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Banjo Head Decoration

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A group formed to collect images of decorated banjo heads and technical insight for anyone interested.

162 Members, Created 4/27/2012 -

Administrators: OldTimeGal (owner)

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From Jane C on 2/20/2013 11:05:42 AM

Hi, new member here. Absolutely amazed by the beautiful work you all produce. I just want to try a sketch on a head to see if it works and looks ok. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to find something truly cheap or even better free, to practise on. Any suggestions? Thanks for looking Jane

6 Comments
	RandyZ says: 2/20/2013 11:09:18 AM good to have ya Jane* if you plan on painting on one....you could always sketch lighly with pencil 1st, then cover with acrylics, ink, enamel, or whatever you plan on using. i find it easier just to jump right in, and kinda work thru my mistakes. i know*....that sounds weird, but it works for me. randy~
	OldTimeGal says: 2/25/2013 1:13:12 AM If you have an open back, could use tracing paper and just hold up to the light...but I sometimes go for Randy's method as well, just jump right in,-)
	Jane C says: 2/25/2013 2:43:57 AM Thanks, all the suggestions I've had so far have been great but I just want to have a play around before I do anything permanent : ) I just know I'll screw up if I 'jump right in'
	OldTimeGal says: 2/26/2013 12:09:19 AM ok, you would be fine with just using some cheap artboard first, or even drawing paper, cut it out to the shape of your drum head, and start playing around on that first to get a sense of what you want to draw/illustrate.
	specs says: 2/26/2013 7:46:37 AM Since I am artistically challenged and the limit to my abilities is tracing and filling; I made a digital blank head image complete with strings and bridge to the correct print size. Then used that as a practice pad on my computer. When I'm done, I'll print half out on 2 pieces of paper, cut and tape them together, put them under the head with a light and trace away. Thats what I did with my old head and worked fine. I've finally decided what I'm gonna do with my new banjo. I've decided to just add little banjo tattoos of sorts on it, each with a special meaning with room for future additions. Below is my working draft, I'll post up a photo of the result when I get a chance to trace it up next month.
	Paul R says: 2/26/2013 6:55:04 PM I've used two methods (three, actually). On the two vine pattern heads, I first lightly sketched with pencil, then went over it with archival ink pen. The Orpheum's vine was more successful because I kept it black and white. Adding colour to the other head did nothing for it. The tenor's head was done by a) getting photocopies of some of my pencil sketches, b) choosing one (partly based on the location of landmarks in the sketch - can't have them under the bridge), c) fixing the photocopy under the head, and d) sketching on the head with archival pen. I did one a long time ago by simply drawing with a Sharpie. If you need practice, just use art paper or some other surface. As a last resort, lean on a friend who is a graphic artist.
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