Friday, May 6, 2011

What's in My Sketchbook?

Here is another try with sketching a skull.  I had this skull for almost a year, and it took me this long to work up my courage to give it a go.

20110413 Skull & Stones 3

I guessed when I said courage; I mean I’m to work on something which is fairly basic to most of life drawing artists.  But to a newbie like me, it is a very difficult subject to draw. I’m quite intimated by it.

Skull & Stones

However, as one of my goals is to be able to draw and paint girl figures with ease and grace, it would be to my benefit if I could develop a good understanding of basic human anatomy.  So without further steering away from the subject, I sat myself down on a weekend and began my reluctant sketch of a skull.

20110413 Skull & Stones CU


20110413 Skull & Stones CU 2

I’ll be the first one to say, the sketch lacked all the subtle details of the skull structure.  But I quite like the simplified version of it … just enough to depict the structure.  Afterall, I’m not aiming to do life drawing but more my version of it.

20110413 Skull & Stones 2

Hmm … about the girl drawing & painting practice, I haven’t done any since I started the sketchbook. Apart from having too much fun with the sketchbook process, I’m in the process of finding “model(s)” who could help me to develop the skills and “style” I need for the girl drawing & painting.  This is not an easy task but I’m getting there.

And while I’m writing this, I’m thinking maybe I could start a girl sketchbook and alternate it between my usual sketch.  Hmm … must give it some further thoughts.  The last thing I want is to turn the entire creative venture into some kind of chore!

Cheers my fellow creatives and bloggers.  Have a wonderful weekend!

The sketch is also for Paint Party Friday (hosted by Eva and Kristin).  All are welcomed!  Do join in to share and support each other!

40 comments:

Nicola said...

Wow!!! I can't believe you say you are new to drawing. I think you have done such a fantastic job on this piece! Your use of colour in the back ground really makes this pop! I think this is a great piece! And I think you already do have your own style! Lovely work well done!

Cynthia Schelzig said...

This looks great....as well as the cmposition and the rocks add that extra something for sure. YOu have some beautiful succulents below and I like that piece with the Brit flag shoes:)

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

An amazing sketch! I was just thinking about drawing skulls just yesterday. :) I gues I should put my but in geer. :)

Yvonne said...

You have a good eye for seeing the details so you are great at drawing. Love it.

Anonymous said...

I really love your sketchbook style and you can totally draw skulls! Once again your use of colour has made this one appear 3D!

Kat Sloma said...

I like how you write of your fear! We all have stuff that stops us like that. I love the shading of blue you've added to this. Really wonderful. Happy PPF!

Kat W said...

You did a great job! And I know I've said it before but I'll say it again: your sketch book pages look so creative and wonderfully presented. You really have a lovely developed recognisable style.

Kat X

Unknown said...

I love your style- it's wonderful! The drawing of the skull great with all those lovely stones scattered around. I also love the way your words become part of the art- truly a beautiful page!
Happy PPF,
Stephanie

carlarey said...

I think this is a terrific drawing! The whole page is wonderful.

Theresa said...

I think your drawing is wonderful & love how you water colored it. I should try doing anatomy sketches, but haven't. Happy PPF!

Abela said...

I like your way to work, study very carefully, to get a good picture. Hugs

Annabelle said...

A very good idea to do anatomy drawings to grasp the way the human form should be like and from there everything- else falls into place nicely. I think I as well should set aside time to do that...good practice and learning. I very much like your version of the skull and the washed out blues in shading and tone. Gorgeous work!

Annabelle xx

Melisa said...

Who'd have thought a skull and some rocks could make such a lovely sketchbook page? I really like it!

Crystal said...

You are so very talented. A skull should not intimidate you in the least! I love how it turned out. :-)

Mary Hysong said...

I think you did a lovely job on the skull! If you really want to learn to draw people well, I suggest you check out http://drawingtutorialsonline.com/ It is an awesome site with hundreds of hours of video tutorial. No affiliation, but just love it. It is totally worth the small monthly subscription price. My drawing improved dramatically in 30 days and continues to improve!

Valerie-Jael said...

You have managed the skull really well, and I know how difficult they re to draw and paint. The last one I tried looked like a halloween lantern! Good luck with your girl sketch book, too, and a happy weekend! Valerie

Anonymous said...

Your skull is awesome! I just love how you paint in your sketchbook with all the extra things like the rocks and the writing and the blue background color on this piece. I would be very happy with this if I had done it. It's difficult to draw the human form. Super!! Happy PPF.

Unknown said...

Wonderful work on the skull and I love the tones of blue too!!!! great job !!!!

Happy PPF!!!!

WrightStuff said...

You don't need to go to art skull - you're a natural!

Christine said...

good job on that skull, it looks difficult to me.

EVA said...

You did a fabulous job J! You really are too hard on y ourself. Multiple sketchbooks is what I am trying and I like it. 30 page ones make it much easier to pursue themes and feel like I am making progress..

Heather said...

This looks great! I love the detailing on the stones. Nice blue color too - Great idea to paint a skull! enjoy your friday! xo

Netty said...

Your skull looks great and loving the colours. Have a great weekend, Annette x

SaraLynnArt said...

You've done such a fabulous job and made your final drawing so interesting! I love the composition you've created with the rocks and blue panels.

GlorV1 said...

I love your style. Love the blues and the rocks you've added. I really think it's a great job. Well done! Have a great weekend.

GlorV1 said...

I love your style. Love the blues and the rocks you've added. I really think it's a great job. Well done! Have a great weekend.

Denise Mulligan said...

Wonderful! Nice arrangement as well. The very first oil painting I ever did was of a skull. I think it's an art school favorite.

Heather Foust said...

Wonderful sketch! I think you did quite well!

Leovi said...

He has been a great drawing

Marlene said...

You did an amazing job on the skull, I think you have a natural understanding of the human anatomy already.

Paula - Buenos Aires said...

Great composition, love the lines so flowing and yet so steady.

Sunshineshelle said...

Love it, both the artwork AND the photos with sketch & props, wnderful, Happy PPF!

Rosie Kaplan said...

I really like the way the sketch is laid out on the page with words too. Its very intriguing.

Gerri Herbst said...

I just adore your sketchbooks. You have a very wonderful style. Love the delicious blue color. gerri

Lynette said...

Nice pairing with the rocks. I always like text with images. It makes such a great background. Good job!

Cameron said...

Well done, Sweet, Courageous Girl!!

It may sound lewd, but when I wanted to work on female figure drawing and lacked actual subjects, I'd purchase a Playboy or other girlie mag where the forms are nude and sketch from those...just an idea...haha!

You are doing so wonderfully :D

Victoria said...

Awesome!! I love your skull..i am super drawn to it..also cuz i love love skulls..gorgeous work..i love the blues piercing through and love the shading on the skull..magical!
Wonderful work!
Shine on!
victoria

Kristin Dudish said...

Wonderful color choices for your drawings... I always love how you photograph you sketchbook (that is an art in itself!)

xo
Kristin

Jaime Haney said...

If you are new to drawing, you are off to a fantastic start! This is a great first try. Now go and do many more angles and just see how much better you get! Great job!

Julie said...

Wonderful work and I love the blues.