOTE) I think this all came about when I didn't want to use up my various grays (french, warm and cool grays - which I use up often) and found I didn't need too with my scan/reduce saturation method. And I get to use my otherwise neglected markers in the meantime. A happy finding through frugality!
Also....the picture to the left of the original sketch is the inspiration for the design of the planter/bench. My client's house has a side yard front door. The first time I walked up, I thought I was at the wrong door. So in that dilemma, we discovered the need for an entry statement. Originally I'd drawn an entry "porte cochere" style with a large overhead trellis over the front door. This announced an outdoor "foyer".
However, due to budget and structural concerns, I've been asked to reduce the design to a more intimate yet legible entry piece. So I went looking for some inspiration in my design books. Here's the page that I ultimately landed on for the front door. A raised planter with a "floating" bench. This not only stops the visitor on the path, but redirects the momentum of a visitor. A"waiting room" for the front door.
