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! :)
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...
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