Sketch dump!

Samurai Schoolgirl Process

I used a photo reference.
http://mjranum-stock.deviantart.com/art/Samurai-Schoolgirl-e-7-132790042

I was looking for mainly a nude piece, and this picture was just too cool to pass up.

I quickly rendered the background using a soft brush. Once I knocked that out I started the line work.

I took my time with it, making sure nothing was too out of place, but I also didn't dwell on it. (I do this sometimes, when I can't get it perfect)

Next, I made a New Layer beneath the line work and filled it with color (also set the Layer settings to Multiply). The purpose was to not disturbed the line work, and instead use it as a guide for the painting. I started with some darker tones and built them up with lighter tones using a soft brush. I tried not to worry about the perfect color, but focused on the tones, and trying to give the shape volume.

Next I flattened the image WITH the outlines. I would usually hide the line work, but I just flattened the whole SoB together (minus the background, I left that untouched).

The last image I shaved off the black lines using the eraser tool attempting to achieve the same shape as the reference.

Note I bolded some elements a quick reader might want to just glance over to get the gist of.

I'm not finished of course, but I wanted to explain the process I went through while it was fresh in my head.

late night doodles

Tips to improving drawing. -Gesture Drawing

I feel I've acquired enough information to help those who wish to improve themselves. And I want to share.

My own venture into drawing was rocky at first. I would get bored, I wouldn't know what to draw, or how to improve. It was upsetting. I wanted someone to tell me what to do. So of course I start researching how to get better.

I looked for what to do draw, how to draw, and how to improve. After numerous blogs/forums/websites, it dawned on me. Draw! Draw! Draw! Everything and anything! Drawing is like everything else in the world, it's a skill that takes practice. Unless you are gifted with liquid hand movements and an unparalleled memory for shape and form you need to draw, draw, draw!

OK, you say. Draw what? For the beginner, I would suggest first gesture drawing. Quick speedy gesture drawings. What is gesture drawing you ask? I'll let http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesture_drawing handle this. In short, it's quick short drawings. Drawings where you just try to knock out the shape, and you ignore the small details. WHY? Because it allows you to build confidence in your drawings. Strong, sexy lines that give the viewer the impression you know what you are doing.

But what do I draw?! Although gesture drawing is best with people or animals, it can be applied to anything. One could quickly gesture draw anything within eye sight. It's about training yourself. Being able to look at objects and recreating that shape in a short time (for me it was 30 second drawings). Some issues that might pop up are accuracy. I would suggest not to dwell on it. Take a quick glance at it, look for the errors and think about how to improve, then move on to another drawing (could be the same object).

More to come in the future! Keep on doodlin.

September 17th - 1000 Freaks Under the Sea

Oh man I hope it doesn't look like I went filter happy on this. :D

Very cool ideas from http://www.reddit.com/r/SketchDaily/comments/100sxy/september_17th_1000_freaks_under_the_sea/

The Walking Bread

some late night doods

More exercises in value

Here's a little study on values. This underwater forest was fun, I wasn't focusing on detail, but instead working with the values in order to add depth.

More exercises! and some thoughts

Everyday I try to draw something I don't like drawing and I usually end up pleased with the results. For me its heavily shadowed dark lit movie scenes and scenery. When trying to recreate the picture I try not to worry about the colors and more on the values.

Added a lighting/color exercise of the shark.

Here's an excellent collection of wallpapers to use as a reference. http://imgur.com/a/xBbQB

SMORE DOODLES

Been working on the planes of the face/head and incorporated it with some value studies. When I do value studies I try to shoot for 4 values and try to keep them distinguishable.

Asaro Head Sketch

A good exercise turned out to be an Asaro Head Sketch. I did this with 100 opacity and 100% flow. Using only pen pressure rendered this piece. Here's a link to an excellent art reference site to get it. http://fleets-refs.tumblr.com/

late night doodles.

Drawing some weird faces. Playing with odd values and lighting