This week I was struggling with painting the details of my reference. I'm not sure if maybe I was thinking too far ahead and missing some fundamental steps at the beginning, but it was a bit harder.
I'm also getting more and more shifts so it's been difficult to find energy to draw so I'm falling behind a bit which is stressing me a little 😅
In the painting, I struggled a lot with finding the right colours. I got frustrated and decided to come back to it another day, which I then struggled with the grass details and ended up with the mess in the centre 😂
Thinking I need to maybe slow down a bit and look over some tutorials to see what I'm missing. Or even have an idea of how I want the end image to look like if not realistic?
May has been a great month for me. I'm succeeding in my new career, enjoying my art practice, and looking forward to making more progress. Now onto the goals~
So as well as continuing this blog (which is always an ongoing longterm goal for me) this month I wanted to try out digital painting using Procreate. I really enjoyed it and honestly think I may prefer it. I think using colour and the ability to undo mistakes had made me a lot more confident with just trying things out. The thumbnails I've been doing have been fun for me, and although I still want to up my productivity level, it feels good to learn about colour since I've avoided it for so long.
The one goal I didn't do was working with the Color & Light book I have. I do want to use this book as it seems really interesting and useful! I was waiting for a good time to use it, or until I felt ready? But that is an open ended question so I just need to do it.
June Goals
Goals I've set for June include more colour studies, this time looking at composition and finding the right vocabulary to describe it. I want to fundamentally understanding the images, not just copy it over. And of course, try to start the colour and light book - I'll talk about it more when I get around to using it.
One big goal this month is to create my own composition. This could be from a photo I've taken or even better imagined. The point of this is to practice finding good compositions and experimenting with colour and value, + make notes on it to see if I can create a successful thumbnail.
Another colour study this week~ I did one thumbnail as I was so busy this week and I know I have another couple of busy weeks coming up, so I'm unsure how much I can draw.
I am enjoying these colour studies though, and I would like to push them further like I said last week. As I haven't been able to do much my next steps are pretty much the same with wanting to makes notes on composition. The references I've been using have all been because they have interesting compositions and are layered environments which helps me with understanding value. So I'm doing that much at least! I'll see what else I can do :)
This week I wanted to try out digital colour studies or at least thumbnail sketches of landscape images I found on Pinterest.
I enjoyed doing this, I really liked observing the colours and finding how the lighting of the sky affected the ground below. They could be more interesting with shadows and texture, so that is something I can do next time. But for this I purely wanted to colour select without using the picker tool on the original image.
I did 3 this week due to having a busy schedule at the moment, but plan to do more. I would also like to study the composition of theese images and note it down so I can remember different ways to create an image.
I have linked the images I used below, although unfortunately, Pinterest doesn't have the best way to credit OPs. There is further access to blogs and flickr pages through the links below.
Tutorial Used: Landscape Painting in Procreate - Grass Field FULL TUTORIAL - David Joseph | The Creative Space
I really enjoyed painting digitally, more than I thought I would actually. I think switching to colour after avoiding it focusing on sketching for so long has really made me feel more creative and like I'm genuinely learning something more.
The tutorial I used was so helpful and easy to understand. Not only were the steps simple to follow, but the choices for colour, shape, and adjustments were explained clearly which I found so valuable as a beginner illustrator.
I can easily critique a lot about the finished piece, but I'm just so proud of myself for completing it in the first place that I was to savour the moment. I completed this piece over the past two weeks on and off. The tracked time was 7h 29m, but I think a lot of that was when I watched steps of the tutorial on repeat or choosing colours since I didn't want to colour pick (or left the iPad on whilst I made a cuppa).
Next week, I want to do some quick value and colour studies using the reference images I gathered last week.
This week I started I mainly collected works I am inspired by, and images I could use as references. I browsed Pinterest, Artstation, Instagram, Youtube etc. for artists that motivate me and inspire me to carry on. It was a difficult week productivity wise. I didn't have much time to sit down and draw, however, I did manage to start digitally painting! I'm super happy that I finally did it and I'm really enjoying the process of it.
Digital painting is something that has always intimidated me because I felt like I didn't know enough about colour, composition, and even how to imagining a scene in general held me back. But the thing that pushed me was finding this great tutorial on Youtube -
Landscape Painting in Procreate - Grass Field FULL TUTORIAL by David Joseph | The Creative Space
I found this tutorial super helpful as it explains colour, light, and value in a very easy to understand way. I have used Procreate before, but mainly for sketching quick ideas and never a full artwork. I have not completed the tutorial yet, but plan to finish it next week. I also want to use the references I collected to practice my understanding of values, light, colour, and composition. Afterwards I think I will be more confident in starting my own piece.
April was a super busy month for me. Not only did I have lots of interviews, but I secured a job! This is a huge weight off my chest and the layer of security I needed.
This month I was really happy to achieve a couple of my goals.
I practiced in my sketchbook at least once a week - a small win. I'd like to up this as I feel quite slow at the moment.
Followed some tutorials and learnt more about composition.
Practiced perspective drawing with shapes and irl space.
Observational drawing outside (got over some anxiety)
Up keep of this blog! Sometimes I'm a little late but I try to catch up
Not bad honestly. I'm quite happy.
May Goals
Now for May, I really want to do more! More, more more. I want to go quicker and improve my skills. I've been drawn to trying out digital painting recently, so I may focus on that. I really want to learn more about colour theory so I can create pieces that feel more finished. I'm getting a bit tired of simple sketches all the time. I'm inspired by all the fun illustrations I've been seeing with beautiful colour usage, so I plan to take a look through the book "Artists' Master Series" Color & Light" since I got it recently and haven't tried it yet.
Good news this week! I landed one of the jobs I had interviewed for recently 🥳
This means I can schedule time for drawing around shifts. Although it lessens my free time to draw, it actually gives me an incentive to use my time wisely and keep to a routine.
This week, I redrew my observational drawing attempt with a perspective that makes more sense, did some quick sketches of photos I already had, as well as carried on with 'The BEST environment design EXERCISE for BEGINNERS' by Tyler Edlin, this time doing the additive and subtractive exercises.
I found this quite difficult at times. Honestly I struggled to create a space in which the shapes made sense. I made some notes around the sketches to critique myself and note what I can work on more.
Adding perspective to some of them was quite simple, but I realised I wasn't making an environment with them, which is kind of the point and whole reason I'm practising - to make environments 😅
I've been itching to try out some digital painting recently so I might try that next week. I've really been wanting to try using colour/light in simple ways as I think it will help me feel like I'm improving and moving forwards from the fundamentals of shapes. Possibly too soon, but I really want to move forward.
Although I've been personally successful and optimistic, I've felt quite stagnant with art recently - maybe because I'm not working enough and also because I don't feel like I'm being very creative. My creativity is something that I really want to improve so I'm hoping that if I try digital painting next week, that will add some fun back into my exercises.
Youtube videos have been the most helpful for me lately so I found some more to help me practice. I found 'The BEST environment design EXERCISE for BEGINNERS' by Tyler Edlin, which explains one of the first exercises for environment design in the Brush Sauce Academy Art School.
The exercise tells you to use basic 3D shapes and create a thumbnail that makes sense in a space. Essentially make an interesting thumbnail using only one shape repeated. I really enjoyed this. I was happy to finally do something myself and use my own learning of perspective to try and create these thumbnails. Some were more difficult than others, but towards the end I got the hang of it. I didn't do the additive and subtractive steps so I'd like to do that next week. Or the whole thing again, maybe? I should probably do the next step and move on so I don't get stuck going in circles.
This week I also had my last scheduled job interview (for now), so most of the week I was preparing. However, as I was already out, I decided to have a little art session outside for once. I've seen the hashtag Plein April going around online and it got me thinking about one of my goals was to do more observational drawings outside. So I headed to a library where I could sit and study.
I managed to do small thumbnail, and one practice attempt. I am not happy with this attempt at all. I feel like all my knowledge of perspective just left my head and I tried to do it without? I've no idea what was going on. I think the right-hand side of the drawing is ok, but the left shelf is so wrong I laughed. I took some photos to practice again at home.
For next week, I have some more videos saved that I want to try out. I also want to do the additive and subtractive page from Tyler Edlins' video as well as push it further and creative an actual environment, maybe? That scares me a bit, but maybe that's why I need to do it. I really need to push myself to learn more and quicker if I want to progress. I really want to be super disciplined with it.
This week I have still been prioritising preparing for job interviews. My final interview is next week, so hopefully I can draw some more afterwards.
This week I was away from home for a few days so deciding to find some videos I could follow online. As I was looking into value and composition last week, I wanted to have another go at understanding some concepts and rules. I found 3 Rules for Better Composition by Artwod which was super interesting and helpful.
The video speaks about rules of thirds of fifths, visual weight, and shape contrast. I found these rules extremely interesting because it something that I have noticed in artworks, but not been able to verbalise or take onboard before. Below is my sketchbook page when studying this video. I drew out the examples and noted down pieces I found important.
At the end of the page, I applied these new rules to the previous image I had drawn from last week- the Steven Universe laundry background. I'm not sure if it is correct, however I'm taking the small win of applying my learning. I genuinely love that I did this.
"A selection of Backgrounds from the Steven Universe episode: Keeping It Together
Art Direction: Jasmin Lai
Design: Steven Sugar, Emily Walus, and Sam Bosma
Paint: Amanda Winterstein and Ricky Cometa"
-Steven Crewniverse
Looking forward to following some more videos this week as it's been really helpful in taking away my fear of not knowing where to start.
As well as developing my portfolio, I have been battling the great job hunt. It's been a little stressful and organising my time around it has been a little difficult. So my life has been busy with applications, interviews, and preparation for that, which means my art has taken the backseat.
I did one exercise in my sketchbook this week. And I have been spending a lot commonplacing. If you are unsure what commonplacing is, there is a great community here on tumblr to find out. Commonplacing is basically a way to compile knowledge of second-hand information such as from articles, talks, or books, usually kept in a notebook for future reference and reflection. My collection is mainly on Notion as I use it daily, however as I've been using more practical tools and keeping a sketchbook, I've been wanting to print or write my findings down. That has been replacing my sketchbook drawings this week. If I keep it up and make it somewhat aesthetically pleasing, I might share it on here? Undecided.
In my sketchbook, I only have this page to show. I decided to carry on my little Steven Universe study with a background this time. I chose a fairly easy one to draw - simple shapes, no detail - then tried to work out the values and composition using my other studies. I enjoyed doing this as it felt like I was actually moving ahead and learning something. It felt great to use my past work to assess the image and think of my own thoughts/ideas even if they're incorrect. Due to my printer ink being a bit low the image colours aren't accurate so I might've messed up a little - but I'm learning 🥺
Next week I hope to do some more of this, however due to my life being a bit hectic right now, I've been looking for some online courses and videos for a little structure. I'd appreciate a good linear journey right now to help keep me focused.
Starting my journey in March feels slightly awkward as its the third month of the year, but I keep telling myself it's as good a time as any.
I'm also low key wondering if I want to only have monthly updates or if should I keep the weekly ones for more accountability? As I've been struggling to keep a drawing habit I don't want to have bare weekly posts, but, the point of the weekly posts is for more accountability? So maybe I'm just embarrassed that I haven't got as much work as I'd like to show? TBD
Anyways, this first month had it's cliche ups and downs. I love that I started this blog, and I am happy that I am taking steps forward to accomplish an art career. It has also helped me in my personal life to feel more enthusiastic about my future in the small moments I may think of it.
I kept it fairly simple to be kind and to avoid overwhelming myself which can happen fairly easily tbh.
The one goal I didn't hit was to complete the Tory Polska domestika course. I started this course a while ago, but something stopped me from completing the project. Although I was really interested in it, I just didn't feel ready? I knew that it was one of the more difficult goals for March as I've had some anxiety about it, however I do still have access to the domestika course, and I will eventually complete it. Possibly within the next 2 months? Not sure. That scares me already.
April Goals!
Sharing some personal goals this time as well since my energy is being spent on those a lot more recently. I have job interviews lined up, and they genuinely take a lot of my energy before and afterwards - I need to prepare beforehand, and then it's like I need time to re-energise or regulate myself afterwards. Something to keep in mind and work on.
Setting myself the goal of an original drawing this month since I've been playing it safe by copying 👀 Designing/creating something of my own is where I feel the most pressure and anxiety in so I really want to alleviate that. Or at the very lest be consciously working on it.
That's all I have for now - scared and excited for April!
This week I was away until Tuesday evening so technically started on Wednesday. (I need to work out a better schedule.)
I wasn't sure what to do this week, so I browsed Pinterest again for some references. I felt like studying something rather than observing this time - my brain automatically wants to go into a learning/academic mode.
I found this image, which led me to this great blog called The Etherington Brothers. This image depicts the foreground, midground, and background, and something I'd said I wanted to work on previously was value, so I thought it would be a good, little exercise (the sketchbook images above).
Below is spread with props from Steven Universe shared on @stevencrewniverse. I love the show so I enjoyed drawing these and it made me excited to get my sketchbook out during a period of low energy. Although not perfect, I am more comfortable drawing 3D things so it was a good way to get stuck in.
I'm very aware that I've only been copying so far, and I do plan to use my own creativity to illustrate at some point. However, right now, I want to focus on building the habit of drawing so I don't overwhelm myself with a whole project as I tend to get stuck in the details.
I did a couple other little drawings (like some ikea products that I may want in my bedroom) but I'll keep this update short for now.
I started the week really enthusiastic and committed to this creative journey, so I cleared my desk of all distractions and got out my collection of art supplies. I sat down and was suddenly very overwhelmed. I think by looking at all the possible materials - acrylic, watercolour, pens, pencils, stamps, collage, etc. - I had choice paralysis.
So I found my sketchbooks and sat down to draw. At the start I felt quite nervous. I didn't know what to draw, what tools to use, what style, etc. I felt scared. It was really unnerving because it was a wakeup call to where my current skill level is at. So I watched some more youtube videos (mostly Minnie Small), then followed some advice and techniques to ease myself into drawing again. 💪🏼
I decided to start by drawing some objects in front of me in plain fine liner. I did enjoy this as I like observing objects and I usually like the final outcome, but, being a little rusty the drawings weren't very accurate. 🤭
The larger drawing is an image I found on Pinterest (here). I gravitate towards drawing buildings and 3D spaces, so I thought I'd comfort myself with a bit of familiarity. I sketched in pencil then used a Micron 05 in brown. Overall, I'm happy I did something. Always happy when I've been productive. Skills wise, I know what I could improve upon. Such as, taking more time to get straight, yet loose lines, using different nib sizes to create some depth and varying of detail, and also drawing confident lines. As I sketched it first, I was very conscious that I erased a lot, which isn't necessarily bad, but I would like to take more time to observe objects/images so when I do put pen to paper, I trust in my line placement.
The rest of the week was a write off. I wasn't in great health, and I was away for the weekend. So I have no more drawings to show, although I did keep present in art communities online and on discord so I accept a timid pass.
This week I'm proud of myself for starting this blog - it feels great to have a space to talk in without fear of people irl seeing it.
~I love shouting into the void~
It's also helped anchor me and create accountability for my progression.
One thing this week has taught me is that I need to be stricter with my time and develop a new routine that prioritises art. As well as don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes come naturally when we practice, which is why we practice. It so important to be kind to yourself when you're learning something new, or in unknown territory. I've been journaling every morning to help empty my head which has been great in stopping negative thoughts as well as kickstarting my day.
I would 100% recommend journalling to dive deeper into your thought process and to help dissuade negative thoughts.
So for next week I want to develop a good habit with my sketchbook, and stay focused on my art goals.
Looking Back To Move Forward / Past Drawings (Part 3)
This is my most recent drawing, the one I am most proud of, and what I think my current skill level is. It's a Procreate drawing of my bedroom, or at least an idealised version of it. I first sketched it with a pencil tool, and then inked over it with the gel liner to keep the lines simple. I thought if I used different line weights then I would get overwhelmed and drop it.
I used the perspective tools on Procreate to help but took creative liberty for the measurements. In uni, I was used to aiming for accuracy in my illustrations and visuals, but now I'm drawing for fun and to be more creative so I can loosen up a little. This also helped me to finish the drawing as I wasn't holding my self back from making mistakes.
I'm not very confident with colour yet, so I did a small (unfinished) attempt, and also tried to place the values in the illustration. The colours I used were from a preset already available on Procreate so I take no ownership of the palette. It's an important skill for me to learn and is very prevalent in a visual development artists job, so it is definitely something I want to practice and be great at. I do have some books already that can help m, but I'll write about them at the time.
This is the last catch-up of my past drawings, and now I can only show my current work. I wanted to share my older drawings to help me move on from them as sometimes when I create something I'm happy with, I get stuck and worried that I'll do something else which I won't like. And somehow that would have lessened my skill. I know this is illogical, but it's difficult to get over feelings of self-worth, confidence, and imposter syndrome. The latter being something I've struggled with my whole life. But I'm happy to finally move on and to open myself up to making mistakes, and practicing more. I keep reminding myself of where and who I want to be, what I'm aiming for, and eventually how I want to live my life.
So with that in mind, it's time I start creating something new.
(P.S. I'm feeling a little more confident with writing now. I feel myself rambling a lot, however I want to be authentic and relay my true thoughts and feelings. It may just be because I have a little plan of what I'm posting right now, but that may also just be self-deprecation talking again. A nasty habit I'd love to break out of. But I'm looking forward to where this blog takes me and hopefully to meet others in the art community.)
Looking Back To Move Forward / Past Drawing (Part 2)
These are some more recent studies of mine done in the last couple months. Since my focus in university was interior design and therefore spatial and 3D design, it was useful for me to understand perspective and how to manipulate 3D space/shapes.
Below are shapes taken from the books 'Operative Design - A Catalogue of Spatial Verbs' by Anthony Di Mari & Nora Yoo. This book (as well as 'Conditional Design') was helpful during my uni years, and it was a great tool for assessing shapes and space within architecture. I did little studies of these pages to wake up my 3D drawing skills since they'll be very important in designing environments.
Looking at these, I understand I need to work on my perspective some more, as well as draw my own illustrations to put the skills into practice. I should also take some more time to be precise with my lines when drawing such precise things - the shapes in the bottom images are not neat nor is the perspective great.
Looking Back To Move Forward / Past Drawings (Part 1)
To get a better sense of where I'm starting from, I wanted to post some past drawings for reference towards my growth. Although older, I want to have a clear timeline of my drawing skills so I can be objective when criticising myself.
These sketches are from 2018, so 6 years ago now, which seems so long ago and I'd forgotten all about these honestly. I tend to not keep drawings most of the time, probably because I don't like them. Mostly because I didn't spend enough time practicing beforehand and was disappointed with the outcome.
But I think it's important to acknowledge what I've done before to see my habits, and move on from them. I want to share them to essentially get them out of my head and push myself to create something new.
I may have more than this but this is all I can find for now. These are all random things I drew and painted when I convinced myself that I'd draw everyday, although I hadn't been drawing outside of my coursework before. It lasted 2 months...
Just quick sketches of things I like and some gouache paintings inspired by Studio Ghibli. There isn't much I want to say about these because I'm not particularly proud of them, although I am glad I kept them as I think it's sort of sweet that all I drew were some of my favourite cute creatures.
As these are from 2018, they are just on the cusp of when I started leaning more toward 3D design, which is when all of my work went digital with some model-making. I may share some of that some day or even older work from school but I'll stick to moving forward for now.
