Early Sketchbook

This is a peek at some of the early sketchbook ideas as a result of my initial research. 

I looked at a few options for image design but decided to keep the style simple as it would have to work as a multi layer/ time period piece.

The first layer and furthest back in history was to represent the grounds of the house. As the Cistercian abbey dominated the pre-castle period it made sense to use the manuscript illumination style of the monks as a starting point.

The woodblock aesthetic would then work well for the centuries to follow. It was in keeping with some of the art styles of the period and provided a simple approach perfect for multiple scenes. 

Below are a few pages from the sketchbook.