Head Study

Here is a digital head study using a photo from the fantastic Drawing Script.  The page will cycle photos from many categories at a timed frequency of your choice.  It is great for gestures or longer poses.

I found a great set of pencil brushes that I used here, but you get a grid pattern when filling large areas.  If anyone has any suggestions for Photoshop brush sets they like let me know in the comments.

Figure Drawing

I try to get to a figure drawing session at least once a week, but I always forget to post my stuff.  So I'm going to play a little catch up by posting some work from the last couple of months.

This model had pile of tendril-like hair which was a lot of fun to draw.

Photo/Copy

Here is another bit of practice to get the hang of painting in Photoshop. Since I have struggled with this in the past I decided to start removing variables to make the process easier to get a handle on.

I started with a blank screen rather than an analog pencil sketch, and chose to do a side-by-side copy from photo reference so I would have fewer variables to worry about.  To simplify further, I also chose a vintage black and white still so color issues would also not be a factor. Reducing choices and variables was a great way to get to know the tool, and make it much less daunting of an experience.

Using this brush set courtesy of Min Hyuk Yum was very helpful.  The first brush in the set worked tremendously well as a pencil, and for the first time I felt comfortable sketching in Photoshop.

All in all I think it was a very positive step in the right direction.

The reference I used was this beautiful photo by Gordon H. Coster from the 1930's.

The Shanghai Pearl

At my monthly sojourn to Dr. Sketchy's Seattle a little while back, I was lucky enough to draw The Shanghai Pearl, one of the top performers in the burlesque scene.  Her costumes and poses were wonderful but my favorite thing was her amazing facial expressions. She always knows how to add fun to a pose.

A fantastic addition to the stage was Seattle rope maker and bondage guru Twisted Monk (possibly NSFW).  He tied Pearl into some great poses and added a lot of personality to the stage as well.

Thanks also to Lydia McLane for making it all happen, and Ernie Von Schmaltz for providing the fun atmosphere and pelvic thrusts. It was certainly one of my favorite sessions in quite some time.

SCREAMIN' SKULL

Having some fun and trying out some new brushes in Photoshop.  Sketching with a tablet is a little strange but it's getting easier.

Wiggy Stardust

 

With work and other projects lately it has been tough to find time to do any life drawing.  Well, the stunning Wiggy Stardust was just the right model to get my brain back in the drawing mood, courtesy of good ol' Dr. Sketchy's.  

I have to give tremendous props to Wiggy for her costume choices and poses.  Her classical Greek ensemble was a very pleasant surprise and was a cool change of pace from the usual burlesque fare.  

If you would like to see Wiggy for yourself (and I highly suggest you do), she and the always stellar Stripped Screw Burlesque crew, will be playing at the Rendezvous in Seattle this weekend. You can find all the details and buy tickets here.

Kat Von D

Sketch, from a photo, of Kat Von D I did last night while watching a movie.  It's nice to get back in that relaxing groove after almost two months of non-stop work. 

Dr. Sketchy's For The Win!

 

Sunday I attended a packed session of Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School featuring the amazing Polly Wood as our model for the day.  Polly was lovely and fun and gave us some incredible poses to draw (one almost resulting in her passing out)!

I worked with some compressed charcoal sticks that I am finally getting the hang of, yielding some positive results in the second half of the session.  I was happy that a few sketches were able to capture some of the beauty and energy of our model, and was shocked when one was selected for a prize at the end of the night.  Being picked by Polly and our host Ernie Von Schmaltz (who stated on the mic my drawings were "fucking awesome") was very cool, especially with all the other talent in the room.

Big thanks to Polly Wood, Ernie, the rest of the Seattle Dr. Sketchy's crew and all the inspiring artists for making it such a great evening.  

My Favorite Sketch of the night (15 min)

The big winner! (20 min)

Work Harder

At the beginning of this year I signed up with the Classical Art Online atelier program.  It's been tough juggling assignments with work and other projects but I have been making good, albeit slow, progress. The nice part is that you can work at your own pace, and this has given me time to (hopefully) better absorb the concepts. Check out work by founder Jon Hardesty and my instructor Aaron Reid.

Below are my first two assignments, copies of the famous Charles Bargue plates (read more about Bargue drawings here and pick up the book here).

Bargue 2:

Bargue 1:

RocknRolla

A little rock 'n roll courtesy of the Drink 'n Draw session last night.

Don't forget kids, DJ eXb and I will be spinning Friday night upstairs at the Cavern (click for map). The last two weeks have been tons of fun and it's only getting better!

'53 Caddy

Sketch of a '53 Cadillac I did the other night. Heading to the DFW Drink and Draw tonight at the Dancing Marlin (click for map) in Deep Ellum. Hope to see you all there!

Oliver Peck

A sketch of well-known tattoo artist and Dallas legend Oliver Peck of Elm Street Tattoo. You have to love that 'stache of his.

In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

Here is a drawing I did of Alicia Reid, bartender at Home Sweet Home in NYC, who kindly recommended her favorite types of tequila in this month's issue of Inked magazine. Normally, placing Patron in your top five would be grounds for all other ratings to be rendered null and void. But since magazine lists often tend to be rigged toward sponsors and, more importantly, because she is so darn photogenic, we will let it slide.

Tara Dakides

A work-in-progress drawing of snowboard superstar, and all-around badass, Tara Dakides. It was nice to sit and just work straight ahead on a drawing. It has been a while...

(Click on the image for a larger view)

Missy Suicide Sketch

Sketch of the striking SuicideGirls co-founder Missy Suicide. (Click on the image for a larger view)

Killer Goriller

Quick sketch from a few nights ago. I think this looks like it should be on an 80's skateboard.

Ink'd

Weekend squid sketch. (click for a closer look)

Tattooed Lady

Sketched this from an image of designer Allison Burns. She certainly is quite a striking figure with her lovely dark hair and almost full sleeve tattoos.

Lunch Angel

Sketched this little angel at lunch yesterday. The girl was in a magazine and I liked the charisma she seemed to exude. I added the halo and wings since you don't often see such spunk in heavenly creatures. And you should, don't you think?

Crouching Tiger

Watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (buy it here) over the last couple of days, and I had forgotten how beautifully shot this film is. Though this film inspired America's lust for wire-fu, those that sought to duplicate the action failed to notice Ang Lee's subtle yet powerful direction. The camera work and shot selections are superb, and are a lesson in composition and form.

This was a quick and loose piece to get some practice with the ol' digital paint.

(click on the image for a larger version)