After experimenting with watercolour and pen the other day I realised the technique would lend itself to illustrative, crisp-edged drawing.
Looking through my sketch book today, I found a drawing I have been meaning to progress into a painting or print. The floral details within the piece, patterns and shapes would suit this method of representation. Also on my mind when looking at the drawing and subject matter was that being quite decorative, it would perhaps look fitting around the edge of a mug.
The drawing was made taking inspiration from my Aunt and Uncle’s garden with its borders of delicate Astrantia, Aquilegia and Ferns. I drew the hen (a Light Sussex) afterwards to add interest and complete the composition.
Looking online, I discovered most companies that print on mugs require an image size of roughly 8cm/20cm, so I drew a rectangle of this size on grease proof paper and placed this on top of the image, angling it to ensure the most interesting details were included in the composition. Once happy, I traced the outline and transferred it onto a sheet of white, slightly textured watercolour paper.
I then used my watercolour paints on the piece before drawing the obvious outlines with pen. All the while, observing the original drawing to get a better understanding of the tones and textures I would need to depict.
After sending the image to a printing company, this is the finished mug. I am pleased with the quality of the print, not pixely as I was concerned it might be. Â The pale pastels I have used might suit a daintier style of mug, so I may look into different shapes. I am looking forward to coming up with more designs soon.