This year I decided to try a slight variation on the sort of image I often make - I've gone for a more open view. Those who know my work well will hardly see any difference but, for me, it is moving forward.
I always start with sketches, drawn on location 10 mins walk from my village
First a quickie, then one to firm up some details and tone
The first etch, - hard ground line, allowed me to get a fairly accurate drawing
The next etch - open bite through thinned stop out, is all about tone....
Not bad, I've got some structure as well, but its going to need a softer use of tone to create distance and properly describe the foreground. I'll want some atmosphere too, a lot to ask of a small 10 x10cm plate, but a good chance to explore new ground.
