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Monday, December 28, 2009

Sketching and Painting

I have been doing a bit more sketching in my "faces" journal and I am afraid I made quite a mess of these ones. I had forgotten to keep my hands off of the already sketched part and ended up with quite a bit of smearing. One of my "resolutions" is going to be to do more sketching and try to learn to do gesture sketching. The scan isn't very good, but I think you can see the idea. Actually the one on the right is not a face, but more a back of the head.





I've also been working on putting a bit of color onto the face that I showed in my last post. Here is what I have so far:


I had a lot of fun playing with the background.




I'm pretty sure this is what is called the "awkward" stage.


I feel pretty good that I didn't put this in a corner somewhere in disgust at this point. That is what I would have done in the past because I would have thought that the hideous color of the hair was impossible to recover from. Not this time; here is the next step:



Still not loving it, but definitely better.






I have colored some of the flowers with yellow petals and orange centers, but realize the flowers are just a blob at this point so am planning to make something going off into the top left and maybe adding some text.

Here is my picture with notes about possible additions/changes. I'd love some input.




On another topic, I have finished the art journal that I began on January 1, 2009 and have ordered another blank one from Dick Blick. I never thought I would finish one let alone be anxious to begin another. It is amazing the changes I have undergone in just one year. I am sure it is in part from being a member of such a caring and supportive online community. Without you I am pretty sure my inner critic would have become much larger instead of retreating a bit as she has.

It has been a wonderful year and I am so looking forward to another. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

11 comments:

  1. Your sketches are very good. Smearing is something I have to be constantly aware of, too. I like the back of the head. You just keep getting better and better! hugs, nancy

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  2. I am not sure what it is you are asking for here. She seems fine to me as is. I will look forward to seeing the end. Do you want more color? more modelling?, more depth? I think maybe you know where you want to take her. Sorry, i am not much help.

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  3. Sketching is a growing thing. The more you do the better it gets. I need more practice with mine. I like what you are doing. The face is very pretty.

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  4. I adore watching your process unfold, especially the fact that you didn't just chuck it away, you kept going, growing and experimenting.

    Brava for you!

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  5. I think I will be resolving to do more sketching this coming year. Your faces are coming along great!

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  6. I love how you've included the steps!! This is nice work!

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  7. The area above the flowers and girl definitely needs something to balance the page. I don't think she needs a headband. What about adding a quote in large lettering outlining it like you did the flowers but filling it in with color? Your girl looks fine as she is. You are making a journal page not a photograph remember. Before you do anything else to the girl or flower area, try the balancing and then see what more you need to do. You may find that all else that needs doing is adding color to one or two of the flowers. You are almost there!

    As far as the smearing, I do it too. I tend to forget to use a cover sheet and have to dig out the eraser. Just don't use the pink ones that come on pencils. Use the white plastic ones. Use tracing paper or waxed paper as your protective layer if you need to see what the picture looks like as you work. Can't wait to see your finished page.

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  8. I hope to get into sketching this coming year. It's one of the things I haven't felt really "comfortable" with. I want to stretch myself in 2010!

    Lovin' your sketches *smiles*

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  9. Sketching is something I want to work on this year also.
    I like how you are sharing the process. I agree with freebird on the balance.
    I look forward to seeing the finished work.

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  10. Oh,I enjoyed watching the unfolding of this piece!

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  11. Hello Vickie, It is I the biggest Billy Goat to cross the bridge. Ha Ha. Anyway, love the face and don't be so hard on yourself when it comes to your drawings, ok? Hugs, Francine

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