Playing around with Silhouettes

As a new technique, I have tried to stretch my ability to just using black ink on paper. To influence me I have used inspiration from Loui Jover who paints mainly with blank ink on vintage paper. His pieces are big and powerful. They have meaning. I like the idea if drawing on a different surface, especially something old and vintage. Therefore I have created a few of my own drawings in his style. I have used black ink on top of the financial times news paper which has a lovely orange/pink tinge to it. To make this look even older I have also added a light coffee wash. 

I have firstly experimented with birds in my small sketch book. I have tried to bring out as much detail as possible, especially in the feet. This still makes the bird look lifelike and 3D. To make it even more realistic I could add the details in the feathers and how in areas they may be slightly ruffled. 

This is my favourite piece. This bird looks as if it is about to take off, it's hanging from a bird feeder and has a sense of movement. To take this drawing to a new level and to show off the art of silhouettes I hung it in front of my desk lamp. 

This brought it to life! It almost looks like the sun in hanging low in the background. I can visualise a warm, sunny morning. The light brings out features you perhaps wouldn't be able to see when the image is stuck down. For example I can now see where the birds feet are hooking it on to the bird feeder.

 To experiment further I could perhaps try different tones of black in order to let in more light and show off more of the animals features. I would perhaps add a splash or a drip to give it power. I like how the words show through in the background, they really help to make the bird stand out.