Drawing from Reference

We had a workshop in the studio about drawing from reference earlier this week. I found it really interesting and learnt a lot about using visual aids and how to translate information from (in this case) photograph to my own work. I learnt that visual aids provide a 'blueprint' for you to work from, a reference for key features that we would never usually see in real life/remember from memory. Drawing from reference is not copying the image line for line, feature for feature, but it is about interpreting, translating and ultimately taking the visual information further than the photo/visual aid within our own work. 

Attempt 1 - getting a feel for the structure, detail shape and tone

During the studio workshop, our tools were black ink/quink, water, a variety of paintbrush sizes and dip pens. As much as I like working with ink, I found the studio tasks quite challenging. We were asked to collect a book containing photographs from the library to use as our visual aid. 
I found a beautiful book about seeds called " Seeds, The Time Capsules of Life" by Rob Kesseler & Wolfgang Stuppy. Unfortunately the photograph I chose really made the studio tasks a lot more challenging, due to the structure and complex detail. I was only able to produce 3 images of the seed (instead of 4), but throughout the drawing task I did feel my method began to improve and i was able to be selective about the information I chose to                                                                                                translate from the photograph.

Attempt 2 - Trying to add darker tones to create depth.
Feel this image was a step backwards and not as successful
as attempt 1. Messy and unrealistic

Attempt 3

Attempt number 3 was clearly my most successful representation of the seed I had chosen to draw from reference. As this was such a complex image to interpret, I spent a lot of time focusing on detail and I think this is evident in this image.

In looking at other peoples work within the studio, it is clear I need to take more risks with my mark making and also with what information I wish to record when drawing in this way. Other students really manipulated what they were drawing and put their own unique spin on things which is what this task was all about. Drawing from reference does not have to be a realistic representation - but your own interpretation of the subject.

If I was to do this task again, I think it would be beneficial to try using colour instead of just back ink/quink. I think the addition of colour would really add depth and tone to my image and i feel i would have found it easier to put my own style/spin on it creating a more interesting outcome.