Drawing over the top of eco-printed paper is a lovely project to do with all the samples that accumulate. It can be a meditative process, and can also inspire new ways of drawing. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, the natural shapes and colours already present make it easy to be inspired.
The photo below shows symmetrical paper eco-prints that I created by sandwiching plant matter between two pieces of paper and wrapping them around a rusty tin, before heating in water. You can see how adding simple line drawings with a black fineliner can create a very striking and organic artwork out of what was quite a subdued print.
Ideas for mark-making
If you have some eco-printed paper that you want to try drawing over but don’t know where to start, here are some ideas.
Begin by drawing outlines around each leaf, then let your thinking mind relax so your subconscious can take over. As you daydream, experiment with different types of lines and marks on different parts of the paper. For example:
- squiggly lines
- dots
- light feathery lines
- dark bold lines
Keep some areas simple and build others up to create contrast and detail.
If you want help learning how to eco-print on paper so that you can try out these drawings, I have in-depth instructions in my Plant Poetry ebook.
Let me know below if you have tried drawing over your eco-printed paper, or whether this post has inspired you to give it a try.
these are so gorgeous. I have done a bit of drawing over some leaf prints, but these take them to the next level. Thank you for showing us what is possible.
This is a great way to flesh out my several prints that did not “take” so well! Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, it is my favourite thing to do with the less striking prints. And a much more inspiring thing to start with than a blank piece of paper.
These are beautiful!
Beautiful! I have some eco prints that need a bit of drawing to polish them up! Thank you for sharing. Ellen Masters
Thank you….great work
Joyce
Love these, I also draw in different ways on my eco printed papers. Soft pencil and watercolour paint are also beautful to embellish the papers with. I like to draw faces within the leaf patterns as well.
Oh yes, drawing faces in the leaves is so lovely. I like using herb Robert leaves to create a green man face.
Lovely. I can see me using this technique using ‘inks’ I’ve hand-made.
That would be really special!
These are wonderful…thank you so much for sharing. You have given me some exciting ideas!
Oh my, this is beautiful! I have just started eco dyeing papers to use when I make books. I have been thinking that outlining would take things to the next level on some of the lesser prints and now I am super motivated to try. Off to check out your ebooks as well. Also found you on Instagram. New fan here.
Hi Susan, thanks for your lovely comment. I’m glad my work is inspiring you. Yes, drawing and outlining is a great way to improve some of the less exciting prints. Have fun with it!
These prints are inspirational and I’d love to have a go. The drawings are beautiful
Eco-printing on paper is really simple and accesible to get started with, compared to other forms of natural dyeing. And yes, it is a great base for doing some drawing over.
Thanks for the great idea. I have some prints that need something extra.
what is eco printing paper?
Hi Jo. You can use pretty much any paper for eco-printing, although watercolour paper gives the best results. Here’s a tutorial for the method I used to get these results, which are great to draw over
What kind of paper is best for ecoprint?
Hi, you can use most types of paper, but watercolour usually gives the best results. I especially love Arches brand. I talk more about paper types and share examples in my eco-printing on paper ebook.
Hi Louise,
I am new to eco printing and am totally inthralled with the magic of it all. I love what you have done to enhance the beauty of what is left on the paper. It’s rainy and cold today, a perfect day to play with the prints and ink.
Thanks
Kathy
Oh lovely, I hope you had a delicious rainy day of drawing and crafting.
Me encanta
Just come across your email and so happy I found you feeling excited to give this a try thank you for sharing, and bless you.xx
Love your work. It is inspiring me to work on the prints I recently made. I’m new to this art form and loving it. I find myself constantly looking at trees, etc. and wondering if this or that will work well. Could you tell me what type of pen you use? I’ve been using a Micron pen. Thx very much, Colleen
Hi Colleen, sorry for my slow reply. I’m glad you are feeling inspired. I don’t have any particular favourite pen, I think in this photo I’m just using a basic fineliner.