Kris Henning

One of my favorite design teachers once told me his definition of Design: It was to think through Drawing. Have a look at some of my thoughts through the years. As you’ll see I pride myself with a very steady hand and an interest in intricate rendering techniques.

Book of Drawings

In 2003 I started drawing in an A5 book that has since become one of my most prized possessions. I started the book fairly casually, drawing whatever came to mind, first in pencil and then with a fine ink pen. I was fascinated by the detail that could be achieved with a little care, patience and a steady hand. Many of these drawings are experiments in ink rendering techniques that I practice in different forms, often combining two techniques within a single composition. As a few years past, I became more precise with both the inking and the manor in which I organized the drawings and composition of the page. Many of the latter drawings take several days to complete, and as such, I began only ever drawing in the book with a relaxed state of mind – typically when on holiday.

I haven’t done any drawings in the book for the last couple years. The last drawings I did were when I spent a few weeks in the USA, Europe and 1 month in China. I hope to start back up on it. I’ve grown a lot as both an artist and a designer – so I’m interested in penning my more recent faceted organic style and some of the patterns I have developed.

India Trip

In late 2005 I went on a 6 week trip through India. Over the course of my adventures I ended up drawing a bunch of different stuff. I was especially interested in the great abundance of decorative patterns that I saw throughout many of the old buildings. Below are a series of sketches, experimental renderings, abstract designs and the Final Composition I was working on throughout the trip. I had a lot of fun in India, as you would expect it was an amazing experience.

Final Composition

The center piece of the composition is a combination of 3D renderings and 2D graphics. It is in effect an abstracted design for an elaborate clock symbolic of the changing water levels during the rainy and dry seasons of Rajasthan, Northern India.

Abstract City Scape

This is a completely hand rendered A2 drawing I did over the course of a few weeks in 2004. As is typical when trying to draw straight lines without a ruler – you begin to develop surgically steady hands. This is a favorite of mine.

I have always considered doing another one in a similar style, although I’m not sure if I have the patience or the concentration anymore. Just look at those lines, check out how straight they are – I’m a perfectionist at heart.