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| Mark D. Ruffner |
Coquille paper, also known as coquille board, is a thick white paper with a pebbled texture. Through the wonders of PhotoShop, I've scanned some coquille paper so that we can see its texture.
The benefit of drawing on coquille paper, aside from the fact that it provides an interesting texture, is that the pencil lead against the textured paper essentially creates its own halftone.
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| Mark D. Ruffner |
The above illustration, for a municipal securities company, was printed without a halftone screen, and yet it appears as a halftone.
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| Mark D. Ruffner |
Here's a scan of original art for the same company. If you click on the drawing to enlarge it, you can see the paper's texture. As this scan demonstrates, even though the paper forms its own halftone, the drawing could be even richer when screened. My concern would be whether the camera would see a screen of a screen and then form a moire pattern. I don't know because... I've never tried it!
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| Mark D. Ruffner |
This is my favorite illustration on coquille paper. I created it for PPG Industries, which made a product that eliminated hydrogen sulfide (which has a smell we associate with rotten eggs). Hydrogen sulfide, aside from having a noxious smell, is toxic and can form sulfuric acid, which in turn will rapidly corrode concrete and metal piping. The headline for the ad said, "You don't get rid of hydrogen sulfide by covering it up."
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Hello Mark:
ReplyDeleteWe knew absolutely nothing, to our great shame, of this technique before now and have found this most interesting and the results very, very effective.
Your drawings are superb and make for very strong, powerful statements.
Dear Jane and Lance - Thank you for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteScanning the coquille board reminded me that I hadn't drawn on coquille since becoming computer literate. Today so much art in publishing is from stock files, and I think that's a real loss.
My compliments on your very fine Mark. The bad egg reminds me of the boys in West Side Story. When I started painting on books, I found it more challenging, but more interesting when the book cover had a texture.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on the over use of stock files.
Anyes
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Hi, Anyes - My work on coquille board encouraged me to experiment with other textured surfaces, including a heavy paper that was embossed in sort of a crocodile pattern. I've also worked on textured matte boards which I'm sure are similar to your book cover experiences.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, I'm not too crazy about your egg man but I do appreciate your expertise in drawing. Actually, your coquille paper reminds me of paper my Father used for his watercolor sketches. Interesting post. Computer literacy has many drawpacks doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gina - Coquille board isn't absorbent (in fact it has almost a plastic quality) so watercolors wouldn't be too satisfactory on it.
ReplyDeleteMark, the drawings are absolutely wonderful. I have always seen this type of paper and wondered what it was. The texture and dimension it gives to the drawings are wonderful! Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Each time Google hiccups like that, I always wonder if my computer is broken! And thanks for enjoying my drawings!
ReplyDeleteI was aware of textured papers being used for drawing and commercial illustrations, but didn't know the name of this pebbled type. What incredible drawings you've done.
ReplyDeleteI love the Humpty Dumpty smelly guy with his Converse sneakers. Even those stylized clouds of spray about him are neat. Very cool!
Hi, Terry - Thanks for the kind words. It was a lot of fun creating a noxious bully! I learned in this drawing that the expression for disgust resides largely in the bridge of the nose.
ReplyDeleteWhen faxing became so common about 25 years ago, I realized the importance of technique and media for my hand-drawn architectural illustrations. Despite the amazing advancements in computer-aided drafting, nothing compares to the look of drawing by hand. I was delighted to see your wonderful drawings.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, D.C. I was studying the work of the great architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel recently and was appreciating how in his architectural perspectives, he'd so often include beautiful atmospheric detail — lakes, boats, fishermen, gardens. I've always enjoyed architectural renderings with character, and I hope that's not a disappearing art.
ReplyDeleteI even love the name of the paper! Yes, it is similar to the pebbled watercolor paper in appearance only. Also, reminds me of paper for pastels with its rough texture. I think your work is very nice Mark!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Theresa! Coquille would probably also be a great surface for crayons and craypas.
ReplyDeleteDear Mark,
ReplyDeleteYour talent is endless! and by the way What's In Your Pocket post, love it , love it. Thank you.
Thanks, Kevin! Your words greet me at the end of a long day, and are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMark, here your work reminds me of George Stavrinos.
ReplyDeleteHi, Scott - Thanks for what I consider a high compliment! I did many pencil illustrations as a freelance advertising illustrator, and the ones I did on Crescent Board (as opposed to Coquille Board) were often compared to air brushing.
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