XML Feeds
Recent Sketches
By Anthony on Jan 17, 2010 | In Artwork, Illustrations, Sketches | Send feedback »
Link: http://www.sageartsstudio.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=13971
More character sketches from this winter, follow the link above to see the gallery. My Dad's illness took a great deal of time away from all of us. Given the circumstances, I found it difficult to sketch in the hospital, although I did manage a couple of quick studies.
For those of you new to my blog, I'll repeat my process and reasons for using it. About two years ago I decided to reclaim some of my drawing skills, one of which is the ability to visualize imaginative imagery and create from memory. I decided to focus on portraits, most often female as they are most subtle and difficult to capture.
I have several rules when I sit down to sketch. First, I try to do at least 5-6 pages of sketches. Even if I'm wasting ink, drawing the same things over and over, it's the engagement that counts. Second, I work for the first few pages at least, in a permanent medium, where I cannot go back and make corrections. This has included pen and ink, calligraphy markers and brushpens. The first couple of pages in particular have to do with quick gestural drawings, trying to get as may ideas down as possible. Further, when I do these character sketches, I start by putting down a mark or two, then attempt to pull a face out of it, a very zen-like approach, that helps me get past my self-consciousness. I do these drawings in public, to further acclimate to that type of pressure, as often people watch or come up to comment.
I got this idea, of repeating a theme, from Berol Lutsky, from a project we did my sophomore year at MIAD. I was reminded of this lesson a couple of years ago when I saw a pair of videos by Iain McCaig and Nick Pugh of the Gnomon Workshop. Pugh's video had to do with accessing the creative parts of one's skills, and through a disciplined manner working to come up with an original visual language. McCaig's video had to do with developing the visual storytelling process through the use of storyboards.
I'm still working on mechanical aspects, control of the medium, losing a fear of wasting materials, working out my proportions, facial expressions, etc., but I plan to start expanding my imagery to include scenes and more narrative vignettes.
No feedback yet
Leave a comment
| « Final paintings for 2009 | Figure Drawing Session 7 » |
