tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48532719134166130212024-03-05T07:58:27.376-08:00Can't Stop DrawingRachael Wells writes about works in progressAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-11351948789664607432013-08-11T15:01:00.001-07:002013-08-11T15:16:00.443-07:00Reboot<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me start with this - I'm being treated for clinical depression. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That doesn't mean I need a hug, or to sit around eating ice cream and talking about my feelings (although truth be known, I will rarely turn down an offer of ice cream.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What it means is that my brain has been producing too much of one kind of neurotransmitter, and not enough of another, and I need medicine to help balance things out. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Depression can affect energy levels, concentration, motivation, and motor control. I've been aware of the decline in all of those things</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, especially the motor control</span>, and it has been a source of intense frustration. I didn't know what was happening, or why. Now I do. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There
is a simple, scientific - and more importantly, treatable - reason for
almost all of the struggles I've been having with my art for the past
year or so. It's been a little over two weeks since I started treatment, and things are starting to improve bit by bit, although it will probably be a few more weeks before I'm quite myself again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I'm rebooting. Starting over. Starting fresh. As part of that, I've renewed my membership at the Toronto Zoo. When I was first starting to draw seriously, I went to the zoo pretty much every week to draw the animals. It seemed like a good place to start over. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB57jD3jvf4Z3kzz5l4zVcSerukeZ2YCJeoEDoMOWJRnSVB4KcTUpMDtJETPdK0lAQqOZ_yNCA8Ry8goh9uUHHoenwXeDVTOHa9Dy6GHZYUvBD8DjV6kr3JT8N8B8JdXCVov6_xPXm4uH/s1600/2013-07+seahorse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB57jD3jvf4Z3kzz5l4zVcSerukeZ2YCJeoEDoMOWJRnSVB4KcTUpMDtJETPdK0lAQqOZ_yNCA8Ry8goh9uUHHoenwXeDVTOHa9Dy6GHZYUvBD8DjV6kr3JT8N8B8JdXCVov6_xPXm4uH/s320/2013-07+seahorse2.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy_TDmOeb1pqStiqdduB1ssNYefxsuxezEVRaGcIoQptMiyv-Zk-lGCneMD2tVPZr53-Cvv8XLjlX5JW0wUyqSdk9s-lWcAxADt0k9PXOnPzcoRXu73SpXQF36x_CfOpG9RNP3p2ru5ha/s1600/2013-08+flamingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy_TDmOeb1pqStiqdduB1ssNYefxsuxezEVRaGcIoQptMiyv-Zk-lGCneMD2tVPZr53-Cvv8XLjlX5JW0wUyqSdk9s-lWcAxADt0k9PXOnPzcoRXu73SpXQF36x_CfOpG9RNP3p2ru5ha/s320/2013-08+flamingo.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> These sketches and more <a href="http://rachaelwellsart.tumblr.com/post/58000210132/sketches-done-at-the-toronto-zoo" target="_blank">on my Tumblr </a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-54108010860382911982013-05-28T19:31:00.000-07:002013-05-28T19:31:07.459-07:00Getting back in the saddleIf you've been following this blog at all, you probably know by now that I'm really not a fan of my own work.<br />
<br />
It got so bad that I pretty much quit drawing in January this year because I couldn't stand to look at anything I was making. I haven't put down a single line in the past year that I haven't wanted
to destroy on a molecular level, and I would still rather stab my eyes
out than look at anything I'm drawing. <br />
<br />
(By the way, if you have any well-intentioned but misguided comments right about now, feel free to keep them to yourself. It won't help me, and it'll just make me mistrust and possibly resent you. Also, Ira Glass can stick that entire lecture up his ass and STFU forever, because that means that this feeling of total inadequacy will never, ever get better and there is no such thing as a light at the end of the tunnel. So, really, really never ever quote him at me. Ever. Not even as a joke.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, a little while ago I realized that the only thing worse than having to look at my art is not making any. And maybe, just maybe, if I work hard enough at it, eventually I'll start to get better.<br />
<br />
So, here we go again, trying to climb back on the drawing horse and ride. Or draw. Or whatever.<br />
<br />
Because like the blog says, I can't just quit.<br />
<br />
I can't stop drawing. Not really. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEHpdmqjZlPX3-_3qdxHxz2zInudPWVsTmRIL12xt6T0Wp7WC4w3M1RKbWJwLyeR9R7GcV2dp-GodQ7j7TigJ6zCEwEe-a7gUKZN-XaPFzqyFXSFAgIs0Q3qPoUn22oVN2EUz0RsMmuwr/s1600/2013-04-05+intermission+doodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEHpdmqjZlPX3-_3qdxHxz2zInudPWVsTmRIL12xt6T0Wp7WC4w3M1RKbWJwLyeR9R7GcV2dp-GodQ7j7TigJ6zCEwEe-a7gUKZN-XaPFzqyFXSFAgIs0Q3qPoUn22oVN2EUz0RsMmuwr/s1600/2013-04-05+intermission+doodle.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-82900146496155007742012-11-26T19:48:00.000-08:002012-11-26T19:48:13.856-08:00Drawing all the thingsSo, apart from doing some local conventions and shows (which I probably won't be doing any more, because it makes me cranky) I've been busy drawing lots of things.<br />
<br />
UysFaber held an artist contest for their SunDragon title, and I did a couple of designs for that, which you can check out at <a href="http://www.uysfaber.com/news/sundragon-contest-rachael-wells" target="_blank">their site</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov7Cq4lH0QAUoTKt1UdszBt_NUTgH_PuSVfEbmWgQ5Hsr7vQPH8xhs7B-IIUoer0d1CdaGWe2SY5BDd6BqSmc-QjPYcQbX9Mkb26ocE5OJMutCfSt0rTMPkRfvJwuu7SYb_CSsSmJtEI3/s1600/13+flynn+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov7Cq4lH0QAUoTKt1UdszBt_NUTgH_PuSVfEbmWgQ5Hsr7vQPH8xhs7B-IIUoer0d1CdaGWe2SY5BDd6BqSmc-QjPYcQbX9Mkb26ocE5OJMutCfSt0rTMPkRfvJwuu7SYb_CSsSmJtEI3/s200/13+flynn+.jpg" width="142" /></a>I've been going to lots of life drawings, mostly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/toonsontap" target="_blank">Toons on Tap</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/18500437366/" target="_blank">The Drawing Room</a>, and have kept up my <a href="http://outcaststudios.com/forums/index.php/forum/2-artwork-section-and-dsc-current-topic/" target="_blank">daily sketch challenge </a>sketches every weekday and anatomy studies on the weekends. I've been doing that so much that most of it isn't even scanned because I haven't had the time. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.steampunkvixens.com/" target="_blank">Steampunk Vixens</a> is chugging steadily along, with new updates every Friday. (Vixens Vendredi!)<br />
<br />
I've done a few small commissions, and still have a couple left on my "to do" list before I'm ready to take on any more.<br />
<br />
I've finished a couple of line art that I don't completely hate, so that's progress.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://th09.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/310/1/0/wonder_woman_flying_by_rockie_squirrel-d5k8jor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: none; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wonder Woman flying" border="0" height="320" src="http://th09.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2012/310/1/0/wonder_woman_flying_by_rockie_squirrel-d5k8jor.jpg" title="Wonder Woman flying" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: noen; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCmzRg0TFbij3zGGtFmO-6hx8KDGY5kfBV0_ulHGugZphzTtZ1V74W5IoMb8l3ZFMLKW3Kbn72AirZpHGEo4uUaerIq933UVgiF3H1sPGMrMlPsasW06sKuZolGIet9Dczu3KulGPqfUk/s1600/noglobes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCmzRg0TFbij3zGGtFmO-6hx8KDGY5kfBV0_ulHGugZphzTtZ1V74W5IoMb8l3ZFMLKW3Kbn72AirZpHGEo4uUaerIq933UVgiF3H1sPGMrMlPsasW06sKuZolGIet9Dczu3KulGPqfUk/s320/noglobes.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
<br />
And apart from that, I'm working on a 12-page story for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/128129534001127/" target="_blank">Steampunk Originals</a>, not sure what would come of that but if nothing else I'll have a nice set of sequentials and some fun new designs in my portfolio.<br />
<br />
So, all in all, keeping busy and trying to stay productive.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, I have a few commissions to finish, and some comic pages to lay out. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-51321688029857686242012-11-25T06:14:00.001-08:002012-11-25T15:20:04.929-08:00Another appearance!My next post will be about stuff I'm working on, honest. I've been keeping busy. But for today, it's just a quick post to say I have a dealer table at the November comicon happening today at the Royal York hotel in Toronto. I'll be selling prints and sketches. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-60860454682929410822012-10-28T22:25:00.001-07:002012-10-28T22:30:14.508-07:00another upcoming appearance and spooky fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/news_images/125557_442173_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/news_images/125557_442173_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/comicbooklounge" target="_blank">Comic Book Lounge and Gallery</a> is a venue for <a href="http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/Home/1/1/78/1147">Halloween ComicsFest 2012 </a><br />
<br />
I will be on hand to draw free sketches for any little monsters that come by.<br />
<br />
There's also a book launch happening for <a href="http://indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7617" target="_blank">Anything Ghost</a> anthology, in addition to the general Halloween costume & candy festivities.<br />
<br />
If you happen to be in Little Italy on Wednesday night,
and haven't been swept away by this week's uberstorm, come on by and say
hello. It should be quite a fun evening.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/events/322514664512503/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-21384402260668441442012-09-26T16:38:00.003-07:002012-09-26T16:39:46.586-07:00Up all night<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm not sure what I've gotten myself into, but I'm booked to draw at a couple of events during the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche on September 29. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, three events if you count the studio open house at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/102523973238017/" target="_blank">Comic Book Embassy</a>, although I'm not booked to draw there. But hey, if you show up before 8pm and ask nicely, I'll probably do a sketch anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Between 9pm and 11pm I'll be at <a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1014" target="_blank">Strip Art</a> at Guerilla Printing,<span class="visible"> 587A College Street (College & Clinton) </span>where artists will be drawing based on story ideas from the people attending the event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Between 1am and 4am I'll be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/254625907973584/" target="_blank">Persona Grata</a> drawing portraits at the Toronto School of Art, <span class="visible"><span class="fsm fwn fcg">410 Adelaide St. West, 3rd Floor (just west of Spadina)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So if you're out participating in Nuit Blanche and in the neighbourhood, come on over and see some art happen live and in person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It'll be fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_r9A6B2dVtbNCnp-9vMHJVgjN4yZ7A6prJzskNQvnoqqoYQ1L-0mbHDjKorl_G0zrSsReDyM9DJ2gpnZ7euMYI_G29rXJpGwAjQvaw45Unaou-A_aTZe_m0BlDt0n-sTdAJ2qwSTCCEM/s1600/1+minute+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_r9A6B2dVtbNCnp-9vMHJVgjN4yZ7A6prJzskNQvnoqqoYQ1L-0mbHDjKorl_G0zrSsReDyM9DJ2gpnZ7euMYI_G29rXJpGwAjQvaw45Unaou-A_aTZe_m0BlDt0n-sTdAJ2qwSTCCEM/s400/1+minute+1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Drawn in 60 seconds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-33311394973525807122012-08-25T05:42:00.001-07:002012-08-25T05:42:47.327-07:00FanExpo specialHoly cats, kids, I'm in artists alley at FanExpo. If you're going, come by my table and say hi and watch me draw stuff. It'll be fun. I'm at A165, right by the original art of star wars. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2QxVvzrLjYk3z3gVQjqb4z2WBh0WoM50HEqINLr460iPb-Y4R9IBCByM53M897r-wwGZvXHYChwomENRxKWcNajJlyfgp8mYMf4KxJIN8biTK0QO5kSwm_LqcFAdkrllCu6moXpg5_BQ/s640/blogger-image--1489872153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2QxVvzrLjYk3z3gVQjqb4z2WBh0WoM50HEqINLr460iPb-Y4R9IBCByM53M897r-wwGZvXHYChwomENRxKWcNajJlyfgp8mYMf4KxJIN8biTK0QO5kSwm_LqcFAdkrllCu6moXpg5_BQ/s640/blogger-image--1489872153.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpqvF8B2Tphf93b-ELCqGRJfNjcZYKMICF2zHIKgfTiO02OdoTpBlCu-7wNiT0OFncRkc4mq1NLZl7kD-QSY1rG8AyfOh2Bns1G6-2pARsB48OueWDtfg956w8nLXkruA4kg33W0jvV6M/s640/blogger-image-927608583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpqvF8B2Tphf93b-ELCqGRJfNjcZYKMICF2zHIKgfTiO02OdoTpBlCu-7wNiT0OFncRkc4mq1NLZl7kD-QSY1rG8AyfOh2Bns1G6-2pARsB48OueWDtfg956w8nLXkruA4kg33W0jvV6M/s640/blogger-image-927608583.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-60021196070809559542012-08-11T09:19:00.003-07:002012-08-11T09:22:50.931-07:00An assortment of etchingsOkay, wow. I've been so busy drawing that I haven't had time to write an update about what I'm drawing! <br />
<br />
But here's a character turnaround I did for Holmes Inc 3, which is just about to go to press (more on that next week).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xg6jgl37aePyCOqX9ShtkjoPSBsxkwRl0iqio8ivV_gWlZj31eGaKX8HfWaGBVqzFAF5BMV18bFi5tBFvHSIbCdddqOR7RhenDOXUpSpGfyORCAsXw71-MKF20umSs80VxYrXUF_FNUD/s1600/lightning+bug+turnaround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xg6jgl37aePyCOqX9ShtkjoPSBsxkwRl0iqio8ivV_gWlZj31eGaKX8HfWaGBVqzFAF5BMV18bFi5tBFvHSIbCdddqOR7RhenDOXUpSpGfyORCAsXw71-MKF20umSs80VxYrXUF_FNUD/s320/lightning+bug+turnaround.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've still been sketching every day, and going to life drawing sessions as often as I can, although looking at my online art files it seems like most of it hasn't been scanned yet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll do a blog post on different life drawing sessions before the end of the year, but for now here's a sketch based on a 2-minute pose with a model posing on circus hoops. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAqbr017un8pETo9NI8W5vNg8NqNg4elzVpVreUxboCOCDBv3Zq-NJsmLQUkPbevO6YLe9bL-xICR0SxU6swVXSaCIa5qYx-rZyMjOJFuFqwAfruIRct71tXKbTqlsHNu5-qbK_eiGEh1/s1600/2+minute+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAqbr017un8pETo9NI8W5vNg8NqNg4elzVpVreUxboCOCDBv3Zq-NJsmLQUkPbevO6YLe9bL-xICR0SxU6swVXSaCIa5qYx-rZyMjOJFuFqwAfruIRct71tXKbTqlsHNu5-qbK_eiGEh1/s320/2+minute+5.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a couple of sketches from a "30-day original character challenge" that I did in June.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTE5tKO52Fg0agre3NSQYXbFlH9jM2VHwn4C3sCrPpVsHbICKSn71_oZEkZYJmF4x0sU9TKCOb1_M5-VjyIb1-n8eXm2IoixmCGaet82shLndoHeJ4YqKHBPW1YU4VhzrKfxpcTezkZ_O/s1600/day+5+bumble-fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTE5tKO52Fg0agre3NSQYXbFlH9jM2VHwn4C3sCrPpVsHbICKSn71_oZEkZYJmF4x0sU9TKCOb1_M5-VjyIb1-n8eXm2IoixmCGaet82shLndoHeJ4YqKHBPW1YU4VhzrKfxpcTezkZ_O/s320/day+5+bumble-fairy.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qljhG-96hMAyV2_OjpvRXWUbshoTqiqaPCpJ2MmgFEluvExmMWczrYqZtnVz7AC14XA3l0wAKVDwqLXiTB-JlK7q52lXw-t98lYgpFPcbaQJ_A9wZpOqL045WILTAqKwD-tx1q28ScBo/s1600/day+31+forest+god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qljhG-96hMAyV2_OjpvRXWUbshoTqiqaPCpJ2MmgFEluvExmMWczrYqZtnVz7AC14XA3l0wAKVDwqLXiTB-JlK7q52lXw-t98lYgpFPcbaQJ_A9wZpOqL045WILTAqKwD-tx1q28ScBo/s320/day+31+forest+god.jpg" width="186" /></a> <br />
<br />
And now here we are at just under two weeks until FanExpo, and my first big show on my own. Am I excited? Yes. Am I more than a little terrified? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
It'll be fine. Right? Sure. It'll be more than fine. It'll be awesome.<br />
<br />
Fingers crossed that it all goes OK. I'll be doing sketches, selling prints, and promoting my next project, Steampunk Vixens. You can keep up with that at <a href="http://www.steampunkvixens.com/">www.steampunkvixens.com</a> or follow the project on <a href="https://twitter.com/steampunkvixens" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steampunk-Vixens/361624993884599" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx4_r2gRHejnH7FPBAMtKP_o_NopNx3h50iWi19E7JdYJEqpgI2OdLjvfGfU1mCfdqrTyEoRZXWdD1aDn7-YJjioeG_cjbxwTl5pdMLM9jVz_7_ZnNEiNTsZ1RLknFtzEcbdYtmdP3jWG/s1600/draft+bookmark+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx4_r2gRHejnH7FPBAMtKP_o_NopNx3h50iWi19E7JdYJEqpgI2OdLjvfGfU1mCfdqrTyEoRZXWdD1aDn7-YJjioeG_cjbxwTl5pdMLM9jVz_7_ZnNEiNTsZ1RLknFtzEcbdYtmdP3jWG/s320/draft+bookmark+design.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-51010900902036296602012-06-16T14:12:00.000-07:002012-06-22T18:59:30.249-07:00Back to Work<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Ok, May got away from me. Over the spring I've been trying to learn how to write, so there hasn't been a lot to see. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Compound that with the fact that I have vehemently hated pretty much every single line I've put on paper all year , and I came perilously close to hanging up the pencils and calling it quits.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
But, like the blog says, I can't stop drawing, even if my work is utterly lacking in merit or potential. And, in any case, I'm not the type to quit just because I got to the hard part of the learning curve. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So, instead of quitting I study harder. I copy stuff from anatomy and life-drawing books until I understand what I'm looking at. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
For my daily sketches, instead of working on character likeness, I spend a few weeks working on anatomy and construction.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I keep drawing, every day. Eventually, it's going to have to get better. Right?<br />
<br />
References: <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Constructive-Anatomy-George-B-Bridgman/dp/0486211045" target="blank">http://www.amazon.ca/Constructive-Anatomy-George-B-Bridgman/dp/0486211045</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Figure-Drawing-Andrew-Loomis/dp/0857680986" target="blank">http://www.amazon.ca/Figure-Drawing-Andrew-Loomis/dp/0857680986</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Atlas-Anatomy-Artist-Stephen-Rogers/dp/0195030958" target="blank">http://www.amazon.ca/Atlas-Anatomy-Artist-Stephen-Rogers/dp/0195030958</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Anatomy-Complete-Artists-Joseph-Sheppard/dp/0486272796" target="blank">http://www.amazon.ca/Anatomy-Complete-Artists-Joseph-Sheppard/dp/0486272796</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKZpSwKfkwNMcEoaEuF1gmXMQJV-UShmrrkru7Ud7D1K2Ajd56hvHN_hBe9nIxAL3PNwwMGVA1DSQpx4JMB-VKeCuwSlHR6_GZqy0B3vCY-037sDV5PuRN-1evjrT4lV8jxl30xm3fPSx/s1600/2012-06-10+head+and+neck+studies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKZpSwKfkwNMcEoaEuF1gmXMQJV-UShmrrkru7Ud7D1K2Ajd56hvHN_hBe9nIxAL3PNwwMGVA1DSQpx4JMB-VKeCuwSlHR6_GZqy0B3vCY-037sDV5PuRN-1evjrT4lV8jxl30xm3fPSx/s320/2012-06-10+head+and+neck+studies.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-8177544326230223522012-05-05T08:44:00.003-07:002012-05-05T08:46:46.886-07:00Free Comic Book Day 2012<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Hey, if you don't already have plans for Free Comic Book Day, why not drop by the fabulous events they have today at the Toronto Comic Book Lounge & Gallery at 587A College Street in Toronto. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I'll be there doing sketches and whatnot, along with a number of fantastic artists.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazDtkOFZG0LviOSfr8w2gYdhvnsTpeSnrCSKhgg37aBBXUA4JtKNE9qcD8ZIazlRoXh1eBA3xjiUBSyC1hE-e4MBLZgM2AfYmLwQcyY8ImHXfixmVi7HhnCtXcvyn41lTtchxj0yYJUFK/s1600/2012-04-26+archie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazDtkOFZG0LviOSfr8w2gYdhvnsTpeSnrCSKhgg37aBBXUA4JtKNE9qcD8ZIazlRoXh1eBA3xjiUBSyC1hE-e4MBLZgM2AfYmLwQcyY8ImHXfixmVi7HhnCtXcvyn41lTtchxj0yYJUFK/s320/2012-04-26+archie.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free comics! Yaaaay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_hdEMwWTeseSt_oQKoCYKhXJOUpXHfHvgptD4y9yPSfZo5pScg1Q6MBkMdxqbnYPjoH3pO4-wlBfSAO5up_GxNkFtEug6KQ3TvUJ09kf97b6X72_tokW7teKSuEz-JCUa42Min0k4tBm/s1600/jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_hdEMwWTeseSt_oQKoCYKhXJOUpXHfHvgptD4y9yPSfZo5pScg1Q6MBkMdxqbnYPjoH3pO4-wlBfSAO5up_GxNkFtEug6KQ3TvUJ09kf97b6X72_tokW7teKSuEz-JCUa42Min0k4tBm/s320/jpg.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">FCBD. Starring everybody (and me)</span>*</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
*Yes, that is an intentional Muppets reference.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-30162541900460112852012-03-31T23:12:00.000-07:002012-08-28T14:18:49.315-07:00Keeping it Real part 2<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
In my <a href="http://raedrawsalot.blogspot.ca/2012/03/keeping-it-real.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I talked about the importance of setting up a perspective grid as the first step in making an illustration.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
The other important first step is research. (Exactly which of the two, grid vs research is step 1 and which is step 2 varies for me, depending on what I'm working on.)</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Research can be looking up photos on the internet or visiting similar locations and taking photographs of my own. Either way, I'll collect a whole bunch of photos. And then I won't copy any of them, exactly. But I will use them to help me figure out what might be included in the background when I design my locations. If I do use photo reference, it's as a reminder of what kinds of things are visible on a rooftop, for example, and then I make up my own versions of those things.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD3RJtukvq5rrrExTmatGdJKG1hQTLGQRTTJb3xqS7wa2TI7afhDURU3M2zCV1PIK74Hxfe1tRec-7Ju14o6QJ5taMMHDEuukbUBsRU5FQYMcnP9gKtRxLGLAkCrJ8DBGE7b2Gn4li8EL/s1600/huntressinkspatched+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD3RJtukvq5rrrExTmatGdJKG1hQTLGQRTTJb3xqS7wa2TI7afhDURU3M2zCV1PIK74Hxfe1tRec-7Ju14o6QJ5taMMHDEuukbUBsRU5FQYMcnP9gKtRxLGLAkCrJ8DBGE7b2Gn4li8EL/s320/huntressinkspatched+copy.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I looked up a whole bunch of reference photos for New York City rooftops for this, but I didn't use a single one of them verbatim (or whatever the photo version of "verbatim" woud be) I just used them to remind myself what kinds of things might be found on a roof.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Even if I am using my own photographs for a specific location, I won't make quite an exact copy. In this example, I copied but greatly simplified my photograph of the gates at Trinity Bellwoods Park to set up a specific location, including just enough detail to be recognizable and believable, but without being slavish to the photograph. I didn't want to put so much detail in the background that it became distracting, because the picture is about the white squirrel, not the park gates.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_csLkSkrOZjMSkNS3Qff5jBdJMZ52lEsd29x5VheHmK9lMowFkoou46VjiUeqm3oBXMtn09iuZBQzBEBXnPP3pKaK_ETR7wJfbpnh61kyD-kx0G7Cft2Hl0D7KE7lFtAxZdW_jnxnRBKg/s1600/park+gate+with+streetcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_csLkSkrOZjMSkNS3Qff5jBdJMZ52lEsd29x5VheHmK9lMowFkoou46VjiUeqm3oBXMtn09iuZBQzBEBXnPP3pKaK_ETR7wJfbpnh61kyD-kx0G7Cft2Hl0D7KE7lFtAxZdW_jnxnRBKg/s200/park+gate+with+streetcar.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z6Auql5RAGn_P_EZUSo_AQ08jB1azPYZVQvpwftjow2EGb_5yfvn1BZSYmtRmGgJBNQCHbuaourL3zA9OnasoBgCWG6T2TugfncOoP2n_73_ml1VvpavcdIUJrWMlBzl8tRBXIPZNWqY/s1600/squirrelgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z6Auql5RAGn_P_EZUSo_AQ08jB1azPYZVQvpwftjow2EGb_5yfvn1BZSYmtRmGgJBNQCHbuaourL3zA9OnasoBgCWG6T2TugfncOoP2n_73_ml1VvpavcdIUJrWMlBzl8tRBXIPZNWqY/s200/squirrelgirl.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
When I was working on Grawlix #2 (which got renumbered as #3 by the time it was released) I used a pillar from one room, and a table from another, and windows and decorations that I completely made up, and combined them to design the bistro where our characters get together on page 2 of my story.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdle9n4FPW0yRqQgQAo4-l94mYOMoRvurAkz18R53Mvep8OLObY74mAtq4CkAw6X-Pz5-WnH53SuySSwEtWiWMqukwEKacVmstv1qSBnPbA3I_3Abq8e8TZZ1qeftFO9M1E3RU2MxSws_/s1600/floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdle9n4FPW0yRqQgQAo4-l94mYOMoRvurAkz18R53Mvep8OLObY74mAtq4CkAw6X-Pz5-WnH53SuySSwEtWiWMqukwEKacVmstv1qSBnPbA3I_3Abq8e8TZZ1qeftFO9M1E3RU2MxSws_/s200/floorplan.jpg" width="164" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBC-aygMJYgsYBa-vb3SVziX9uHZ_cSRhGvt88Cd6dHWOAwcpgSjVoEgfuMYKkk7SXBAypXjz57maexry2wIvoUwP_sBsedzosnvTUgdq1oviHjEZ0owqsjhpgm125W7-0NYm9-pY0lFP/s1600/restaurant+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBC-aygMJYgsYBa-vb3SVziX9uHZ_cSRhGvt88Cd6dHWOAwcpgSjVoEgfuMYKkk7SXBAypXjz57maexry2wIvoUwP_sBsedzosnvTUgdq1oviHjEZ0owqsjhpgm125W7-0NYm9-pY0lFP/s200/restaurant+panel.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Set dressing helps to establish the story, and the character. You can use subtle details to support the story and move it forward, or to tell the reader something about the person in the room.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
When I was given the job of designing the personal office space for Number Two in issue 2 of Holmes Incorporated, I looked up a lot of images on executive office space and furniture, as well as what other artists had drawn in issue 1. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Then I took all of that, looked at all of it, and let it influence but not dictate my designs. I used what I already knew about the character to create a space that specifically appropriate to him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hM151CctD6tWdysKjPBnKosf2X7FMhro8uA_Mg7_mMgiEhsnilLJjuSACocVMTmILZtu3s8RmsW3h0gFmigpwZqAtqtkt5oEONOF6hssMtfeFDtNYvJHYj2YwrCiq6vlEQ61SyoobbR4/s1600/number+twos+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hM151CctD6tWdysKjPBnKosf2X7FMhro8uA_Mg7_mMgiEhsnilLJjuSACocVMTmILZtu3s8RmsW3h0gFmigpwZqAtqtkt5oEONOF6hssMtfeFDtNYvJHYj2YwrCiq6vlEQ61SyoobbR4/s320/number+twos+office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Good background and props design provides an extra layer of communication and another reason for someone to re-read the story, and handled properly it can also help establish and maintain the pace of the story, guide the readers along, and help them get to know the people that inhabit the story world.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-1248886095070885402012-03-17T20:47:00.000-07:002012-03-17T20:47:57.009-07:00Keeping it Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
OK, I know. I get it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Constructions and perspective grids are not the funnest, sexiest parts of making a piece of art. There's always a real temptation to skip this step and get right to the good bits of doing the drawing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF1-0xErThWRNYqS063X3kIx7R4Aq9-V9EVAXvoh045US4_j9iUA-V6GBbynl1KRZ3rhn6ItEexJh_IUHOjKXzxpHC7mdg4hgakaQ-lPy0ein7xFDipaPEmYTWvCq5tht_RkoxTwQdnSt/s320/construction.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little X is to remind myself which of these lines was the horizon<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's a saying in building things that applies as well to drawing: Measure twice, cut once.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
If you take the time to carefully plan your drawing, you're less likely to have the artwork turn out wonky, or end up having to erase and re-draw a bunch of stuff because you accidentally used two different points of view on the same composition*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
* and before you say "what about cubism" these rules apply double, or triple in that case, because each of the different points of view presented has to be consistent with itself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
It also helps to establish the settings of your drawings as a real place that people could visit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxxUMaQQKfzoLPRY4N3J6D_0kLApHuCrqVH2QcwvuNJlZ956zfFiU-7gD8gJ50c9TZWVPQP2gYv-Go5PMT7ACQWDUkn4mUgtAYF_HBfcxbfFbYyvX2CKR5smcFNp0I4-pZYyT2vxvz7h8/s1600/constructions+1-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxxUMaQQKfzoLPRY4N3J6D_0kLApHuCrqVH2QcwvuNJlZ956zfFiU-7gD8gJ50c9TZWVPQP2gYv-Go5PMT7ACQWDUkn4mUgtAYF_HBfcxbfFbYyvX2CKR5smcFNp0I4-pZYyT2vxvz7h8/s320/constructions+1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
When I'm doing constructions I mostly just hint at the location. I lay down the framework so that when I do the detailed illlustrations later, I have a basic idea where the characters are in the setting, and what details need to be added to create a sense of place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMSBDIB_7FqJkUAN1e0bxAYQLHDLSsG4lZ-_sumHQbD-BBBtJedcsuoFiwdDdkKtDiMGgFQzu9SRfsiAC3DAUKY4DIso1DaNm3D4jOJsgN9lgV72iX7uvD_AInp_GVjID-JjTS1uxZI2D/s1600/safecons1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMSBDIB_7FqJkUAN1e0bxAYQLHDLSsG4lZ-_sumHQbD-BBBtJedcsuoFiwdDdkKtDiMGgFQzu9SRfsiAC3DAUKY4DIso1DaNm3D4jOJsgN9lgV72iX7uvD_AInp_GVjID-JjTS1uxZI2D/s320/safecons1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
If your viewers believe they could really go to the place where your
characters are, then it will give them another way to connect with your
story. At least, it seems that way to me.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2cai9raRpksa1Kj1OEIZZkVzgu6KO6Bhq0EnruSmfL0rkmD2fqb5RDdL5R-FjTdvE97WjkPP3is2Zn6mSs5U6JuAEzpQ9WLZ73hkR71j7EIh3KlePon6OMUJV9G_N8Ppjv2vQHNnCPF8/s1600/sglineart+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2cai9raRpksa1Kj1OEIZZkVzgu6KO6Bhq0EnruSmfL0rkmD2fqb5RDdL5R-FjTdvE97WjkPP3is2Zn6mSs5U6JuAEzpQ9WLZ73hkR71j7EIh3KlePon6OMUJV9G_N8Ppjv2vQHNnCPF8/s320/sglineart+copy.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDSWJ3VbYBRrzhWBnpj9enDYeLbVf4oZ2O5x9LWNJGWJ6ApvwjULvOqazwhZeGP12X_Thn0Bgo77kQ-DOotcZk2-MpYDLcuIbRq2rzNv3d2ptryF0FzH_xuAPqY82rGMhjO_v3XjBot5e/s1600/undone+pg+1+online.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDSWJ3VbYBRrzhWBnpj9enDYeLbVf4oZ2O5x9LWNJGWJ6ApvwjULvOqazwhZeGP12X_Thn0Bgo77kQ-DOotcZk2-MpYDLcuIbRq2rzNv3d2ptryF0FzH_xuAPqY82rGMhjO_v3XjBot5e/s320/undone+pg+1+online.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIpxci69VXFtANHqSVWCvOLbhksiEgCfbhxtpIJ8-8385ZdF2YZVqoWHS9kIxA_OY-GcYY_FT7txYcZPLpyKA3deD9VA4PK347bP7_WTuDJjB1da2FW6CsungcP-K_o_CSbvbL5iwjcv8/s1600/undone+pg+2+online.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIpxci69VXFtANHqSVWCvOLbhksiEgCfbhxtpIJ8-8385ZdF2YZVqoWHS9kIxA_OY-GcYY_FT7txYcZPLpyKA3deD9VA4PK347bP7_WTuDJjB1da2FW6CsungcP-K_o_CSbvbL5iwjcv8/s320/undone+pg+2+online.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMZ6BL3nD8scKaqVKEKwbIu7MEsWl0eqEuD0fBVYlzYC9AzrEsCEchAw_6pyhp4MWRWRxvmvFF6Sx3vqfyGLrv3f9JDdgKMqvUO_2QFXwXMfwdmmFG-v9_efKKRtwa6c1ZfxP79aQOU3_/s1600/Safepg1.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMZ6BL3nD8scKaqVKEKwbIu7MEsWl0eqEuD0fBVYlzYC9AzrEsCEchAw_6pyhp4MWRWRxvmvFF6Sx3vqfyGLrv3f9JDdgKMqvUO_2QFXwXMfwdmmFG-v9_efKKRtwa6c1ZfxP79aQOU3_/s320/Safepg1.tif" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSndVZ9c3Op6vTNyatnAykONcOB2l8uyIqja3qMlIoftywV3sGDIU44p20hrqy09xAnmWnVHItM3XsWibfWaooWVwjYZyzezOaMyxFTNwvIlVdg5kH760Zw3PbrH0VLWsqidnMESmz-AoO/s1600/Safepg2online.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSndVZ9c3Op6vTNyatnAykONcOB2l8uyIqja3qMlIoftywV3sGDIU44p20hrqy09xAnmWnVHItM3XsWibfWaooWVwjYZyzezOaMyxFTNwvIlVdg5kH760Zw3PbrH0VLWsqidnMESmz-AoO/s320/Safepg2online.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-84017172239147166582012-03-09T22:13:00.000-08:002012-03-09T22:13:33.977-08:00I'm going to be at Toronto ComiCON<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Come by booth A-51 in artists' alley and say Hi, or if something I've got catches your fancy, buy a sketch or a print.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Here's the last preview:</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_98sxpJhWH8GKjLjkBVD5iDJomE6cMnsr8v8BgR_5_BJlEfKxanCtISeLm25gN2rI635WZBC_bGSKsm8_AzY9lxBzNDg6wr5c9l0BISWBN4n3gebKixCdc_KlrpBjrhJPV6vdmZWk95x/s1600/kitten+attack+rgb+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_98sxpJhWH8GKjLjkBVD5iDJomE6cMnsr8v8BgR_5_BJlEfKxanCtISeLm25gN2rI635WZBC_bGSKsm8_AzY9lxBzNDg6wr5c9l0BISWBN4n3gebKixCdc_KlrpBjrhJPV6vdmZWk95x/s320/kitten+attack+rgb+copy.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
And now, I pay off the teaser from a couple of posts back ... </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
My convention exclusive print for 2012 ...(which means the only place it'll be offered is at ComiCON this weekend and FanExpo in August, unless I book any other shows this year.)</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Squirrel Girl in the City! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMUQs_B3efQ1lBH0Tc3CWQRVTXLJUxTuF23U8F4ILxXUCySBA4Y9_TKCZ9y319xc_3wtIjC36xwulcPVmJDIMM9TL-UK_07X2KrAgvPfGKEFdPONfcwRgruv2CcLn5DSFUHqLfme5eP-8/s1600/squirrelgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMUQs_B3efQ1lBH0Tc3CWQRVTXLJUxTuF23U8F4ILxXUCySBA4Y9_TKCZ9y319xc_3wtIjC36xwulcPVmJDIMM9TL-UK_07X2KrAgvPfGKEFdPONfcwRgruv2CcLn5DSFUHqLfme5eP-8/s320/squirrelgirl.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-12088545921364182192012-03-02T21:42:00.002-08:002012-03-02T21:44:15.623-08:00Sneak Peek<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Toronto ComiCON is just seven days away. Who's excited?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Here's another preview of what I'll have at my table.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD5t93NaryRddCf0ybi7DVPJlGgjn_2Vf1-v2q2US-Lbz9rYQAIrIsHKyVojwamoosPMk7Ijki6UsJ-HFpo13WcP5ZSzHgUWkVFYQ4KNb2gkYcd1kxnF5cenvfCZFpL7K6FEF8OhED0EX/s1600/tronrgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD5t93NaryRddCf0ybi7DVPJlGgjn_2Vf1-v2q2US-Lbz9rYQAIrIsHKyVojwamoosPMk7Ijki6UsJ-HFpo13WcP5ZSzHgUWkVFYQ4KNb2gkYcd1kxnF5cenvfCZFpL7K6FEF8OhED0EX/s320/tronrgb.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGrSKAheVwm6tIp81iR6oBX2osEYGqaWjWHeY6zSzJ2RJ649Opi_ugrjPUOgi7kOk6FVz68OfvJM0KFhAmzeGwYUpBDFuayfNPDm3pf0cbvErZxXj7Wh5HkALMXzhLnJbMX5v1kz3rxs/s1600/wwbig+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGrSKAheVwm6tIp81iR6oBX2osEYGqaWjWHeY6zSzJ2RJ649Opi_ugrjPUOgi7kOk6FVz68OfvJM0KFhAmzeGwYUpBDFuayfNPDm3pf0cbvErZxXj7Wh5HkALMXzhLnJbMX5v1kz3rxs/s320/wwbig+copy.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-39360052685115335172012-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:002012-11-02T11:46:32.548-07:00Taking flight<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
A while back, on what was practically a dare from a friend, I applied for a table in artist's alley at the <a href="http://www.comicontoronto.com/" target="_blank">Toronto ComiCON</a>. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
And then, to my utter astonishment, I actually got in.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
So, March 10-11 I'll be at table A51, with some prints and some artwork, and doing some sketches.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
I figured that I would do up a special print for it, and throw in some local flavour.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Here's hint 1, my location photo reference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AdJ8odBhnoQb8L6JTbun0PRQcUhJxlbWxpRhQNgilWQ7n4ZQv85SMtXImfAlDK675IpQ966RVNbJeGkeSi4OG_E_5qohfE93zXYha0hXouyJAlyDbhL9rEmTSUuiy4ohXGZnDIxDlvPB/s1600/park+gate+with+streetcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AdJ8odBhnoQb8L6JTbun0PRQcUhJxlbWxpRhQNgilWQ7n4ZQv85SMtXImfAlDK675IpQ966RVNbJeGkeSi4OG_E_5qohfE93zXYha0hXouyJAlyDbhL9rEmTSUuiy4ohXGZnDIxDlvPB/s320/park+gate+with+streetcar.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
And here's hint #2, my initial construction lines.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wekgBt5IPuAHbQWXCFSf7NYXjfWmjlaCTjkCeKOq6Yv-fuugUNXBWU3x-gx_8qrHuYN7BrxGPQDPVRZ_MwHlPsT5C0bhsUkB5XcLuTBHe4L7UX722tR33cG7UodnPsbrcfWZZ9gP9Z-W/s1600/construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wekgBt5IPuAHbQWXCFSf7NYXjfWmjlaCTjkCeKOq6Yv-fuugUNXBWU3x-gx_8qrHuYN7BrxGPQDPVRZ_MwHlPsT5C0bhsUkB5XcLuTBHe4L7UX722tR33cG7UodnPsbrcfWZZ9gP9Z-W/s320/construction.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
So, if you're from Toronto and really, really nerdy you probably know where I'm going with this.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
Other than that, here's a couple of other things I've got on hand.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9781sJf9nOWgqxqr_0KKZ1KQeyUFNA0dEZ2ewsatv_6z_XFd1_QlX1EKLznXlLcqRmB2fSejNoh13rY4uQxBam7_J9ZLzYO9Kh9yyswUHmQ5F05q5vqnnb7qAXPMB9sJ6RVMYMn2uO04/s1600/ben-10small+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9781sJf9nOWgqxqr_0KKZ1KQeyUFNA0dEZ2ewsatv_6z_XFd1_QlX1EKLznXlLcqRmB2fSejNoh13rY4uQxBam7_J9ZLzYO9Kh9yyswUHmQ5F05q5vqnnb7qAXPMB9sJ6RVMYMn2uO04/s320/ben-10small+copy.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGWmwMyAiUvfdQ4Sbx6WkrVR5r1hVp5-_rleinHF4jjDVI5qrptFFIWrZfFFom-n5Whnha2JNy-l_hwdMP30iPCKHX2WNvfoWykojKlif_wqUALdlT6ASGD2uoPyoV8Kv7PuqXmST82zC/s1600/surfermowsbig+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGWmwMyAiUvfdQ4Sbx6WkrVR5r1hVp5-_rleinHF4jjDVI5qrptFFIWrZfFFom-n5Whnha2JNy-l_hwdMP30iPCKHX2WNvfoWykojKlif_wqUALdlT6ASGD2uoPyoV8Kv7PuqXmST82zC/s320/surfermowsbig+copy.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
So, here's me. Taking a deep breath and taking the plunge. Wish me luck.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-72399610140364132652012-02-11T15:55:00.000-08:002012-11-02T11:45:43.920-07:00Putting 'em up<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
So, there was some friendly smack talk over at Outcast Studios discussion boards, and now I've gotten myself signed up for <a href="http://battle-artist.deviantart.com/">Battle Artist on deviantArt</a>. I guess I'm just a sucker for punishment because I'm out of my weight class going up against pretty much anyone else on the roster. But it's fun, and there's no particular shame in being 0 for 2. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
The topic of the last battle was Ben 10, and we had a week to work on it.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mbCWTCZD1utWwhh-eL5rMOX3lbowgg22XAbNDZLQXNTNfWvaa-ACQH4k54y83YsdFy-BH2LojupeipCyrDEYqmtS1_rA7kZqjK_t8hkMPgFvq-frBpyKDbo9TYQUfXyxau89gHQYDr8r/s1600/ref+1+ben-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mbCWTCZD1utWwhh-eL5rMOX3lbowgg22XAbNDZLQXNTNfWvaa-ACQH4k54y83YsdFy-BH2LojupeipCyrDEYqmtS1_rA7kZqjK_t8hkMPgFvq-frBpyKDbo9TYQUfXyxau89gHQYDr8r/s200/ref+1+ben-10.jpg" width="145" /></a>The first thing I did was rent a DVD so I could learn what Ben 10 is. I'd heard of it, of course, because I haven't been living under a rock, but I'd never seen it. Incidentally, I will never get that theme song unstuck from my head now. I started out by filling out a couple of sketchbook pages while watching the show and getting an idea of the character.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
While I was doing that, I also started working out what my own drawing was going to be about. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYvNLP0Ey8pfVOQfsHhbo4V7apnXhv-oAozyABBpuLKCLis8anEE8mLLm5sLWkV38MG13w_cEv1app_HHP-gPgVke0fJkWd78eaB0O4oL0hE1ibNtHfnbv_MwFDSqIzpbKNgf9g3BEmrS/s1600/WIP+1+ben-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYvNLP0Ey8pfVOQfsHhbo4V7apnXhv-oAozyABBpuLKCLis8anEE8mLLm5sLWkV38MG13w_cEv1app_HHP-gPgVke0fJkWd78eaB0O4oL0hE1ibNtHfnbv_MwFDSqIzpbKNgf9g3BEmrS/s200/WIP+1+ben-10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
I set up the composition on a simple, one-point perspective with the convergence point between Ben and his giant robot opponent, so that the piece is about the tension and the fight about to take place. Then I did a little design work on the giant robot arm itself so that I had a reference for it. These were done on a wee, 3x5 sketchpad during intermission at a concert. Because I like drawing, but I also like Beethoven. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg978e-EgrEkv4dhHAf8T2NTywFY_5g8u6u3pj9KgJ5gKlLz5xAYa8nv6mem-5urtqOKmVKoNG6H_HIiubbz8a-dZMkLPaKRyTNeH7KDz0oLxaVc8DLNy8E6lpesJvqlr4yQYCbHOJSTS02/s1600/pencilsonline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg978e-EgrEkv4dhHAf8T2NTywFY_5g8u6u3pj9KgJ5gKlLz5xAYa8nv6mem-5urtqOKmVKoNG6H_HIiubbz8a-dZMkLPaKRyTNeH7KDz0oLxaVc8DLNy8E6lpesJvqlr4yQYCbHOJSTS02/s320/pencilsonline.jpg" width="212" /></a>I was happy enough with this sketch that I developed it a little more than I would usually do for a thumbnail sketch. And because the perspective is pretty straightforward, I skipped right to building a grid and rough construction on full-size comic board instead of making an intermediate construction and blowing it up on a copier. I forgot to scan that stage, though.<br />
<br />
I added enough detail in the background to give a sense of location and what had happened up to this point in Ben's day, and checked that the composition still had energy to it. It still goes in a spiral, coming in down the robot arm, going up the black stripe on Ben's shirt, and then back down the pipes leading down the corridor, and even though the robot is closer to us and on the left hand side of the page, Ben is dominant, so it does what I intended.</div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vciure5t7uBulwXHPts0OKAAVRpVctRNitixE7gYMzCWytMqSYz8jc6AVwkPuGp-ycymtgWIMnns6TbQ0X9ROX6jLAPU0Moprrz9rhZciuSp1vegNy_OrFgp9I_GMswT0T_FUucRBPFl/s1600/ben-10-inks+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Vciure5t7uBulwXHPts0OKAAVRpVctRNitixE7gYMzCWytMqSYz8jc6AVwkPuGp-ycymtgWIMnns6TbQ0X9ROX6jLAPU0Moprrz9rhZciuSp1vegNy_OrFgp9I_GMswT0T_FUucRBPFl/s200/ben-10-inks+copy.jpg" width="129" /></a>I only sort of know what I'm doing with inking, but I managed to get some fairly clean lines down for this one, especially by my own standards. Looks like that inking class I'm taking from Ty Templeton is already paying off, halfway through. <br />
<br />
And then, because I still had a day or so before the submission deadline, I decided to try doing some colours. I let the background be fairly dark and desaturated, so that Ben would stand out more.</div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
So there you have it. That's how I throw down at an art fight.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwZVzg_vg4tL2E5X9o9FZD4u8G3TxngJPAUeOPLu2_nJTs3Bn3t5TNIqUyG9gzrUeAQsakVT6ijItwEWEoet3F9h5fLZGRS5FKHQ3FYzXLppdYzrUvSvUB8m83X0xjVo1n-PaJh6HLukz/s1600/ben-10+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwZVzg_vg4tL2E5X9o9FZD4u8G3TxngJPAUeOPLu2_nJTs3Bn3t5TNIqUyG9gzrUeAQsakVT6ijItwEWEoet3F9h5fLZGRS5FKHQ3FYzXLppdYzrUvSvUB8m83X0xjVo1n-PaJh6HLukz/s400/ben-10+copy.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
I still lost, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But my real opponent isn't whoever the randomizer stacks me against, my real opponent is myself. And I'm making some pretty good drawings, and they're getting better all the time.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-9146628769486637632012-01-22T08:34:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:34:02.145-08:00Back to the Basics<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Figure-Drawing-Andrew-Loomis/dp/0857680986/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327218386&sr=8-1">Figure Drawing for all it's Worth</a> by Andrew Loomis for Christmas, which is awesome. So, naturally I'll be working through that for the next little while.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've spent some time over the past few years in learning to draw, so some of the material in the book is stuff I've covered before. And sometimes in learning a skill, you'll find that you're revisiting stuff you'd already learned. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The important thing in that case is to keep paying attention. Don't take anything for granted. There's the temptation to skim over "blah blah blah, I already know this stuff" but if you focus, and bring your more developed sensibility to the "beginner" material, you never know what new insights you can find.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's no lesson that you can't still make new discoveries from, if you approach it with an open mind.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1xCtuCGDEmI8Fov2jO7y9kmYw5_PXJ9Md1p8crCUjnK7E65b6wCLotR8NFLJFlEolpom4uDigR3e9b1lbIiXWJkTL75t9Yh4hmqeptbbZtYjMsaJgGq4zhwrD_tIJgZJhdYF9BrqJBDD/s1600/stickmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1xCtuCGDEmI8Fov2jO7y9kmYw5_PXJ9Md1p8crCUjnK7E65b6wCLotR8NFLJFlEolpom4uDigR3e9b1lbIiXWJkTL75t9Yh4hmqeptbbZtYjMsaJgGq4zhwrD_tIJgZJhdYF9BrqJBDD/s320/stickmen.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-89410684968380114102012-01-18T05:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T05:24:31.805-08:00Stop SOPA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvh5j-SfJL1fIDMVJp1KzsOjJproLuUMTxrh9pjxDi6iqQdU0sQVHqCHKyR_LUIH68TzCYdyibRSENDibym09oA_WFhZHxRaN7_v7-vw-ftJOTezN9vbb7NGEd3DGd4vwZIwdKwq1i2G2/s1600/blackmeout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvh5j-SfJL1fIDMVJp1KzsOjJproLuUMTxrh9pjxDi6iqQdU0sQVHqCHKyR_LUIH68TzCYdyibRSENDibym09oA_WFhZHxRaN7_v7-vw-ftJOTezN9vbb7NGEd3DGd4vwZIwdKwq1i2G2/s1600/blackmeout.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-55416439031302078792011-12-31T12:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:08:14.534-08:002011 - the year in sketches<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Well here we are at the end of the year. It's been quite a ride. I've done a sketch every day, which have ranged from atrocious to pretty good.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">The full year's sketches - even the bad ones - are posted on deviantArt in my <a href="http://rockie-squirrel.deviantart.com/gallery/27758573">Daily Sketches</a> gallery.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
And for those of you who really want to check out my personal hall of shame, there's the <a href="http://rockie-squirrel.deviantart.com/gallery/34501489">Blooper Reel</a> gallery. Because I'm secure enough to laugh at my own mistakes.</div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Here are my favourites by month, and a little bit about why I like them.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>January</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Immortus - I llike how the hands turned out.<b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR6PcpPKBzFWIMr81fXYuI-19ctvbg7cGJ5yCrgsNJFQ_0cvM6nILvyf7vwFlHwKzVVah20j9c5xjpZeuUo-QA9JJA-8wv_0JOaZS9vtpUTCTJg5923oFxo7LLt-_kDk7I_digKYKspuJ/s1600/2011_01_13+immortus+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR6PcpPKBzFWIMr81fXYuI-19ctvbg7cGJ5yCrgsNJFQ_0cvM6nILvyf7vwFlHwKzVVah20j9c5xjpZeuUo-QA9JJA-8wv_0JOaZS9vtpUTCTJg5923oFxo7LLt-_kDk7I_digKYKspuJ/s320/2011_01_13+immortus+colour.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>February</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Static - Dwayne McDuffie tribute sketch<b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_ZzLJCsSzpGChNTP_lk4DdKotc5ismF7gjxqwFGJvWureAvvNbmP1i3ncQznWSNYe9PvGeMbVBuAtUs3fYLBFCU4GWeDl8lnk42aH666SrqCCvYRcJ7rp92hvHw-QS9X4LE6ZDGQZD5t/s1600/static.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_ZzLJCsSzpGChNTP_lk4DdKotc5ismF7gjxqwFGJvWureAvvNbmP1i3ncQznWSNYe9PvGeMbVBuAtUs3fYLBFCU4GWeDl8lnk42aH666SrqCCvYRcJ7rp92hvHw-QS9X4LE6ZDGQZD5t/s320/static.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>March</b> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Dr. Seuss - World Literacy Day sketch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhIPXa7raOsZ3_wSL89w1zB1XozmLxKq2QGocV4yPzAfd_cjsi_-tmCOZg8QiGy3cKhxWXZR8fWPWmfx-UFiWe4LGghZ5_HKiXt8AQROv4P5EXpc7UQxy6h-NO5qF5at74tgiTKYyXQM5/s1600/seuss.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhIPXa7raOsZ3_wSL89w1zB1XozmLxKq2QGocV4yPzAfd_cjsi_-tmCOZg8QiGy3cKhxWXZR8fWPWmfx-UFiWe4LGghZ5_HKiXt8AQROv4P5EXpc7UQxy6h-NO5qF5at74tgiTKYyXQM5/s320/seuss.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>April</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Sarah Jane Smith - Elisabeth Sladen tribute sketch<b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5URjHuN753kkSVT35GCJOe5uvxibOqcOuQzi78YF9s-bnBxQ_BXrebdwH-NTQv5IE0ugmcesvP8_OSOBy5nfkKMe7a_FAMaS2Bd4bhm-8ZT8OxP57GBNXFfoNN_qEwRtBLO7Pylc61T5/s1600/04-02+sarahjane.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5URjHuN753kkSVT35GCJOe5uvxibOqcOuQzi78YF9s-bnBxQ_BXrebdwH-NTQv5IE0ugmcesvP8_OSOBy5nfkKMe7a_FAMaS2Bd4bhm-8ZT8OxP57GBNXFfoNN_qEwRtBLO7Pylc61T5/s320/04-02+sarahjane.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>May</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Daredevil - I just like the energy of it </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpenRvzhRLf3d1KRAUBLGWSAGrC3o7gZ9kLPh-ltq_iPKTFMEfjH_x4r6z4ycJmBc0ffzjF0MlMr6YjCyXdXZ2xDhQGF9aNtQtsO7vcsSL_lxdu7bQF6olSCXkt2cDqZ7zN6Ukph-jyPxZ/s1600/2011_05_12+daredevil+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpenRvzhRLf3d1KRAUBLGWSAGrC3o7gZ9kLPh-ltq_iPKTFMEfjH_x4r6z4ycJmBc0ffzjF0MlMr6YjCyXdXZ2xDhQGF9aNtQtsO7vcsSL_lxdu7bQF6olSCXkt2cDqZ7zN6Ukph-jyPxZ/s320/2011_05_12+daredevil+post.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbciWbK9lbaWQT1wKQmSEKFoTgWE88K7qCFqXzSEhCHE4MLh12Vxr65bCWQe6hDFcR5_v7BzUyg8yXAWOPNOVjIBEaYb1xPZCtotxlNsWEOIdnTumbdLezl68VYBpuEiDNqOOiclDBxRz/s1600/2011_05_13+Batman+post.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br />
</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>June</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Concrete - Liked the mood of it. I was also satisfied with the texture.<b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1XGatA1SBJ-49cYhc66Yd5Ut7cQO05L7gtqxIN91TeOmVXx8Ly2iue8vsw5dz6pwRdAP1HzfRlGsVNWt78GrEsXyvwM8eszo_dogi6QqZSeUuz3bwC3Zl6ADLYxcP5WkqYVLePLacNrj/s1600/2011_06_10+concrete.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1XGatA1SBJ-49cYhc66Yd5Ut7cQO05L7gtqxIN91TeOmVXx8Ly2iue8vsw5dz6pwRdAP1HzfRlGsVNWt78GrEsXyvwM8eszo_dogi6QqZSeUuz3bwC3Zl6ADLYxcP5WkqYVLePLacNrj/s320/2011_06_10+concrete.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>July</b> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Man-Thing - This one's all about the textures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYft-WulRLze9dnanVLyxOS9yXN_hbna29g8i5jKa3X2F7qCaTZ_kvZo_YfSW5TQNU_pKnxSb2QY0xb0cpTR8ojyTGA6dwQbMx-Sb8RqqX0grPlNfhrOfUdYx7M1R-8GVeza907TC8OpP/s1600/2011_07_23+man-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYft-WulRLze9dnanVLyxOS9yXN_hbna29g8i5jKa3X2F7qCaTZ_kvZo_YfSW5TQNU_pKnxSb2QY0xb0cpTR8ojyTGA6dwQbMx-Sb8RqqX0grPlNfhrOfUdYx7M1R-8GVeza907TC8OpP/s320/2011_07_23+man-thing.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>August</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Nightwing - I like the energy, and had enough fun with it to come back later and drop in a bit of colour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuOvKz6Q5usKbVOAO3m3W4dNc0ha5HhOmDdvqQhwN3ARMS4dCKOeGkL2ggGWJGrVqWSS2Md6pUEY5VtozZfFMXuRrYwQ-J7ayf8bPGRkPU1rhET-BiEY7n1N3l7KS2yKYeyOCAGZ01Tmx/s1600/2011_08_04+nightwing+color.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuOvKz6Q5usKbVOAO3m3W4dNc0ha5HhOmDdvqQhwN3ARMS4dCKOeGkL2ggGWJGrVqWSS2Md6pUEY5VtozZfFMXuRrYwQ-J7ayf8bPGRkPU1rhET-BiEY7n1N3l7KS2yKYeyOCAGZ01Tmx/s320/2011_08_04+nightwing+color.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>September</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Black Panther - I picked a really hard pose, and like the way it turned out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw_YVJu-pUf9OqbwOAVbZ4jDrMOxffyOvXWOs5BbYUaexw25egSz3su-2-zVJDtNKZfonQC4tphuE5l-21fg5hBRDeGjtyn7OOTMMeOWaw1Gs2MxNW02mZeEL7a_66wr8Pj4RziwUDCoV/s1600/2011_09_01+black+panther.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw_YVJu-pUf9OqbwOAVbZ4jDrMOxffyOvXWOs5BbYUaexw25egSz3su-2-zVJDtNKZfonQC4tphuE5l-21fg5hBRDeGjtyn7OOTMMeOWaw1Gs2MxNW02mZeEL7a_66wr8Pj4RziwUDCoV/s320/2011_09_01+black+panther.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>October</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Giant Monster - another one that is all about the textures </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFaMI1SyPDAhj9do1TjkNSjLSD78rtFrABsNlUxhePvn-_vmph6f5umk-uYJICywQulJikE8Us9-Ejqk_yKYBaBWdHpYUfQFF3L7RFD9nfr9yjqPdc219rfRZ1Gv8WEE5cY_iC2xeozRh/s1600/2011_10_27+giant+monster.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFaMI1SyPDAhj9do1TjkNSjLSD78rtFrABsNlUxhePvn-_vmph6f5umk-uYJICywQulJikE8Us9-Ejqk_yKYBaBWdHpYUfQFF3L7RFD9nfr9yjqPdc219rfRZ1Gv8WEE5cY_iC2xeozRh/s320/2011_10_27+giant+monster.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>November</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Black Cat - Swishy hair and relatively correct proportions </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzBJu3gN5r68W7K6vUY12lZfl1EirwtMajsQfkSQb8a-EsDcktvZkYgnEnOubsM1uJIgzL_dKYX5sY0XGxb6rZcgu1yseEM_Li1qoQtIhctnTMD0n2PP9j122FI7mIXWNK5dTmmJHOStJ/s1600/2011_11_22+black+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzBJu3gN5r68W7K6vUY12lZfl1EirwtMajsQfkSQb8a-EsDcktvZkYgnEnOubsM1uJIgzL_dKYX5sY0XGxb6rZcgu1yseEM_Li1qoQtIhctnTMD0n2PP9j122FI7mIXWNK5dTmmJHOStJ/s320/2011_11_22+black+cat.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>December</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Samwise Gamgee</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is not only my favourite from December, but also my favourite for the whole year. Everything just clicked for me that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM_ksqI256rPllyx-aKKOthkt8hK9I3Lreq2TIfJzuz0Sv7n_cLJjIU0ncTuvMrDHPyELYDQ7Wqe4EzIf6s7ekI-phRmsiAK0HWcdiYblM-rReOpNDeXO7G_McDxjZ0aHew-pei2NxOeh/s1600/2011-12-22+samwise.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM_ksqI256rPllyx-aKKOthkt8hK9I3Lreq2TIfJzuz0Sv7n_cLJjIU0ncTuvMrDHPyELYDQ7Wqe4EzIf6s7ekI-phRmsiAK0HWcdiYblM-rReOpNDeXO7G_McDxjZ0aHew-pei2NxOeh/s320/2011-12-22+samwise.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's it for 2011. Happy New Year, everyone, and hope 2012 treats you well.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-49663308866115279132011-12-10T21:42:00.000-08:002011-12-10T21:42:42.747-08:00Learning by example<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As an artist, sometimes it's OK to copy someone else's work.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAAAT?!?</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No, seriously. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me explain.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
Copying is part of the learning process.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All artists are, at some level, still art students. And everyone can learn something from someone.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Copying saves you repeating mistakes, or reinventing the wheel.</b> <br />
<br />
Anything you're struggling with, someone out there has already solved the problem. <br />
<br />
When you're stuck on something and can't figure out why your drawings aren't working, or even if there is just something you want to improve, find examples of how it has been done well, and copy them. I wanted to improve my figure work, and the use of hatch lines to indicate dimensionality and light direction. So I copied this drawing by Jacopo Chimenti.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQovmSeqkDGRWz-71tXesb953TYjghzYBUEteHT5qHVzJHhSrewFsYrvJfaL4OjQ8ZU64S0P0ZwBBP1NeBknSNjQPQ1JEhH8J1OL_lozevbNPkA84-1Sse9nKaLBOHgrbRI1Sb4oqq8LnM/s1600/study+copy+Jacopo+Chimenti+seminude+male+figure.jpg" style="clear: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQovmSeqkDGRWz-71tXesb953TYjghzYBUEteHT5qHVzJHhSrewFsYrvJfaL4OjQ8ZU64S0P0ZwBBP1NeBknSNjQPQ1JEhH8J1OL_lozevbNPkA84-1Sse9nKaLBOHgrbRI1Sb4oqq8LnM/s640/study+copy+Jacopo+Chimenti+seminude+male+figure.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A few points about copying as learning: </b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1. Credit your source. </b><br />
Even if it's just notes in your sketchbook and you never intend to show it to anyone else, make a note of where you found the original, in case you want to refer back to it later. But absolutely, remember that you're not making your own art, you're studying someone else's to learn how to apply a technique or solve a visual problem. Because that is where the line is between copying and plagarism, and they are not (as far as I'm concerned) the same thing.<b> </b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIwzwujLt-Fpmwy_yJdZ4ztgWjfoJxJ3BlD_4ppg9SMHee1BBfGyLQD_z1QgF_dfcoPNxjO2hh1ncTEuJhrBg9UUR8AhfleJoHNyoKyvVv0CSvYy1Ivf8Eqi1vayC0lqc4r6_1nJo3B0O/s1600/lacemaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: none; float: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIwzwujLt-Fpmwy_yJdZ4ztgWjfoJxJ3BlD_4ppg9SMHee1BBfGyLQD_z1QgF_dfcoPNxjO2hh1ncTEuJhrBg9UUR8AhfleJoHNyoKyvVv0CSvYy1Ivf8Eqi1vayC0lqc4r6_1nJo3B0O/s400/lacemaker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. Analyse and understand what it is you're copying. </b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Break a good composition or narrative down to its elemental parts to figure out why it works, and how you can use that information to make your own work better. Make notes. Pay attention. Don't just be a human photocopier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPreGp_vSYKkkAIaS79qnTOsLNSBf8GdALQtiZaE7WnZBjdMqLrn9dpLVzV9CE96B0QytwcaS7VwGKU3ilwWrFyYtNU1ybNpWxXzQKhcpG49J_5lgUjOSAGo4UHtlzT2nPtBph4nSB38h/s1600/durer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: none; float: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPreGp_vSYKkkAIaS79qnTOsLNSBf8GdALQtiZaE7WnZBjdMqLrn9dpLVzV9CE96B0QytwcaS7VwGKU3ilwWrFyYtNU1ybNpWxXzQKhcpG49J_5lgUjOSAGo4UHtlzT2nPtBph4nSB38h/s400/durer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If I am a good visual storyteller (which, no false modesty, I know I am) it is because I have studied good visual storytellers. I have studied the best that I found, and and applied the principles I learned to my own work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdEm3U9utYJooTsBzMcS_pV3rKXc09eTkHMzVIEOg5myU9xFR6y5sGCybAhBH5UbNFXzox_DLW5nSYuCZlCDK6voxnY6IkUInJoqjfm7i2XYixtVbyMQO7X42z6Go0X_BVIDYOpgBG8jO/s1600/jason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdEm3U9utYJooTsBzMcS_pV3rKXc09eTkHMzVIEOg5myU9xFR6y5sGCybAhBH5UbNFXzox_DLW5nSYuCZlCDK6voxnY6IkUInJoqjfm7i2XYixtVbyMQO7X42z6Go0X_BVIDYOpgBG8jO/s400/jason.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3. What the analysis means to you, is what it means.</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that I have had people analyse my writing or art and interpret it in ways I never intended, or even imagined it could be interpreted. And yes, when you're analyzing someone else's artwork you might be putting words in their mouth. For the purposes of this learning experience, don't worry about whether you're "right" or "wrong" compared with the original creator's intent. Don't let that hang you up, because it's what you learned, not what they said, that you'll be bringing to your own art. You'll be using the things you learned to make your own statement, and you'll have a whole new set of tools to do it.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that's when it moves from copying to creating.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-63902454116556035822011-11-28T17:26:00.000-08:002011-11-28T17:41:43.804-08:00It's a date!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Just a quick update...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grawlix Anthology #3, in which my story "Undone" appears, is launching at the <a href="http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4852e28c9dbd3bed37dae4a2f&id=f6de5e1646&e=[UNIQID]">November 29, 2011 session</a> of the Toronto Comic Jam at Sonic at 60 Cecil St at College & Spadina.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1718127156"><br />
</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183797985045539">https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183797985045539</a><br />
<br />
If you missed my earlier posts about working on the story, I did one on <a href="http://raedrawsalot.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-next-project.html">character development</a> one on <a href="http://raedrawsalot.blogspot.com/2011/07/work-in-progress.html">set design and page layout</a> and just a quick one with <a href="http://raedrawsalot.blogspot.com/2011/09/preview-art.html">preview art</a> and the wrong launch date. Oh yeah. Also, the wrong edition number.<br />
<br />
But now it's real, it's official, and Grawlix #3 will be live and in person.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWwiZi6RihQgyAte2JQDgggkBhXbde6Dm0qdYbs6PwEZr3BP0SdUvenOQXRPKLmZ7w7x8fGmvW9AgJI2R-z6ULm4AdoVgoCaqJvI3M4NObblngH0arxNkr6IwfufSzh2C8YtY_QrfG2qp/s640/11_11_26_grawlix3poster.jpg" width="508" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-67999955737542063982011-11-19T09:53:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:16:56.341-08:00Doing things the hard way<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like I mentioned in my blog post a few weeks ago, if you want to get better at something, <a href="http://raedrawsalot.blogspot.com/2011/10/sticking-to-it.html">repetition is important</a>. But if you really want to get better, what you're repeating and how you're repeating it is even more important. If you want to get better, you can't just repeat easy stuff that you're good at and call it a day. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDjRfWq7Ib4_U8v71H2x4rCEMEPwt_ghnuavTfVJBtc-9eJlxd1_fQWgj8Fwhs3GvWF-Psbfojp8IsD2007OBeyXQ0_jgaZnCYx5cGzsCTa1vv4VpEuuN1Zn0Pgo6319y5Obh3SKVyUYM/s1600/looking+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDjRfWq7Ib4_U8v71H2x4rCEMEPwt_ghnuavTfVJBtc-9eJlxd1_fQWgj8Fwhs3GvWF-Psbfojp8IsD2007OBeyXQ0_jgaZnCYx5cGzsCTa1vv4VpEuuN1Zn0Pgo6319y5Obh3SKVyUYM/s320/looking+up.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved TO this spot from an easier one. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Making a leap</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been doing things that are hard or that I'm not very good at, in order to get better at them. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I'm at a life-drawing session, I move to a spot where I'm looking at the model from a difficult angle. And I don't worry about what people will think of my drawings; I'm making studies, not art.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I do my daily sketches, I try to find ways to challenge myself. At least once in a while, I try to draw a pose that involves a drawing problem that I'm still working on solving. And when I can't figure out why a drawing doesn't work (like this one of Lara Croft) I ask for someone to show me how I should have drawn it.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fXNfqLMI_aUd0C_9FIDTpy68LSQGtevB-dxehmDpWmyUMFP5vZvrzcYNymPrKTEy4Vk2YFDx6223rMtJY0sqqwiQK2QErPW_NaMD6FCq-OiV1TupNCRazbu63mQ67lRIzQpzf93x1PDF/s1600/2011_08_26+lara+croft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fXNfqLMI_aUd0C_9FIDTpy68LSQGtevB-dxehmDpWmyUMFP5vZvrzcYNymPrKTEy4Vk2YFDx6223rMtJY0sqqwiQK2QErPW_NaMD6FCq-OiV1TupNCRazbu63mQ67lRIzQpzf93x1PDF/s320/2011_08_26+lara+croft.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Twisting AND foreshortening. Yikes.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalh8aenoOb2FbzO_vXR_rTChUxgD19LiiQHtmiEHLuT9z36auOmLP7LhBBpQ45GDdsWqnBr7m1hF61ESIZZSY6p_TRa8ds9WR9uOacl8ufVTb428WIv6ElfTpPHGteqNP7-yVjfRe3PZL/s1600/2011_10_13+abe+sapien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Learning from my mistakes</b><br />
It's hard and it's scary and it's a little frustrating. I've ended up making a lot of not-very-successful drawings. But I've also learned a lot about what doesn't work. And along the way, I'm starting to learn what does.<br />
<br />
<b>Take risks</b><br />
So, if you want to get better, sometimes you have to risk making drawings that really, really do not work. Go ahead and make mistakes. Make great, big mistakes. Make lots of them. Make bad, awkward, clumsy drawings, and figure out how to make them better. Be patient with yourself and with the lines that land on the page.<br />
<br />
<b>Never, never quit.</b> <br />
Keep it up, and the things you're bad at will start to turn into things you're good at. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tsYc7uTwIfXlQUX8esvnnAPibE6tV7Yj0IKAnWn-hdkC19T3Ry5aB6akUgDGfPtg1N9Wezy6BfajiDVxbh0PFDZ1eUYe2xrzDsGt8V8gexK_FXXlIVVsqQiukXvjJmoVwG4_cPCPvRAz/s1600/foreshortened+figure+study+july+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tsYc7uTwIfXlQUX8esvnnAPibE6tV7Yj0IKAnWn-hdkC19T3Ry5aB6akUgDGfPtg1N9Wezy6BfajiDVxbh0PFDZ1eUYe2xrzDsGt8V8gexK_FXXlIVVsqQiukXvjJmoVwG4_cPCPvRAz/s320/foreshortened+figure+study+july+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the red bits are where I corrected myself.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalh8aenoOb2FbzO_vXR_rTChUxgD19LiiQHtmiEHLuT9z36auOmLP7LhBBpQ45GDdsWqnBr7m1hF61ESIZZSY6p_TRa8ds9WR9uOacl8ufVTb428WIv6ElfTpPHGteqNP7-yVjfRe3PZL/s1600/2011_10_13+abe+sapien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalh8aenoOb2FbzO_vXR_rTChUxgD19LiiQHtmiEHLuT9z36auOmLP7LhBBpQ45GDdsWqnBr7m1hF61ESIZZSY6p_TRa8ds9WR9uOacl8ufVTb428WIv6ElfTpPHGteqNP7-yVjfRe3PZL/s320/2011_10_13+abe+sapien.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Starting to get the hang of it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-16246365513231138082011-10-31T18:30:00.000-07:002011-10-31T18:30:03.299-07:00A quickie for SpeakEasy 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CI0o_pPiceyyzOEed-iZKIbd09o-3UoprHem1Zabpr-P7UC5H5JROT5SYDx4DcG-V60GsaAf6pVm6MSWMV_YQ5y5c7XuZV1_jyByV5duEKd41yNYgpzAIV8UhkU_5N7q0W3E_-BNp3uS/s1600/ComicBookFlyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CI0o_pPiceyyzOEed-iZKIbd09o-3UoprHem1Zabpr-P7UC5H5JROT5SYDx4DcG-V60GsaAf6pVm6MSWMV_YQ5y5c7XuZV1_jyByV5duEKd41yNYgpzAIV8UhkU_5N7q0W3E_-BNp3uS/s320/ComicBookFlyer.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Want to see what I've been up to lately, and check out some original artwork?</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come on out to SpeakEasy's Comic Book Art Show on November 3. I'll be on hand to have a chat and answer any questions about comics or art or life in general (accuracy of the answers not guaranteed.)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Toronto Comic Jam will also be there with the latest edition of Grawlix, which includes the story that I've mentioned here in earlier blog posts. </div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1423933578"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.speakeasyto.com/">http://www.speakeasyto.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-56902126550811328652011-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:002011-11-05T15:38:33.050-07:00Sticking to it<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been almost a year since I started doing the Daily Sketch Challenge over at <a href="http://www.outcaststudios.com/forums/">Outcast Studios</a> and about half that since I started "Rockie's All-Request Weekends" for my friends on Facebook to recommend weekend sketch topics. I've been at it nearly every day. (I missed one day while I was on vacation.)<br />
<br />
There have been a few people who have told me that my dedication is admirable.<br />
<br />
Mostly, my dedication is just well-developed. It's been hitting the gym. Hard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQblS9sul9VJqfwBMeHsQX3CevCBT_LHBp7IUjZ_5E6UHr12eKiFC48UJIeKgFguwXaytgilKUarYkVa7TQGzd5yAF_MIS5uB3I5mkQAfsFz4y7DwTHU0T_uyGgZLN3Z-2NZEp6GOcDyL/s1600/2011_09_17+invincible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQblS9sul9VJqfwBMeHsQX3CevCBT_LHBp7IUjZ_5E6UHr12eKiFC48UJIeKgFguwXaytgilKUarYkVa7TQGzd5yAF_MIS5uB3I5mkQAfsFz4y7DwTHU0T_uyGgZLN3Z-2NZEp6GOcDyL/s320/2011_09_17+invincible.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reach for the stars</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<b>Being dedicated is a choice.</b><br />
<br />
Dedication, like anything else, is a skill that can be developed.<br />
<br />
Your brain is physically affected by choices you make. Over time, neural patterns are reinforced. Every time you choose to stick to something, even if it's hard (maybe especially if it's hard) you're exercising your persistence patterns. Every time you let yourself slack off or quit, you're exercising your slacker patterns.<br />
<br />
It's a choice, every day, but every day it's easier to make the same choice as the day before.<br />
<br />
<b>The 20-minute workout </b><br />
<ol style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><li>Make a choice to be dedicated to improving your craft. Make this choice over again every day. Choose to make an investment in your muse, and in your own improvement. (You're already doing this, whether you're aware of it or not. Every day, you're either choosing to do your thing or to not do your thing.) </li>
<li>Make a commitment. If you're a set scheudule person or not, make it the same time every day, and don't let anything steal that time away. I'm not a set schedule person myself, so it's not the same time every day for me, but there is always at least 15-30 minutes somewhere between the time I wake up and the time I go to sleep that "I'm an artist right now" takes over. </li>
<li>Make yourself accountable. Even if it's just posting on Facebook or Twitter "I'm doing this new thing every day". When I started doing the daily sketches but before I was consistent with it, I did have friends call me on missing a day. If that's what it takes for you, then that's what you need to do.</li>
</ol><b>Developing a routine</b><br />
<br />
The more often you repeat steps 1 and 2, the stronger your tendency will be to continue doing it. Eventually, you'll get to the point were step 3 isn't needed much, because you start to be accountable to yourself and your muse, and that's enough. <br />
<br />
Sure, there are days when I'm tired, or I have a headache, or I have to do the laundry. I just tell my tiredness, or headache, or laundry that it will have to wait a half hour until I'm done practicing. Because I've got a consecutive days of sketching streak going.<br />
<br />
<b>Seeing the results</b> <br />
<br />
And, of course, persistence pays off. Drawing #1 is a sketch from November 2010, and drawing #2 is one from August 2011.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8k1ZoKcpQDg9IV9O4lUU8Km_FrByRzwWmkODJUSLzQ0Pg_HFslfrW-0nzkfCUnXOShhx0yzlgrQiAFkTl9iQbg4cQVKL2LJqFZt7-cm5xkMoBtRnZ88tzfYar1k1y25piDXUSK3xeWlW/s1600/2010_12_23+marcus+fenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8k1ZoKcpQDg9IV9O4lUU8Km_FrByRzwWmkODJUSLzQ0Pg_HFslfrW-0nzkfCUnXOShhx0yzlgrQiAFkTl9iQbg4cQVKL2LJqFZt7-cm5xkMoBtRnZ88tzfYar1k1y25piDXUSK3xeWlW/s400/2010_12_23+marcus+fenix.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D3gssc_GTtI2hNn4MRLZdr7sH1hymNNFpBT06g6xXlsU9_601HFUo4mYM_ZqrLyvEPwoNj2jK9vqDyYLIvYpgSOnhA3M8obik2up0iNtG9tUZyVchkgL6CxxGI8c-tB3hXXbEg4ipJ-0/s1600/2011_08_03+panthro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D3gssc_GTtI2hNn4MRLZdr7sH1hymNNFpBT06g6xXlsU9_601HFUo4mYM_ZqrLyvEPwoNj2jK9vqDyYLIvYpgSOnhA3M8obik2up0iNtG9tUZyVchkgL6CxxGI8c-tB3hXXbEg4ipJ-0/s400/2011_08_03+panthro.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: none; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853271913416613021.post-43151632779081549552011-10-16T09:28:00.000-07:002011-10-16T09:28:57.251-07:00Keeping myself occupied<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've decided to get some practice on the whole writing, drawing, and meeting deadlines thing by starting a webcomic. We'll see how well that works out for me. I picked a bad time to start, given that my day job tends to eat most of my life at this time of year, and I have a day-job-related study group that is eating the rest of my life right now.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've had the basic concept and premise kicking around the back of my head for a couple of years now. And now that I have some drawing skills developed, I guess I can start working on it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So far, I've done some concept sketches for the characters. I'm still trying to figure out how to break down the story, and whether I'm going to do strips or pages. I'm leaning toward strips though, since it's for the web and with a strip I can deal with it panel by panel. I'll also want to set it up so it'll work as well on a netbook or smartphone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A lot to think about for my first solo project, but I gotta start somewhere.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W66KI7shnfsBxkfNcXIcJc6zus3eVT6pz9-7-OIQHviI9IO1zpYzmpp24yo05vZ3aDn_gdICYCCF9aVM6hUo2rPf938lbN7sZImoGm9GgiQunyVJ5L9mHKez3v2q6wVvxCn3N-zgTbNc/s1600/anna+schoenberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W66KI7shnfsBxkfNcXIcJc6zus3eVT6pz9-7-OIQHviI9IO1zpYzmpp24yo05vZ3aDn_gdICYCCF9aVM6hUo2rPf938lbN7sZImoGm9GgiQunyVJ5L9mHKez3v2q6wVvxCn3N-zgTbNc/s320/anna+schoenberg.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anna Schoenberg, super genius</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5GtKkopcmAlHuHLKPkVt0cC1pEl67Q_6cbl2rNkIxm6PV2sUf0YmjvOvNP_6gIBu50YuwspWyqKPqCPjQCzk2kjN5b3e89nIXRBRouMncNj8mzzo4IzLTduZzE2CsRMPgwAB_kZGSJne/s1600/river+goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5GtKkopcmAlHuHLKPkVt0cC1pEl67Q_6cbl2rNkIxm6PV2sUf0YmjvOvNP_6gIBu50YuwspWyqKPqCPjQCzk2kjN5b3e89nIXRBRouMncNj8mzzo4IzLTduZzE2CsRMPgwAB_kZGSJne/s320/river+goddess.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Names are a human conceit. I know who I am" River Goddess</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGk0gQEy_DWoNCtCDMmndK28Ik8uHOhOdABhXtPXKMm7wVd0SmWHPxRK7FtQK1zOTPK8mZ-C9jnczhDZFkomVtGVyLYrdflFcZf3iHn6Ez6Dzuy2n2SsCtaOhmS9cfgrgMl-MR810tHyy/s1600/peter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGk0gQEy_DWoNCtCDMmndK28Ik8uHOhOdABhXtPXKMm7wVd0SmWHPxRK7FtQK1zOTPK8mZ-C9jnczhDZFkomVtGVyLYrdflFcZf3iHn6Ez6Dzuy2n2SsCtaOhmS9cfgrgMl-MR810tHyy/s320/peter.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's friend, Peter. They met when she was a kid genius in college.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8MGW5Lcfq9JHOJPAYbc_ySCWL5gfh5CW6InZyAtStDesewvypn5jMQLa2dkaEO2kcWY59bF16Y5axyC2KoWlfLaXkwto-BNKaZfx5AQLphYPFyjsTGSWi0H0WkX8hg6BfCsLsUKiibKz/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8MGW5Lcfq9JHOJPAYbc_ySCWL5gfh5CW6InZyAtStDesewvypn5jMQLa2dkaEO2kcWY59bF16Y5axyC2KoWlfLaXkwto-BNKaZfx5AQLphYPFyjsTGSWi0H0WkX8hg6BfCsLsUKiibKz/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He also used to babysit and walk her to the library, because Anna was smart enough to be an undergraduate, but too young to cross the street by herself.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005963671296731081noreply@blogger.com0