Turn Over A New Leaf

Turn Over A New Leaf_ to repent one's way of life and make a fresh start; to reform. 'Each time he comes out of prison, Jack promises to turn over a new leaf - but he never does.'

I thought it'd be best to start with this abstract painting of a leaf.
http://www.123rf.com/photo_15841670_art-autumn-leaf-abstract-painting.html

There is no word of the artist, but this is a simple, yet effective start to my research and potential drawing opportunity.

Following on in this fine art fashion, i have come across this water colour painting by Barbara Fox.
http://www.dailypainters.com/paintings/235083/AUTUMN-LEAF-1-watercolor-painting/Barbara-Fox

Again, a simple way of portraying the leaf, something i am very much looking for.

I have also come across this piece by Gustave Caillebotte, another fine artist.

http://www.oceansbridge.com/oil-paintings/product/7671/peachesapplesandgrapesonavineleaf18711878

This work is titled Peaches, Apples and Grapes on a Vine Leaf, and is very realistic. Maybe a direction i should be heading into, as i know that the more realistic my imagery is, they better it works with the style of ink and water as it is most likely to still keep the majority of its recognisable shape.

Moving away from realism, but keeping with the theme of paint, this is quite inspiring to view.

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artist/Jennifer-Lommers/10769/Art-Portfolio/Leaf-Impression-1/358215/

This abstract impression is a great idea, to the extent that i may even draw around a leaf to make sure the shape is correct.

The priinting process can be found here:

http://www.stylecage.com/the-tree-leaf-colourful-abstract-art-painting/

Similarly there is the option of forming a collage to create a leaf, illustrating the pun.

(i know these don't, but the art work is helpful to view)

http://smallforbig.com/2011/10/worth-1000-words-fall-leaf-art.html

Here's an idea that would take for ever, and has obviously already been done before, both on greetings cards and with this theme, but its worth noting; the cut away leaf art by Lorenzo Duran.

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/09/new-cut-away-leaf-art-by-lorenzo-duran/

Other examples can be found here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2219024/Leaf-art-Lorenzo-Duran-Silva-From-praying-mantis-complex-patterns-amazing-art-cutting-LEAVES.html

http://www.designboom.com/art/lorenzo-duran-leaf-art/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/7344891/Amazing-leaf-art-by-Leaf-Carving-Art-in-California.html?image=3

Focusing on illustrations of the idiom now, and i have found these examples: the first is a very basic computerised image.
http://idiomorigins.net/turn-over-a-new-leaf/

It's definitely not the style i am going for, but useful to know whats out there. Its simplicity is good though...

The following is again a very simple cartoon and stylised illustration of the idiom.

http://www.brainlesstales.com/2012-02-03/turn-over-a-new-leaf

It's pretty cool, but i think i am planning on sticking slightly more realistic than this with less humor.

A tshirt design on the Threadless site has come up wit this idiom featured:

http://atrium.threadless.com/earthday/submission/3307/

It's quite an intense design and very much focused towards the recycling aspect and being green for Earth Day, something that doesn't suit my illustration style in the same way.

And finally, i have came across a simple, wordy design to show;

http://someusefulidioms.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/to-turn-over-new-leaf.html

It's not what i am after at all, but interesting none the less.

Here are images taken from the leaf that i have observationally looked at when drawing:

However, my outcome is developed within my sketchbooks and these are my outcomes shown:

Having collected and finalised my imagery here is the card below in the template i hope to continue with. I have chosen to do this because of the success the last range had with peers and tutors, thus not wanting to deviate too far. Note that the text is in the same fashion as the previous card range, adding continuity:

Here is the front and inside of the envelope developed and adapted from the previous card range project. I have changed the imagery to suit and complement this particular card. I am sticking with this design because it works most effectively and was a success previously.