In my recent Art & Design class, we started creating a sample library. We used lots of different acrylic mediums on a variety of papers with different application techniques. The documentation is the hardest part because you need to remember what you did so it could be replicated if you wanted.

I’m doing more samples since I got home and adding more layers to some of the original samples done in class. The samples are all about 5″ x 7″.

I have started putting my “library” together into a 2″ ring binder. I’m not sure I am going to have enough room. All the little green sticky notes have my notes about what the sample is, what medium and paper was used and how it was applied. Hopefully, none of these will disappear between now and when I get these into the book.

Here’s one of the original samples that I did in class. I have picked up a leaf on my way to the store and when I brought it home, it really matched this sample. We are supposed to add more color with colored pencils and other media to some of our samples. So I thought maybe the leaf would give me some inspiration.

Here is the piece after I added more color and details. I’m trying it out on different backgrounds to see which I might like.

I love this red background but I think it is a bit too much for the sample piece. What do you think? Click on any photo to enlarge.