Project #17 Camilla Engman, Multiples and Collections

There  is something very compelling about a grouping of similar things.  Whether they are made or found, it is fun to arrange a group of objects and display them or draw them or paint them or photograph them.  

One of my favorite artists who groups things is Camilla Engman.  Sometimes she creates groupings with the objects and cut out drawings or paintings of the objects.  Sometimes she photographs the objects. The artworks above and below are hers.

Try using some objects from your bedroom or bathroom or kitchen for starters.  Or go on a walk and find some natural objects to group together.  Lay them out on a large white or colored sheet of paper or some fabric.  A wood or concrete floor also work well as a back drop.  You can use sunlight or lamplight to play around with lighting and shadows.  Take some photos from different angles.  The photos might be your finishing point or you can go further by drawing or painting the objects.  

Below are some bird's nests and other natural items photographed by different photographers. If you want to get started right now, you might like to use these images as references for paintings and drawings.  Or put a grouping of objects together at home and draw from life.

Ngai Lenz

Photographer unknown

Mary Jo Hoffman

A detail from one of my drawings of natural objects. These are done with graphite, Tombow B pencil which is my favorite drawing pencil.