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Post by dangermouse on Jun 25, 2009 0:18:40 GMT
I've been dabbling a bit lately, trying out some things which are quite foreign to me. I'm keen on photography, but other than that I've never really had a desire to dabble in the world of 'art'; being an engineer is not a very artistic outlet. I've always liked simple black and white line drawings, and a friend (who is very artistic and a very skilled textile designer) inspired me to get a piece of paper and a sharpie marker out and doodle. For some reason birds seemed like a good starting point so I've been doing a drawing every couple of nights or so recently. I think they're getting better but, as everyone, am very self-critical of myself. I would like some hints, tips and critique from you lovely people to help progress. I think I might like to get some decent pens and start ink drawing but don't know anything about it, so would also like any advice you may have. In chronological order, all done from online images: Pigeon Penelope (a prize for anyone who knows the reference in the title, it was sent to someone who knew the relevance, hence the writing): A couple of little 'uns A bit of a wide load in the rear end and neck's too long (shame really) And tonight's effort, possibly unfinished but eyes too tired to go on!
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Post by Beau Leggs on Jun 25, 2009 11:00:32 GMT
Pigeon Penelope - Lady Penelope from the Wacky Races
The only thing I would suggest is to change to a pencil (a 2B), as you can vary the strength of the lines and also you can do a little smudging of the drawing - this will give a bit more variation of your drawings.
Engineers are artists with a purpose.
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Post by dangermouse on Jul 9, 2009 23:22:17 GMT
Thanks Beau - I've got myself some pencils but haven't really got to grips with them yet. I'm tempted to start using some watercolour wash to provide some shading but that might be trying to run before learning to walk. Have got a fine tip pen though and been getting bogged down in the details, thoroughly enjoying myself....
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Post by tigerlily on Jul 10, 2009 16:09:53 GMT
Using charcoal and pencils allows you to get much more light and shade and depth into your pictures.
These are very nice, but also very flat and two-dimensional. I also get the feeling that you've drawn the outlines v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y and carefully. Pen and ink is a fast-flowing and moving medium to work in, it calls for a quick approach, whereas with pencil and charcoal, you can take your time a little more.
You need to be more sure of yourself with ink, as it is so permanent, and I think that is making you somewhat hesitant, and that is reflected in the pictures which are slightly stilted-looking.
*Disclaimer: I am not a professional artist. This is just my own observations from drawing using both pen and ink and pencils and charcoal.
It's been a long time since I did any drawing at all, but I am definitely considering having a go at it again while I'm on holiday!
Hope you don't find my comments discouraging. I do like the pictures!
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Post by Pistachio Newt on Jul 19, 2009 22:15:12 GMT
They are excellent, I wish I could do that! I like the Wren the best, the proportions and its quirky posture are spot on. The birds of prey are very nice, too. I know shading could change them (for better or worse is a matter of taste), but just to get the proportions and the likeness as good as you have really makes me jealous...
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Post by dangermouse on Jul 22, 2009 0:10:42 GMT
Thanks for the comments, I really do appreciate them, especially the constructive criticism. I've not picked up a pen or pencil since I finished the Owl though, lack of time and motivation. The way I draw is to sketch in soft pencil to get the outline in the right proportions, or close enough, then taking the plunge and getting ink to paper. Once I've got the outline roughly done (about an hour or so from blank page) the ink outline follows fairly quickly, then the detail begins. This takes a few hours over about a week or so - I do sometimes just sit there with pen in hand and don't touch the paper and just go to bed. If I was doing something that was easily erasable I'd never get anything done as I'd always go back and change things. I'm probably doing it all wrong, and should probably go to a class or something. I don't like the outline effect, and can see why it looks like I've taken ages over it, so will try to get away from that, maybe just leave it in pencil and do the detail in pen. Thanks again, it's nice to get some feedback from people that are distant. Apart from on here only one person has ever seen the sketches, and I don't really feel like showing them around because I don't consider them much worth, and the reason for doing them is quite personal. It's nice to get the good comments online though
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