In some ways I feel like I need to settle down and choose a singular medium. This must come from some rigid thought process held over from college. I don’t know. I am having a lot of fun mixing up materials. However, even when mixing things up, I should probably have some discipline!
I am starting to realize that it is okay to just keep “practicing” and let the mind flow along with the creations. Maybe I need to stop thinking I need to get to something more serious.
Trying to keep up during the work week is tough! I figure even if I can’t do a long detailed drawing, I can do a super quick one. Also trying to stick with the prompts, day three was collecting, and I am for sure collecting faces! Day 4 was hungry, so what better than a hungry bear! Quick, quick, quick!
9″ x 12″ Charcoal on Paper
Charcoal is something I haven’t used since college. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with it, as I really don’t like pastels…maybe the simplicity of black and white is more comfortable for me. I am trying to keep myself occupied because my very best friend, my Big dog is not doing very well. Drawing keeps the mind occupied. Grateful for #sktchy for some nice resources.
This was done in my Strathmore toned paper journal. Magic marker under painting for some subtle color. #sketchbox art supplies that were delivered this month.
I am still doing a face a day…but some don’t turn out as planned. This was from a few days ago, since then I haven’t been happy with any of the others. I guess I am going through a rough patch. I always feel like outside factors (like stress or feeling overwhelmed at work) shouldn’t influence the drawing–but they seem to!
But, I will keep going!
This one was done with ballpoint pen in my everyday journal. I downloaded the Adobe Draw app which looks like a great way to add color to my sketches. But, it is different than my computer version and will take a little getting used to
Still having fun with #sktchy app!
I am finding the great thing about #sktchy is not just the endless photo resources, but learning how other artists are using their photo resource. So many folks do such a great job of really just being inspired by a photo–you can tell that they used the image, but they really used their imagination to create something entirely different! This is something I want to learn how to do!
This is the first time I felt like I deviated a bit from the original image. The resource photo of the girl was great, and somehow she reminded me of a gypsy girl! And, I felt like she need to be looking out of a window with shutters. So….I am happy with this re-interpretation of the image. It’s not a perfect likeness and I have changed her hair and the surroundings. I am going to try and do more work using my imagination!
I am really loving this new app that I discovered through #sketchbookskool. This is an iPhone app called #sktchy that the users can upload photos to and then anyone can draw them and then upload the drawings. Great way to find some interesting faces and connect with other artist. Drawing faces is a huge challenge for me. I am having fun finding some good expressions. I am going to try and do one a day…that should help me improve!
Oil Paint Sticks: 6 x 9 on paper
More practice with oil paint sticks on paper. I am going to try and stay within 6″ x 9″ and 8″ x 10″ sizes on paper for now. This is a good size to work on to get a piece done within a reasonable time. I think this is a good way to get my technique refined before moving over to larger work. I did get some Shiva oil paint sticks that are not student grade, the color seems to be richer. They are “hard” but that seems to be working to my advantage right now.
Practicing Faces: inspired by Modigliani
My other goal right now is to improve my drawing skills for faces. I have some pieces that I want do that involve things like mermaids and they need to have nice faces! So, I am sketching faces, mostly from expressionist and impressionist painters…I don’t want to get to tied tight with them.
Art Projects 