Thursday, January 27, 2011

Tree Studies

I need to understand trees better.  So I did a couple quick sketches.  I learned that trees are a funky balance between random and flowing, sporadic and elegant.  They have a general flowing gesture, but use really random paths to get there, with the often random change of course of the flowing gesture.  If you make your trees too flowing, they become more stylized "feeling" of a tree.  if you go completely random, it looks like lightening, or scribbles.  Trees are balance.

I found the aspen tress rather simple and easy to capture the gestures.  But after all, black and white trees look pretty good in black and white.  But the other tree was a bit more of a challenge.  The texture is so intense when you get down and analyze it.  The only way to approach it is to create strokes the mimic the texture.  (I wonder if there are tree bark brushes for photoshop?)  Same with the leaves.  No way you can draw each and every one of them.  So I am a bit fascinated with techniques to draw trees and make them look good.  Any tips or ideas would be appreciated.



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I suck at drawing.

Okay, I did some drawings the other day, and was frustrated at how unskilled I felt.  So I decided I need to renew my sketching, and focus on sketching less from the mind, and start sketching from life.  I have wandered too far from reality, and my drawings suck because of it.  I need to draw cars, plants trees, buildings, etc, things I see in real life, so I better understand their nature.  

My first step was to study facial expressions, and I have a book full of facial expressions, so I did some drawings from that.  I tried some really quick as well as some longer studies.  It was very helpful, because I start to realize everything that goes into a facial expression.  Most notably this time around I was noticing how much the nose changes shape with each expression, and how important the muscle at the bottom of they eye is in conveying expression.  

Inspired by superman to start the new year, I am rededicating myself this year to making my drawings a lot better.  (also to finishing the graphics to this blog)


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Super New Year

Hoping everyone will have a super 2011!
(Now if only Superman would crush coal into diamonds and give them to me, then that would be super)