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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Topographic Watercolor Map Series

Lately I've been having an itch to get more into watercolor.  I do a lot of work on the computer or drawing with a pen and I've been missing making work with my hands and felt the need to jump in.  But what to paint?  I've recently been inspired by maps being used as an adventurer's tool.  Before we had our iPhones and GPS, people had to actually look at maps to figure out where to go, crazy right?!?

I wanted to explore imaginary places on maps and I love how topography maps have different colors to represent different elevations of land.  I painted a series of maps that all had a 3D element of looking like they were on actual pieces of paper and used different watercolor shades in each map to show the varying elevations.  I also incorporated some typographical elements to break up the maps.


I played with the idea of taking a trip on these maps and having to follow a path like a treasure map which made me think about adventures on land vs taking a mental journey.  I find myself doing this a lot: wanting to accomplish something and setting out steps to make it happen; it was a fun idea to imagine that as an actual map and a journey that you had to begin.  I've been working on a lot of adventure themed products to release on Mokuyobi Threads in the coming seasons so it all seemed very fitting.


Above is the final wall of all of the maps and painted type with coordinating spray painted frames.  You can buy prints of all of the paintings in various sizes at my Society6 shop.


Now for some work in progress photos...




Some progress photos from my instagram: JuliePinzur follow me!






I love this one with the neon yellow frame.  It totally rocks.


With these paintings up, the new studio is really coming together (we moved).  I love the look of them on the wall but the wall is kind of large so I plan to add to it.  We'll see where it goes...

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