Mark S. Johnson Photography

Before I choose subject matter for a Workbench, it must meet three criteria:
First, I have to be excited about what I’m teaching. Second, I try to choose subject matter that engages the viewer. And third, it must contain fresh techniques. If I’m really lucky, the subject matter sometimes meets a fourth criteria––it inspires creative thinking. When a Workbench meets all of these criteria, I feel satisfied.

As I was considering topics for today’s Workbench, I decided to explore a subject that is a bit outside my normal realm––creating spirographs. I felt uncertain going into the process, but once I started playing with images, I was blown away by the possibilities. Today’s topic definitely meets my fourth criteria––the more I explored, the more I couldn’t wait to see what shapes and patterns each spirograph would form.

In order to create a successful spirograph, it’s wise to begin with an image of something graphic in nature that can easily be selected. For starters, consider using smoke photographed over a black background, ink photographed in water with a white background, or tree branches silhouetted against a bright sky. Once you become comfortable with the process, the sky’s the limit. If you don’t have images of these subjects, pay a visit to a site such as CGTextures.com or iStockPhoto.com.

Before I begin, I’d like to say thank you to Corey Barker of NAPP for inspiring today’s Workbench.