I hope everyone had a merry Christmas (if you celebrate it). The new year is approaching and it's time to start thinking about our resolutions. How about you? Do you make resolutions or are you one of the ones who makes resolutions not to make any more resolutions? Me, I think resolutions are good, like goals are good. And I'm going to put a lot of thought into mine this year. I have a week left to get a good list going, which I'll post on the first.You may have noticed that I've not been around much lately. I've been very busy and haven't had time to surf through the blogosphere. When I have surfed, I haven't really had much time to comment. Some of it is because of the expected hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, but mostly, I've been submersing myself in the drawing tutorials online (linked at right). I really think it's a great program for the money (very cheap) and highly recommend it. It focuses mostly on figure drawing, a class I've always wanted to take and can never seem to find in my area.
This giraffe was sketched from a morguefile photo. I was getting a little frustrated with my figure drawings and wanted something easy. It is done in black prismacolor. 
These are sketches copied from Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life. It's a book that Matt (from the tutorials) suggested. I'm not sure I really like the book, but have to admit it is helping me see the human figure more in terms of volume. So, I guess I would still recommend it. What I don't like about the book is how little it does in the way of explaining. It's more about showing, but I don't always understand. This last sketchbook page has a couple of quick gesture studies, in continuous line and a sketch from one of the online poses available on Matt's site. I was having trouble with her legs, so I brought out her musculature a bit more than she had in order to help me understand the volume. I'm guessing that it took about fifteen minutes, but you know how time goes when you are sketching; so, I couldn't swear to that!
I really struggled with writing this post. I suppose that it's obvious, with the awkwardness of the phrases and the dullness of the content. I think it's time to pick up a good book to read. That always helps. Although, if I read a good Steinbeck novel and then write, wow! That is funny! I once wrote a letter after reading Of Mice and Men. When I read my copy of it (the letter) now, I laugh. I am so easily influenced! I would be one of those people who come back from Britain, and suddenly have a British accent. Oh whoa, I went off on a tangent there. Sorry.
We do understand, I'm afraid we've all been busy. I barely make it to Flickr anymore except maybe to post...but I do try to do a once a week and catch the posting time frame. Your drawing and developing "style" is coming along quite well. Hope you are having some great family time and keeping warm!
ReplyDeleteI laughed when I read your post. I so related to having trouble writing and posting something that seems dull even to me. But I actually found the post very interesting and the writing done well. Congratulations on your sticking to the drawing course. I'm going to check it out. I like that last figure drawing and also very much like the charming and more free drawing at the top of the post.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling sometimes I write a post and think 'Who in their right minds would want to read this'! But your post is interesting and I like your drawings - the giraffe is very funny.
ReplyDeleteWhich course are you taking?
And finally - I don't usually set goals but this year I decided to take stock of the last year and set myself some goals for the next year - I'm going to translate those goals into a vision board (because visuals have a very positive effect on me) and hang it in my studio. I'll post the goals too and I'll come check yours out on New Years Day.
Thank you all very much! Peachtree: Me too! I feel bad for my flickr friends as I'm hardly there to comment anymore! I do try to stop by occasionally and play catch-up! Curiouscrow: Look on the right, just under my EDM logo. Just click the Drawing-Tutorials logo and it will take you there. There is a seven day/ one dollar trial. And he'll even send you a DVD. No kidding, I've already received mine. It was on portrait drawing. Jana: Glad to hear it isn't just me! I find it so hard to be clever and witty!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work! Love the girl with the cute nose, and the giraffe is great, with her funny face!
ReplyDeleteLove your christmas card, too, with the little snowmen, it's neat.
I feel the same about blogging, I like it, because it's a nice way of sharing and learning, but I've slowed down a lot because it takes too much time. I really do it when I feel like it now, go see the people I know, and a few of the new people to say "hi", and that's all!
Nice sketches....off to check out the tutorials.....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind remarks about my family - everything is much better now (fingers crossed). And tonight my home internet is back (whoohoo!)
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are concentrating on improving figure drawing. I've been doing the same in a much less structured way. I may follow your lead..(as usual) :)
I think the sketches from Bridgman's are great and I find the balancing of the figures to be very interesting. Great post - and no it isn't obvious unless you tell us! Thanks Raena, my west coast buddy!
I completely understand your dilemna. It is so hard to keep up with everyone's posts, and everyone does such great art. I've had to limit my computer time and divide it among certain days, i.e, one day is commenting on blogs, another day for Flickr groups, etc. It can be completely overwhelming, so I try to do it in small increments so that my family remembers who I am.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are enjoying your classes and seeing great results from them too!
You are so talented! I love your giraffe!
ReplyDeleteRevelle
Thanks for the kind remarks on my blog re: my sketches, yours are phenomenal and I enjoy reading what you have to say!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne in CT
I laughed at your going off on a tangent. That's what makes the post fun to read. I'm easily influenced too and could just imagine picking up that English accent! Love your giraffe. He's cute. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteBridgeman's is a classic - and it is more intuitive. I had to buy a copy 100 years ago for a drawing class and we never used it (no reading assignments!)(I still have it). So I think it is more for the feeling of the drawings inside. But - you are doing what it takes to improve (drawing all the time). I think your drawings are coming along quite nicely - I'd be psyched if I were you. Happy New Year Raena.
ReplyDeleteI like your figure/portrait stuff the lady in this post manages to look 1950's and gothic all at once
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with your figure drawings, that is something I really need to practice. I will check out the tutorials, but I'm not sure I will be able to take the time any time soon, but maybe it's still worth it. Thank you for the tip!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the giraffe! It's so playful and fun!