IF: Resolve to Draw Better

There is no skill more valuable than the ability to draw well (personal definition: effectively render what you see); my subjects may change & my style may evolve, but my ability to draw well can only be enhanced as I practice, critique and refine my work.

I started the new year by deciding to draw this portrait for some dear friends of mine. It's of the family's son who's in Brasil for two years. Doing "Thank you" drawings is a way that I'm forcing myself to do observational drawings more. No matter what your resolution, back it up with some immediate action plan...and just do it.

Thanks and Tchao

PS I just love using the chipboard, that is supposed to be junked, as a halftone drawing surface. The little black and white charcoal get a lot of help from the chipboard.

Political Voices

Here is an illustration that I really enjoyed doing. It's very tongue in cheek-only it's someone else's tongue in their cheek! There are too often cases where the message of government is that's of the group which paid the most to be heard- for better or worse. This piece illustrates that problem.

Any one else have an opinion or criticism... slide over 5 bucks and I'll allow you're voice to be heard. J/K

I'll try to get in another post before Christmas more in the spirit of the Christ child, but just in case, Merry Christmas to all.

IF- Identity as a matter opinion

Who we are is really a matter of opinion, whether our own opinion or someone else's. As an example here are three sketches of the same person done to quickly explore shape dynamics. There are so many ways of seeing the world.

Since my painting style is largely realistic traditional, I sketch most of the time in caricatures and shape explorations like these. It helps me remember that the movement and shape of the figure add depth to emotions communicated much more than good rendering...well, for that reason and I like cartoons!

What's your opinion?

IF - Some pretend and some really believe

How long did you believe? Is there still a part of you that believes...if not in Santa than in Believing itself. The holiday season is wonderful for its ability to rejuvenate and enrich our ability to hope and believe in that which is good in ourselves and others.

This is not merely pretending-to presume without a foundation for the hope- but placing faith in true and guiding principles. Even though I can't always put my finger on it at times; just because as I can't show you that Santa exists, I can believe.

Repair: Holiday Camera

Ok, so I'm a camera nut. I have around a dozen cameras around my studios. I think of each them as offering a unique new vantage point on the same set of objects/events. This is one of my favorites, an old Holiday II home movie camera, yup just like in the Wonder Years.

I did this illlo completely in Illustrator a little while back and thought it was amply suited for this weeks topic. I'll post a more detailed version a bit later for those interested.

Cheers!

If Late... bring a gift!

If you find yourself falling behind schedule for some ghoulish party this Halloween bring a gift...eyeball stew is a real crowd pleaser and is sure to leave your host speechless. This is a fun little sketch I did and just wanted to give it better treatment then scribbly (yes that's a word) pencil.

Happy Halloween just in case I don't see before that frightful night.

String- A cat can never resist

A promotional cover that fit well with the subject. I tried to reveal the narrative subtly, using the string from the "mousetrap" winding u[to the window to add some intrigue and give the viewer a second or two before realizing that the mice in the window are baiting the cat.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions of comments, Enjoy.