I was asked to make a Baronial award scroll for a person who had a German persona. This entry has little in the way of period documentation. This scroll was completed using no period resources. I wanted to create a scroll that looked "German" but was of an original design. What could be more German than lots and lots of colorful feathers? I had a vision in my head of a ton of fluffy feathers in the heraldic colors of the recipient.
This was my first proof of concept attempt. I sketched the feathers outline with a mechanical pencil and then inked it with a metal nibbed quill pen.
I liked the look of the sample and proceeded to sketch the border.
I started by inking the quill and the barbs.
After the barbs were all inked in I went back and added the downy fluff around each feather.
I was very happy with the look of the feathers at this point that I took probably too many pictures. I actually like the look of the black and white feathers. The pigment added detracts from the look, for me.
Once I was happy with the feathers I began the calligraphy. Normally I would do the calligraphy first, but I didn't want to waste my time if the I didn't like the "feather idea".
Time for some colors.
And then a bit of high lights.
And then... the completed feather border. From a distance it looks more like colored Cheeze Curls. I still like the idea, but just not entirely happy with the execution. Too bad I finished it the night before it was do.
