Today, thanks to the internet, venues for learning about art are constantly growing.
From "How To" articles to art forums as well as individual websites and even Facebook the resources are endless. I have spent the last 8 years surfing the web to improve my own abillities. I have met so many artists willing to share their time and knowledge with me...they are amazing!
So I thought I would take a moment to thank them and share some links with you.
artpapa.com
The next link is a sub-forum of Artpapa.com and moderated by JD Hillberry. I have met and learned from many fine artists at this forum such as Linda Huber also known as Imaginee, Armin Mersmann, Paul Lung, Brian Duey, Bettyann Lemist and so many more.
Drawing with charcoal and pencil techniques with JD Hillberry
This next forum is owned by Brenda Hoddinott who is an incredible artist. Now she has enlisted the help of many talented individuals and in addition to all of her free lessons they offer classess with many prestigious artists, Mike Sibley and Cindy Wider just to name a couple.
http://www.drawspace.com/
Hope these links help you improve your skill level and happy surfing!
Laura
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Choosing a photograph to draw from...
Due to copy write infringement and intellectual property laws etc., I draw from my own photographs. I am not a photographer by any means...hehehe...I just use a simple point and shoot camera to capture images and store them on my computer or on disc until needed. This gives me complete control over my work from start to finish.
If using a model it is wise to have a release form signed and to compensate your model for their time. You can find a simple release form on line. I am not an attorney nor do I intend this to be legal advice....if you are confused about copy write laws, etc. please consult an attorney who specializes in that area of law.
The perfect picture to draw from would have good lighting. There would be bright highlights, compelling dark shadows and all the lovely shades of gray in between, but lets face it not all photos are created equal...hehehe...by storing my photos in a digital format I can manipulate the image ie., enlarge the photo for more detail or boost the brightness or contrast for a greater tonal range.
I may have an image that I adore, but it may not have the "right" lighting. As an experienced artist I can create the look I am after by using several images, and my imagination. Drawing a memorable portrait is not about copying a photograph. It is about creating a feeling or portraying the personality of the subject.
In addition to good lighting a good photo will have lots of detail. No working from little itty bitty photos here people...realism is in the details. The more you can "see" and draw the better your results will be!
I hope these tips will help you choose your reference photos with more thought. Don't forget to listen to that little voice inside and follow your instincts when an image "tickles" your eyes, but if the photo is not yours always get permission.
You get what you give,
Laura
Due to copy write infringement and intellectual property laws etc., I draw from my own photographs. I am not a photographer by any means...hehehe...I just use a simple point and shoot camera to capture images and store them on my computer or on disc until needed. This gives me complete control over my work from start to finish.
If using a model it is wise to have a release form signed and to compensate your model for their time. You can find a simple release form on line. I am not an attorney nor do I intend this to be legal advice....if you are confused about copy write laws, etc. please consult an attorney who specializes in that area of law.
The perfect picture to draw from would have good lighting. There would be bright highlights, compelling dark shadows and all the lovely shades of gray in between, but lets face it not all photos are created equal...hehehe...by storing my photos in a digital format I can manipulate the image ie., enlarge the photo for more detail or boost the brightness or contrast for a greater tonal range.
I may have an image that I adore, but it may not have the "right" lighting. As an experienced artist I can create the look I am after by using several images, and my imagination. Drawing a memorable portrait is not about copying a photograph. It is about creating a feeling or portraying the personality of the subject.
In addition to good lighting a good photo will have lots of detail. No working from little itty bitty photos here people...realism is in the details. The more you can "see" and draw the better your results will be!
I hope these tips will help you choose your reference photos with more thought. Don't forget to listen to that little voice inside and follow your instincts when an image "tickles" your eyes, but if the photo is not yours always get permission.
You get what you give,
Laura
Friday, July 8, 2011
Presentation is everything...well almost!
I currently have a finished piece,framed, matted wired, etc.; I'm just not happy with. I usually present my finished graphite work in a simple black frame and white mat. The black and white treatment compliments the drawing and creates a clean professional look.
Due to time and money limitations as well as the size of the piece,
12 x 17 inches, I had to search my local thrift store for a comparable frame. The frame is good quality with a nice finish, but not suited for my work. Unfortunately at the same time I decided to experiment with a different mat treatment as well. Well lets just say the overall look was a disappointment and leave it at that!
What to do?
After some thought I have decided to refinish the frame black and replace the mat with my usual white mat board. I will be documenting the process step by step for you.
To Be Continued...
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Staying Focused
Staying focused on your goals on a daily basis is difficult, but important!
Ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing right this moment serving my purpose...serving my ultimate goal?"
If at that moment your actions are not serving your goals, take a moment to assess the situation and proceed to the next action that will!
That being said...back to the drawing board! :)
Ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing right this moment serving my purpose...serving my ultimate goal?"
If at that moment your actions are not serving your goals, take a moment to assess the situation and proceed to the next action that will!
That being said...back to the drawing board! :)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Quote of the day - "Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working."
Pablo Picasso
Spanish Cubist painter (1881 - 1973)
Where does inspiration come from? Many times I have been inspired as I worked on a piece. Suddenly my muse comes along and beats me about the head and shoulders with a creativity stick! It is like "brainstorming". One thought leads to another and another and another and so on.
I keep a notebook in which I write my daily "to do's" and I also jot down any ideas that come to mind. My list grows almost on a daily basis. It grows all the time. I keep it for those times when I just don't know what I want to do next. At these times I open my list and read through my previous ideas. Some are good; some are bad, but I will never hit a wall as far as inspiration. Who knows...there could be a masterpiece in my list just waiting to be created.
Happy Drawing!
Laura
Pablo Picasso
Spanish Cubist painter (1881 - 1973)
Where does inspiration come from? Many times I have been inspired as I worked on a piece. Suddenly my muse comes along and beats me about the head and shoulders with a creativity stick! It is like "brainstorming". One thought leads to another and another and another and so on.
I keep a notebook in which I write my daily "to do's" and I also jot down any ideas that come to mind. My list grows almost on a daily basis. It grows all the time. I keep it for those times when I just don't know what I want to do next. At these times I open my list and read through my previous ideas. Some are good; some are bad, but I will never hit a wall as far as inspiration. Who knows...there could be a masterpiece in my list just waiting to be created.
Happy Drawing!
Laura
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Great Debate......
Rescently this topic was introduced in the Workshops Forum Moderated by Troy Rochfort at Artpapa.com Since this topic was a part of my previous article I decided to offer it for consideration. You can see the full thread here
This is my response to the age old debate regarding using alternate means of measurement vs free hand.
So first let me give a bit of history about how I came to be here. As some
of you know already I briefly attended AIP where all of these methods were
taught at one time or another in the Graphics Design classes. Graphing,
tracing and transfers were used to speed up the process. Tools of the trade to
be used accordingly. In commercial art... any business for that matter...
time is money.
Fast forward 25 years and I found myself offering to do simple sketches of
customers in a restaurant. Mind you, I had only done the occassional sketch
or pen and ink drawing for my own pleasure during those previous years.
I was quite rusty to say the least. My first drawings were done freehand
and not done well. The old adage...if you don't use it you lose it...in my
case was true. What to do...hmmm?
So recalling the tricks of the trade I had learned those many years ago I
tried graphing which requires some drawing skills...didn't turn out so well.
Then I tried tracing...one slip of the paper and everything becomes a mess.
My final resort enlarging the photograph and applying graphite to the back
of the computer printed image. Then applying the transfer directly to the
drawing surface.
After an attempt or two I learned to control the pressure used to apply
the transfer without ruining the drawing surface. I would then
proceed to a finished portrait. Transferring also allowed me to rearrange my
subjects as well as produce more work in less time. A blessing to a mother
of 4 growing daughters. The end result an accurate portrait with
recognizable likeness of the subject(s), and happy customers. Win / win situation.
On the other hand did I feel like a fraud...Yes, I did! I always explained my process
to anyone interested. I never presented my drawings as something they were not.
Could I bring life to them? Yes, in a way, but they were not mine from conception
to completion.
Did I consider these sketches and drawings to be fine art. For myself, no, I
considered them to be commercial art.
Do I still use these methods? Not unless I feel they are necessary. They are tooIs
available to the artist the same as a hammer and nails to a carpenter. I prefer
to draw free hand. It is challenging as well as expressive. I am very happy
with the results...most of the time.
Do I hold it against anyone else for using these methods? No, I do not!
In my honest opinion, freehand, gridding, tracing, and transfers are a
matter of choice. I'll finish up by saying... it is not the method that makes the art....
it is the Artist.
This is my response to the age old debate regarding using alternate means of measurement vs free hand.
So first let me give a bit of history about how I came to be here. As some
of you know already I briefly attended AIP where all of these methods were
taught at one time or another in the Graphics Design classes. Graphing,
tracing and transfers were used to speed up the process. Tools of the trade to
be used accordingly. In commercial art... any business for that matter...
time is money.
Fast forward 25 years and I found myself offering to do simple sketches of
customers in a restaurant. Mind you, I had only done the occassional sketch
or pen and ink drawing for my own pleasure during those previous years.
I was quite rusty to say the least. My first drawings were done freehand
and not done well. The old adage...if you don't use it you lose it...in my
case was true. What to do...hmmm?
So recalling the tricks of the trade I had learned those many years ago I
tried graphing which requires some drawing skills...didn't turn out so well.
Then I tried tracing...one slip of the paper and everything becomes a mess.
My final resort enlarging the photograph and applying graphite to the back
of the computer printed image. Then applying the transfer directly to the
drawing surface.
After an attempt or two I learned to control the pressure used to apply
the transfer without ruining the drawing surface. I would then
proceed to a finished portrait. Transferring also allowed me to rearrange my
subjects as well as produce more work in less time. A blessing to a mother
of 4 growing daughters. The end result an accurate portrait with
recognizable likeness of the subject(s), and happy customers. Win / win situation.
On the other hand did I feel like a fraud...Yes, I did! I always explained my process
to anyone interested. I never presented my drawings as something they were not.
Could I bring life to them? Yes, in a way, but they were not mine from conception
to completion.
Did I consider these sketches and drawings to be fine art. For myself, no, I
considered them to be commercial art.
Do I still use these methods? Not unless I feel they are necessary. They are tooIs
available to the artist the same as a hammer and nails to a carpenter. I prefer
to draw free hand. It is challenging as well as expressive. I am very happy
with the results...most of the time.
Do I hold it against anyone else for using these methods? No, I do not!
In my honest opinion, freehand, gridding, tracing, and transfers are a
matter of choice. I'll finish up by saying... it is not the method that makes the art....
it is the Artist.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"Abandoned" finished!!!
Well it's finished!!! I have entered "Abandoned" into the SAA Spring Exhibit at Eastern Gateway Community College! The exhibit opens Saturday, May 7th and runs thru May 21st!!! There are many amazing artist exhibiting this year! You will be amazed...I know I am!
As technology advances industry goes through cycles. Some manufacturers go the way of the dinosaur as was the case of Kaul Clay. In it's day it was actually the largest manufacturer of clay sewage pipes in the world. The history of the site is quite colorful including a labor related riot resulting in the death of a local man.
Here is a link if you would like to read about it! Kaul Clay I hope you enjoy the work and the history of this piece!
Have an amazing day!
Laura
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Small update....
I only have a week to finish this...cross your fingers! Here's an update to hopefully keep me on track!
Wish me luck!!!
Laura
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
"Abandoned" update
I only have a few weeks left to get this finished. I'm happy with the progress so far. Just have to keep chugging along! Stay tuned for the next update...should be in a day or two! Chug-a-chug-a-chug-a-chug! :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Things I've learned in the past 8 years of drawing! Part 2
6. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Keep a sketchbook and draw everyday!!! Invest in a hardbound sketchbook
that you can carry everywhere. Observe people places and things and record them
in your sketchbook. The repetition of drawing everyday builds eye hand
coordination and muscle memory. A sketchbook allows you to instantly track
your progress!
7. Gridding Vs. Freehand
Many purists will tell you that gridding or transferring are cheating, but,
in my opinion, these are just tools of the trade. Just like any other tool they have
their place. I would use them only as needed. I personally work freehand. I enjoy
the challenge and I feel that I needed to strengthen my abillity to see and trans-
late what I see to paper. You must decide what works best for you!
8. References
If you are working from a photo reference, preferably your own, always use
the best . Good lighting and contrast as well as a wide range of values are a must.
If you can't see the details don't use the photo!!!
9. Slow Down!!!
Take your time! Rome wasn't built in a day! Our brains have the
wonderful abillity to catalog everything around us. We see a trunk, some
branches and leaves and we know it is a tree, however, in order to draw
realistically we must slow down and really "see" the details.
10. If at first you don't succeed...try...try again!!!
I can't say this enough (see number 6)... Practice! Practice! and when you're
sick of practicing, take a break and draw some more! Master Graphite Artist,
Linda Huber, calls this the 3 P's...Patience, Practice and Percerverience!
If you practice the 3 P's you will surpass even your own expecations.
These are only the tip of the iceburgh and there is so much more to learn.
Remember you are the best teacher you will ever have. Anyone can tell you how
to draw, but only by doing will you learn. I hope these tips will help you as you
continue on your artistic adventure. Check back with me as I will be expanding
on each of these topics as well as a few more I haven't mentioned in the weeks
to come.
Keep your eyes open and your pencils sharp!
Laura Thrasher
Graphite Artist
Keep a sketchbook and draw everyday!!! Invest in a hardbound sketchbook
that you can carry everywhere. Observe people places and things and record them
in your sketchbook. The repetition of drawing everyday builds eye hand
coordination and muscle memory. A sketchbook allows you to instantly track
your progress!
7. Gridding Vs. Freehand
Many purists will tell you that gridding or transferring are cheating, but,
in my opinion, these are just tools of the trade. Just like any other tool they have
their place. I would use them only as needed. I personally work freehand. I enjoy
the challenge and I feel that I needed to strengthen my abillity to see and trans-
late what I see to paper. You must decide what works best for you!
8. References
If you are working from a photo reference, preferably your own, always use
the best . Good lighting and contrast as well as a wide range of values are a must.
If you can't see the details don't use the photo!!!
9. Slow Down!!!
Take your time! Rome wasn't built in a day! Our brains have the
wonderful abillity to catalog everything around us. We see a trunk, some
branches and leaves and we know it is a tree, however, in order to draw
realistically we must slow down and really "see" the details.
10. If at first you don't succeed...try...try again!!!
I can't say this enough (see number 6)... Practice! Practice! and when you're
sick of practicing, take a break and draw some more! Master Graphite Artist,
Linda Huber, calls this the 3 P's...Patience, Practice and Percerverience!
If you practice the 3 P's you will surpass even your own expecations.
These are only the tip of the iceburgh and there is so much more to learn.
Remember you are the best teacher you will ever have. Anyone can tell you how
to draw, but only by doing will you learn. I hope these tips will help you as you
continue on your artistic adventure. Check back with me as I will be expanding
on each of these topics as well as a few more I haven't mentioned in the weeks
to come.
Keep your eyes open and your pencils sharp!
Laura Thrasher
Graphite Artist
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What I've learned in the past 8 years of drawing!
The following tips will help you achieve a more realistic drawing. Just remember the more you put into your drawing, thought, time, effort, details...the more you will get out of your finished artwork. This is my basic philosophy in life and drawing.
"You get what you give!"
1. Don't be afraid of the dark!
This can't be said enough so I'll say it again, "Don't be afraid of the Dark!"
The darkest darks are so important to achieving a lifelike or realistic portrait,
landscape or still life.
2. Let there be light...
Equally as important as pushing the darks is utilizing the light! The
contrast of light vs. dark will help you create the 3D effect. Your image will
pop right off the paper!
3. Layering with a light touch
Some artists work light to dark; others work dark to light. You have to find
what works best for you. Personally, I prefer to layer up. Using light pressure I
gradually work my way from light to dark creating a wide range of values. This
will keep the "shine" to a minimum as well as helping to mold and define form
and features.
4. To blend or not to blend...that is the question.
Many artists use tortillions, blending stomps as well as ordinary tissue to
to lightly blend graphite. This technique creates a smooth transition from light
to dark. (If using facial tissue make sure there are no additives, lotions, etc. as
they will leave oils on your paper.)
Other artists do not blend with tools at all prefering light pressure and
subtle layering to achieve a smooth transition. This takes a lot of time and
patience. I recommend trying both ways. Find what works best for you.
5. Use the right paper for the right job!!!
There are many grades of paper to choose from these days. Smooth bristol,
water color paper, vellum and many more. Trial and error will help you learn
what works best for you. Many companies offer samples of their paper lines just
for this reason. Ask your local art supply store for samples and they will gladly
get them for you.
To be continued...
"You get what you give!"
1. Don't be afraid of the dark!
This can't be said enough so I'll say it again, "Don't be afraid of the Dark!"
The darkest darks are so important to achieving a lifelike or realistic portrait,
landscape or still life.
2. Let there be light...
Equally as important as pushing the darks is utilizing the light! The
contrast of light vs. dark will help you create the 3D effect. Your image will
pop right off the paper!
3. Layering with a light touch
Some artists work light to dark; others work dark to light. You have to find
what works best for you. Personally, I prefer to layer up. Using light pressure I
gradually work my way from light to dark creating a wide range of values. This
will keep the "shine" to a minimum as well as helping to mold and define form
and features.
4. To blend or not to blend...that is the question.
Many artists use tortillions, blending stomps as well as ordinary tissue to
to lightly blend graphite. This technique creates a smooth transition from light
to dark. (If using facial tissue make sure there are no additives, lotions, etc. as
they will leave oils on your paper.)
Other artists do not blend with tools at all prefering light pressure and
subtle layering to achieve a smooth transition. This takes a lot of time and
patience. I recommend trying both ways. Find what works best for you.
5. Use the right paper for the right job!!!
There are many grades of paper to choose from these days. Smooth bristol,
water color paper, vellum and many more. Trial and error will help you learn
what works best for you. Many companies offer samples of their paper lines just
for this reason. Ask your local art supply store for samples and they will gladly
get them for you.
To be continued...
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Kaul Clay Abandoned work in progress
This is the piece that I'm currently working on. The original reference is a photo I shot at an abandoned pipe foundry in the town I live in. I really loved the telescopic effect of the abandoned sewage pipes. This piece has been a lesson in seeing and patience. Layers and layers of graphite with attention to detail. This is about 45% finished. I still have so much to do, but I find it very relaxing when I'm in the zone.
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