#moondustowl

[moondustowl]

“The Summoning Dance” - remake of an old artwork from about 2 years ago...

It is rather some kind of a “than & now” artwork, as I didn’t change quite much on the original drawing. I liked it in general, just wasn’t satisfied with the quality anymore. When posting such reworks I realize that I actually got a little better lately, which is encouraging!

You can see a comparison of both side by side on my Instagram profile...

Hope you like this new version too!

[moondustowl]

Daearen Dewey - Original Character (OC) drawing for the OCGardenParty event hosted by @faebelina on Twitter & Instagram.

Full character info & backstory can be found on my deviantArt profile!

[moondustowl]

July Art Blog : Finding Your Art Style

   I remember having this one of my biggest issues for long-long years...

   Finding the most suitable art style for yourself is not that easy as it sounds, even if one is certain about what he/she likes to draw. We face ourselves on a daily basis with better and better artworks, interesting styles and the big question “why haven’t I thought of this before?” and yet there we are, doubting that the chosen style is really the one we actually want to stick with...

Let’s give an easy example to what I am talking about...

   I’ve always loved fully digital painted, outline-less styles, like smooth concept art which is rather cartoon-ish than photorealistic, but however I tried, I could not express myself through any of those styles, because let’s be honest I am (or at least was) not on that level of professionalism, but still wanted to have something unique that people can recognize my art about...    Than I found out the style that has always been “hiding within” : one with various outlines, strongly deetailed and with an absolute and sometimes abstract flow. From that point I started working on that style to get better in it (while of course I never gave up learning concept art style & still learning and practicing) but meanwhile I could finally draw out the things from my mind without that empty feeling of nothingness I felt before, because my artworks didn’t resamble one to the other in style, so this way couldn’t even be recognized that all were done by a single person...

TIPS on how to find & get better in the style that suits you

   Finding your style is not necessary a long process. Some of us just start drawing and their hands like “know” what to do, but for those who are not that sure about the style they wish to work with, here are some nice tips:

TIP 1 : The Art Style Challenge    Chose an artwork (your own or a fan-art) you like and you can easily reproduce. Than take your favorite artists / styles (one picture from each) and put them side by side. Now start with the chosen artwork: first draw it as you can, as it is the easiest for you at the moment. Then start with the chosen styles one by one, try to adapt that one artwork to each and every chosen style. At the end, you’ll find out which one is the easiest for you, which one can you use more naturally... this is also called the “art style challenge” which has been lurking around social media last year (I guess, or a few months ago, I’m not sure).

   This is definitely the easiest way to find out which style is closer to you. After this the only thing you have to do is to practice-practice-practice!

I also did the art style challenge (and I’m totally honest now, back than I wasn’t sure about my own style), it helped me a lot, and since than I progressed so much, I couldn’t even imagine one year ago... of course, I’m practicing daily, trying to learn something new every day, or getting better in things I know but I’m of course not so perfect in...

TIP 2 : Copying (or Fan Art) (no, not meaning copyright infringement by any means!)

   We all started somewhere, and we must admit, we all copied drawings (if not later, than as a child). Copying with the only purpuse of practice is not at all a crime... until you don’t post it and/or claim it your own!

   Just remember how many of us started our “carreer” as children copying Disney princesses or Storybook illustrations (like Grimm tales in my case), or nowadays the so called “fan-art”. What is it if not a great way to practice? Do it for your own, or share only with close friends, request critiqes and accept your faults to be able to progress...     Draw fan art of your favorite characters / landscapes / games etc. whatever might interest you, but try using the same style for each (one that feels comfortable to use). After some time you’ll find out that you’re unconsciously use the same style, even when you’re drawing something of your own...

   For start try chosing images of the same style, until you get used to, than to make it harder and your progress better, chose something in different style and apply the style you chose and practiced before. The success is guaranteed if you’re devoted enough..!

Here’s my Art Style Challenge to prove that what I’m talking about really works

A this point I wasn’t sure about my style, and wasn’t even satisfied with my drawings. Of course I never am for 100% but now, one year later I can say that I progressed a lot thanks to a lot of practice and observation...

Hope this blog helps you on your art journey..! Feel free to leave comments about any suggestions for future art blog themes!

Wish you all the best & see you in August!

PS: If you are intrerested in all the latest art updates from me, follow me on Instagram as that is the No1 place where everything appears on a daily basis!

[moondustowl]

Artwork I did for the MasterWorksChallenge on Instagram (aka drawthisinyourstyle classics version) this time started by ChrissaBug.

Original painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

It was a great fun & good practice as well. Enjoyed a lot!

Visit my profile there for more art & wips : MoondustOwl ...and also feel free to join the fun!