Cedric's Sketch Compendium

[ceddo]

Hey there!

Thanks for taking a look at my sketchbook. My name is Cedric, I am an illustration student at University College Falmouth. I want to become a concept artist for the entertainment industry. You can view my portfolio at ceddo.carbonmade.com (http://ceddo.carbonmade.com/).

As usual, I really appreciate any crits you may have so fire away! I find that the hardest part of progressing as an artist is not being able to see your mistakes and limitations. If you point out my weaknesses, I will be very grateful and set out to turn them into my strengths!

And so, we shall go to sketch!

Please go to the last page for recent artwork! :)

[ceddo]

More stuff (does anyone know what the maximum number of image attachments is?)

[Novbert]

Let me be the first one to comment on your stuff. I'm glad you've gained the courage to finally start a sketchbook of your own.
some great studies above. I'd say perspective and structure are crucial things many beginners miss. So you're on the right track, don't stop doing this stuff.
The only thing I'd say is you should finetune that scanner 'cause those thin grey lines on the large white background can be really eye-hurting - at least on my monitor.
Anyway - I've already setup the first assignment in my little group - I hope you'd still like to join.
:yayca:

[Naidy]

Ah hello there. :D
A good start, already you have some studies, and the last portraits looks good- though you could make them even better if you put some more contrast in there (something I have to remind myself too)

Anyways, I hope to see more soon, so keep up the good work!

[ceddo]

@Novbert: Thanks for the feedback! I disabled color correction on the scanner which was making those blinding whites, hopefully it's a little better now. Some of the stuff I'm posting here will also be posted on the mentor thread. Sorry I've been gone a while, I'll explain in the other thread :)

@Naidy: Thank you for your comment :) I'll definitely take that into consideration for future portraits!

Anyway, here is an update. I think I'm getting better!

[ceddo]

2nd part of update.

[ceddo]

Another update!

[deadlyhamster]

hey ceddo, you got lots of thumbnails I see. I especially like the head study part from it, its very good. your also good in rendering, your using good contrast and values. so keep up the good work and good luck

[ceddo]

Thank you very much for your encouragement, deadlyhamster! I will be posting another update soonish :)

[ceddo]

Last update before I'm off to Switzerland! It might be more difficult to upload high quality scans over there but I hope I'll find a way.

[DZA.2]

Looking hot dude! Im liking the experiments with composition

[ceddo]

I wasn't sure whether to create a whole new topic or not - I decided to just update this thread with some of the stuff I've been doing this year. Here we go!

1673517
1673518
1673519
1673520
1673521
1673522
1673523
1673524
1673525
1673526
1673527
1673528
1673529
1673530
1673531
1673532
1673534
1673535
1673536
1673537
1673538
1673539
1673540
1673541
1673542
1673543
1673544
1673545

[ceddo]

Second part of update.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/dictiofinal2003.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/dictiofinal2004.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/dictionopolisorchardfinalCA.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/dictionopolispalacefinalCA.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive001.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive002.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive003.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive004.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive005.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive006.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive007.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive008.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive009.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive010.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive012.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive013.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive014.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive015.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive016.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive017.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive018.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive019.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive020.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive021.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive022.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive023.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive024.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive025.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive027.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive028.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive029.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive030.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/lilafive031.jpg

[ceddo]

Final part of update!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour001.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour002.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour003.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour004.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour005.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour006.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour007.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour008.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour009.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour010.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour011.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour012.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb/bigafour013.jpg

Any constructive criticism is very appreciated! I could always use some pointing in the right direction :) Thank you!

[DamnStraight]

I like the perspective practice. I'm a beginner, so your sketchbook has given me some ideas, thanks.

[ceddo]

@DamnStraight: Thanks! Yep, the perspective exercises are great. Focus on keeping the lines clean and connected, and always push your comfort zone! (I kept doing simple cube arrangements for too long, try to go more complex as you progress).

Here is an update from the past week - I started a new sketchpad, and wanted to focus more on precision and clarity when drawing shapes. I think that a clear, concise style is essential for concept art since your main duty is to create artwork so that others can work from it. So there's a lot of observational drawing here (especially of my fancy new chess set pieces!) and I was practicing the use of shoulder and elbow to create curved and straight lines with precision. But the most important for me was to create the illusion of space and form so that it looks correct and in perspective!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad001.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad002.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad003.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad004.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad005.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad006.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad007.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad008.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad009.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad010.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad011.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad012.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad013.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad014.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad015.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad016.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad017.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad018.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad019.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad020.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad021.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad022.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad023.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad024.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad025.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad026.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad027.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad028.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad029.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad030.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad031.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad032.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad033.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad034.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad035.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad036.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad037.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad038.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/patrioticpad039.jpg

[ceddo]

These are a few color studies I've done in the past few days as well. They are approx. A4 format and I try to finish them in about an hour. From the few I have done I have learned a LOT, so I will definitely keep doing them. So far I have only done studies by the candle light on my desk but I may begin to branch out and do studies outdoors soon!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/colorstudy001.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/colorstudy002.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb2/colorstudy003.jpg

As usual, critique and other comments are very appreciated :)

[ceddo]

Hello again!

Here is some more of the artwork I did during the year for a personal piece. I never got to creating the final painting, with the excuse that I needed more experience dealing with paints!

Well, that excuse won't work anymore since I do feel more confident with paints. I guess I'll just have to get to it!

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971351/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971355/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971354/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971357/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971361/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971367/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14970122/940x1326.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14971368/940x709.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14970124/940x1326.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14970125/940x1326.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14970127/940x1326.jpeg

http://media.cmcdn.net/14970166/940x1470.jpeg

Thanks for looking!

[ceddo]

Hi all. I'm not dead, I've just been really busy. I started using Trimble Sketchup a few days ago and it's such a dream to use! I don't think I've ever used a 3D program that is so intuitive, highly recommend!

Here I've just been having fun and practicing my skills by making a hammer and a basic human figure.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/sketchupsavingtemplate.png

[ChisLu]

So many amazing studies, please keep it up!

[ceddo]

Thank you very much ChisLu :)

I have begun digital painting on Photoshop, and while I've found it a bit awkward to begin with, I think I am now getting the hang of it. I've been following a couple of tutorials around CA which have been very helpful. By far the most useful thing I have learned, is that by taping a piece of cartridge paper over your Wacom, you can get rid of the awkward plastic-grippyness and it feels just like drawing on paper. For someone like me who is used to only drawing on traditional media, this was a really nice adaptation.

Anyway, here are two color studies I did very quickly on Photoshop. The girl is from photo reference, the outdoor scene is from life.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/colorstudy_2.jpg

[ceddo]

Another update - I recently discovered Matt Kohr's website ctrl+paint.com and it has been such a pleasure to learn more about digital painting through his videos! I strongly recommend it for those who are starting digital painting and don't know what to do. You won't find a better teacher!

So here is one of the pieces I've been working on. I'm slowly beginning to realize how versatile, fast and fun the digital medium is. At the moment, it's kind of like some wild beast and I can barely hold on to the reins.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/enviro_trench_1k.jpg

And progress picture:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/enviro_trench_WIP.gif

[elpez]

I really enjoy going through your thought process in #18. I'm wondering at what point you've got that piece. You were getting there and it had so much potential.

cheers

[ceddo]

Wow, thanks for reminding me about that Elpez. Initially, term time has started again just as I finished the preparation and I lost the momentum to finish the piece. I will definitely finish it sometime in the near future, probably digitally, to see if I can actually make something beautiful with a tablet!

I am happy to announce that I am an intern at an independent game studio! For the past 3 weeks, I have been making concept art for a new game project pitch. I can't show most of what I am doing nowadays, but I will keep this thread alive with my digital studies for the moment.

I am trying to do as much digital studying as possible to bridge the gap between my traditional and digital skills. I have been focusing a lot on drawing constructionally, to bridge the gap between my life drawing skills and imaginative drawing. I think it's very important not to only copy the 2D shapes you see when drawing from life, but use 80 percent of your attention to make a 3D mental image. This forces you to simplify, and also engages the memory part of your brain, which expands your mental visual library and makes you a better concept artist!

So here are some quick fashion studies and a rendering study of a metal bar fashioned into a weapon. Again, huge props to Matt Kohr (http://www.mattkohr.com/) from Ctrl+Paint.com for making the art world seem less scary :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/study_costume_1.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/study_metalbar.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[ceddo]

Another little update, here are a few more fashion studies. I really feel like I am starting to understand the forms of different types of clothing now, at least much more than a few days ago. It's crazy how studying from photos in the right way can make you learn fast. I have always been resistant to using reference material, stating that my art must originate from my own imagination, and not someone else's work. I realize I was wrong :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/study_costume_2.jpg

[ceddo]

Hello again!

As I only recently started digital painting, I have done a lot of stumbling in the dark trying to find the methods that work for me. Here are some of my experiments :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/cityview_1j.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/droiders_thumbs.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/hackneyhipster_thumbs_b.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/mechthumbs_1a.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/blacksmith_2d.jpg

Thanks!

[ericdelacruzgarcia]

Just wanted to say how cool it is to see your progress since your earlier posts. The digital stuff looks great I hope to get there one day. Also, thanks for letting me know about the cntrl paint site it looks awesome. cheers :)

[Jaik]

Progress in this sketchbook is pretty remarkable, you look like you have a lot of fun in the digital media adventures. Good stuff, keep it up, looking forward to seeing more :)

[ceddo]

Thank you Eric :) I can't begin to express my adoration for Matt Kohr, and he doesn't even know me!

Thank you Jaik, that is very encouraging!

Here is my latest lineart for the "Droiders" gang - steroid-pumped bodybuilder dudes with mech augmentations.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/droiders_sharpie_1.jpg

[ceddo]

Hello!

Here is a character I have been working on (the undefined part will probably be a flamethrower attachment, either replacing or around his arm)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/char_norman_1.jpg

and some more fashion studies. I think I might be stagnating with these now. Will see next time if I can change the way I break the clothes down, understand them from a different point of view.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/study_costume_4.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[Crow T Robot]

Man this is inspirational right here. Great stuff, amazing imho! Looks like I got advice from somebody who knows his stuff! :D

[ozark]

Those digi experiments show a glimpse of how great you're going to be in a few years' time if you keep practicing (which I know you will). Great work!

[ceddo]

Thank you for the nice comments :) they are really encouraging.

I have been feeling a little burnt out lately, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm going back to see my family on Wednesday and am aiming to finish all the characters for my internship by then. This is something I need to work on - keeping a positive state of mind when time is valuable, so that I actually spend the time I have making the artwork instead of wasting energy on negativity.

Anyway, here are the silhouettes I have selected to represent four of the gangs in the game. I have made the lineart for most of these, but will post it when I've finished all of them.

Droiders
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/silh_gangs/silh_droiders.jpg

Cybertologists
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/silh_gangs/silh_cybertologists.jpg

Hacksters
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/silh_gangs/silh_hacksters.jpg

Ratters
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb3/silh_gangs/silh_ratters.jpg

Cheers!

[ceddo]

Hi all. So here is the current progress on the characters I have been making. One of the big things making these characters has done for me is outlined my weaknesses and made it very clear what I need to work on. I definitely think I bit off more than I could chew when I set off to make "a bunch of characters from each gang", but putting myself so far out of my comfort zone has taught me a lot.

Basically, I need to do more studies. Lots and lots more studies! And not just mindlessly - I need to make a special effort to engage the memory part of my brain, and really ingrain that knowledge every time so I can pull it out when maknig stuff like this.

Here are the images - I see a lot of flaws in them, but at this moment I don't have the energy to change them. I will be working more on them, just not now. Moving on to something else in order to come back fresh.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/char_cybers_grays_1.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/char_hacksters_colors_1.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/char_ratters_gray_1.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/char_sharpie_color_1.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/char_ulrik_color_2.jpg

All the best!

[CrashPoint]

Thanks for taking the time to drop by my sketchbook Ceddo! You're definitely putting in the work. Best of Luck!

[marcocasalvieri]

thanks a lot for the comment on my sketchbook, very encouraging!
really cool characters concept!

[Shad-]

Wow I went through your whole SB, and I have to say it was worth the time !
I like how you always analyze what you are currently struggling with and how to overcome it. The year-long update is amazing because of the ton of work you have done, but also by the smart approach to work -the one I lack ><- you have.
About the last update, I am impressed by the quality of BOTH your enviros and characters. Last thumbs that you turned into more detailed designs are very personnal, and really dynamic.

Keep rockin' :)

[ceddo]

Thank you guys very much for the encouragement :)

Thanks so much Shad! I always try to make sure my direction and intentions are really clear in my mind, so that I don't get lost along the way. Also, I remember reading somewhere that it's not the amount of time you spend on something but how much you learn during that time, that matters. That struck a chord in me so I always try to make the time I spend drawing, quality learning time.

I have been on holiday for 2 weeks, visiting my parents and had something like a break from drawing. I began doing sports again, and feel fantastic. My inspiration is back and I feel very sharp and productive.

Most of the things I have been doing are anatomy studies and spaceship designs in my sketchbook, but I haven't had access to a scanner so I will upload them when I am back in Falmouth.

Since coming back to London, I've begun working on a space exploration game! It's been a lot of fun researching about astronomy. The universe has always fascinated me, and this is my chance to go wild!

So here are some planet concepts I made today :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/planets2.jpg

Cheers!

[ceddo]

Hi all!

Another fun day of researching information about space and making assets for our space game project. This stuff drives my imagination wild! There is just so much in space, and it really gets you thinking about how lucky we are to BE ALIVE at all. All these swirling gases and metals at scorching temperatures, somehow flying across space and merging to make a single planet Earth which was capable of sustaining us.

Here are some asteroids I made today, and a quick nebula-esque background. I am basically trying to churn out assets as fast as I can. There is a lot of content to be introduced, and if we're ever going to fulfill our ambitious goals, I need to be at the top of my game!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/asteroids_1.jpg

Thanks for looking :)

[ceddo]

Some more planets done today.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/planets3.jpg

[ceddo]

Hi all,

made a few rough spaceship concepts today!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/ships_1.jpg

[msyosef]

I like your dedication to improving. Also your characters were really well thought out. Really enjoyed the silhouettes you made. Keep it up!

[Wingal]

Hey ceddo where have you been? I like the space stuff. Dont disappear again ok? keep posting ^^

[ceddo]

Thanks myosef!

Hey Wingal, yes it has been a while :) I've been mostly lurking and doing my own thing, though I've now decided to keep updating this sketchbook! Thanks, see you round :)

Here are some space ships I made today! It's definitely a challenge for me to convey shapes clearly in top down view, since there is very little room to show perspective (and perspective is the clearest way to show the direction of a form).

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/ships_warriors2.jpg

Cheers!

[ceddo]

Hi!

Moar spaceships! :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/CAsketchbookweb4/ships_mages2.jpg

Also, a buddy recently linked me to a really cool kickstarter project: Arm-adillo (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/armadillo/the-arm-adillo-pencil-case-for-artists?ref=users), a pencil holder that you can strap to your wrist or sketchbook! Share and donate if you think it deserves it :)


Following the watching of Nathan Fowkes' composition workshop trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCWdzH4rxXI&feature=related), I felt a mini hallelujah which I may have had before and not emphasized enough in my brain :) This is more a note for myself, I just need to make sure it gets ingrained in my head!

1. VALUE arrangement is the most important thing in a painting.

2. LIGHTING is the single factor that affects value. Therefore, I need to do much more in-depth studying of how light works.

3. COMPOSITION is knowing how I can use LIGHTING to create powerful arrangements of VALUE. This links up with design (rhythm, balance), which I have been addressing a little more than lighting.

Conclusion: STUDY LIGHTING!!!!!

Color and technique are luxuries.


.c

[ceddo]

Hello all, just a very quick reply to say that I am still alive. My course has started again, it is very intense and I am very busy these days! But also very productive. I will give a bigger update soon, but in the mean time here are some ninjas!

1599563

[ceddo]

Here is the first part of my summer sketchbook update. These were done at the Victoria and Albert Hall in London, in the bust section. I was delineated form in pen first, then went over with a gray marker to illustrate shadow.

1602362
1602365
1602363

[ceddo]

Second part of summer update. Basically, I have been focusing on two things over the summer:

1. depicting shapes clearly, in such a way that my client would have no doubt of what my drawing shows, and how it works. My shorthand has been quite messy in the past.

2. gaining a better understanding of light. I find it difficult to go from the conception phase to creating something finished and beautiful. Studying the way light works around forms is a step to breaking down that barrier.

Here are the images!
1603354
1603355
1603356
1603357
1603358
1603359
1603360
1603361
1603362
1603363
1603364
1603365
1603366
1603367
1603368
1603369
1603370
1603371
1603372
1603374

Thanks for looking! :)

[ceddo]

Summer update part 3:

1603382
1603383
1603384
1603385
1603386
1603387
1603388
1603389
1603390
1603391
1603392

Thanks for looking! :)

[ceddo]

Hello again :) Summer update part 4!

1604825
1604826
1604827
1604828
1604829
1604830
1604831
1604832
1604833
1604834
1604835
1604836
1604837
1604838
1604839
1604840
1604841

[ceddo]

Summer Update Part 5

1604847
1604848
1604849
1604850
1604851
1604852
1604853
1604854
1604855
1604856
1604857
1604858
1604859
1604860

[ceddo]

This is the last part of my summer update! It's been quite a mission to scan, crop and upload these :) I would really appreciate critiques, comments or suggestions on what I should be studying next. Thanks for stopping by!

1604866
1604867
1604868
1604869
1604870
1604871
1604872
1604873
1604874
1604875
1604876
1604877

[ceddo]

Another update on a project I completed recently, and which I had a lot of fun doing!

Self-note:

- drawing within a consistent perspective is really, really important. Consider perspective at the start of any sketch, until it becomes natural!

- consistency in general, within my work, is something I need to improve on. In my sketches I rarely put more than a few elements, so this hasn't challenged me. Challenge myself! Be ambitious with compositions and setups.

- I gathered some basic shapes from here and there (spheres, cubes, cylinders), plan to spray paint them and study light with them. If I do a 30min digital study with them every day, I could improve my fundamentals and become more comfortable with digital painting.

- next up after strengthening my handling of tone and consistency with perspective, I think I will make color my focus of study. Robogabo's sketchbook has really inspired me recently, both in how grounded and well constructed all his drawings are, and his great use of color!

1605623
1605624
1605627
1605625
1605626
1605628

Thanks for stopping by! :)

[ceddo]

Hey all :) Here are some scan-ins from a project I'm working on at the moment on my course. We are supposed to make a book cover from a selection of made-up book titles and authors. I chose to make mine for "Chasers" by Johnny Paton, a medieval adventure in which each character is "chasing" either a better life, a new place to live, a set of ideals.. etc. We aren't meant to spend too much time fiddling over details of the story, but in short, the story's focus is on the characters, the interactions they have with each other and the 'chasing' theme. There may or may not also be bloody battles involving goblins and the like!

1606181
1606182
1606183
1606184
1606185

A little addition of thoughts after these works: I made a few notes on those pages about the role of focus and inner vision on making artwork. Chris Oatley (http://chrisoatley.com/) reminded me of the importance of inner vision near the beginning of this project, when I was a little overwhelmed by possibility and still figuring out what feel I wanted for these characters. I made a few to start with, but it was quite a frustrating process. After reading his article (not sure what it was called, something about Slowing Down and/or Gustav Klimt's drawings), I immediately noticed a shift in my state of mind, and an increase in the quality of my concepts.

The crucial thing I had forgotten to do, was to make sure I knew what I was drawing, before I tried to draw it. It sounds so obvious, but I've now realized that I have this habit of only having a really vague idea of what I wanted to draw (e.g. a dude in medieval wear), feeling comfortable enough with my knowledge of basic human form to start sketching out the basic shapes, and hitting a brick wall.

I end up getting frustrated as I continue to draw, searching for a good concept by meandering my pencil on the paper and getting disappointed by poor results.

This was all because I had failed to make a vision feel alive in my head. How am I supposed to make something look alive on paper if it isn't alive in my own head?

Thanks for looking!
Cedric

[lionheartGFX]

what you are doing its just amazing keep it up and i guarantee you that you will be an amazing craftsman in the years to come

[razz]

I like the thumbnails on toned paper, looks really cool. Are you going to push them any further or are they just that?

Watch your proportions on the figures, they're getting a bit out of hand.

[Tan-Sau]

Dude, these are amazing! I'm gonna start filling up my sketchbook a bit more. You, sir, are an inspiration! You wouldn't mind sharing some tips on portrait drawing, would you?

[ceddo]

Thank you guys for the comments! It really means a lot to me :)

LionheartGFX, thank you! I wish the same to you :) keep rocking!

Thank you Razz! I originally made them for of a Magic-the-Gathering-like card trading game my friend is making. They were a lot of fun to make, and I want to turn each of them into something more final, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Soon!... soon :) Also, cheers for the crit! Could you please tell me which proportions I'm screwing up? Thanks :)

Tan-sau, thanks a lot, I'm flattered :) I'll check out your sketchbook and write a post there!

I made some progress on the book cover project. I finally decided on a composition, and am now trying to figure a color scheme. I'm discovering compositional issues (like the three characters on the left being too scrunched up and character-less), but since the deadline is Friday, I decided to just stick with the best I could do at the time, and fix the issues as much as possible as I go along. Crits would be appreciated!

1608943
1608945

Thanks for looking :)

[ceddo]

Update on the piece I'm working on. Crits would be very appreciated!

1609480

[razz]

Speaking of proportions, the head appears to be very small compared to the rest of the body. When I'm drawing characters, I draw out lines (representing eight heads high figure, for example) just to help me with proportions. I've learned that I can't trust my eyes on this yet ;] Nowadays though, and I believe this is a better way of doing it, I sketch the character in before checking the proportions this way. So it's more creative at first and only after I worry about making it look right.

[ceddo]

Thanks razz :] I'll try to pay more attention to that from now on.

Here is an update for the piece I am working on now. Since it's due tomorrow, I would really appreciate some crits! Note: though I like the full color version, I found that if I reduce the color count by saving as a GIF file, the piece has much more unity, and works better in general. This is probably because I made missteps in using color, or just used too many... any thoughts on this?

Full color:
1610457

Restricted palette:
1610458

[lionheartGFX]

well, i am no master in composition so the best critique i can tell you its my thoughts as a viewer and they are very very good, normally when im looking to buy a book the cover its not really something that drives me to buy it but it sure does make me check it out and this just by watching at the cover i notice several things, i know that this is about a journey and about a very specific group of characters and that tells me something, you could take this a few steps further but that is really up to you. in general the color to ME shoud translate the atmosphere of the book in this case and the palette that you chose its a bit opaque and i think you are working with a limitted palette so i think its really nice.
Well those are my two cents thanks for coming by my sketchbook by the way really appretiate it, and i hope this critique (well more of an opinion) its somewhat helpful if not atleast its undestandable, keep posting man im a fan of your art already

[ceddo]

Thank you very much for the kind words Leonard. Those are good things to know, and wow! I will try to live up to your opinion of my art :)

I am pleased with the outcome of the project, especially since I didn't have the longest timespan to make it in. It's definitely the most amibitious piece that I have completed with satisfaction! I feel a little less terrified by digital painting now, and I will keep pushing myself to make final pieces like these, as I know I have a tendency to stop halfway. Thank you for your support everyone, seeing your kind words always gives me energy and courage.

Here is the final cover, including the spine and back cover, with some generic text.

1613183

Cheers!
Cedric

[iven]

WOW this is a load of good stuff here,......I really like your silouettes,...and the
Characters,......

[anivy]

Hiya! I'm in the UK too! Falmouth was one of my choices for uni, it has a really good reputation for art, how are you finding it? I really wish I had gone to do illustration instead of what I picked, but, nevermind!

Your art is looking great, particularly loving your environments! Such a huge improvement from the first couple of posts! Hope to see more soon :D

[ceddo]

Thank you Iven!

Anivy, cool! Which part of the UK? Falmouth has been really great so far. Studying illustration, at first my interests differed a little from what the tutors generally expected to train me for, but since the end of the first year they have been much more encouraging towards concept art-related people. Overall I am really liking it here, it's a calm environment where I can focus on my studies and we have a very cool year :) Thank you!

Following up on my reflection that I need to know more about light and tone, I've decided to do a 30-day trial. Every day, I will update this thread with a tonal study (either digital or traditional) of basic shapes that I have spray-painted grey. This is a test of my discipline and whether doing this kind of focused daily study is an effective way to learn. I hope to see an improvement in my tonal studies until the end! Wish me luck :)

Value Study
Day 1

1614439

Thanks for stopping by! As usual, crits very welcome, even for past pieces! Any fresh perspective helps me improve, and I am grateful for your comments :)

[ceddo]

Hello again :) quick update for not one but two more value studies.

Value Study
Day 2

1615156
1615157

Cheers!

Cedric

[andartarius]

Man this is an awesome gallery, you seem very passionate about what you do and it inspires me a lot, thank you very for the kind comment, You seem to dabble in everything, so thats great, keep grinding up that anatomy ,your compositions are great. and i love the style, clean and precise. i think you are on the road to damn awesomeness

[ceddo]

Thank you Andartarius! I will certainly do that. Your words are very encouraging, thank you amigo :)

Here is my update for day 3 of my Valuestudython! I'm really pleased with how this is going so far. I've had time to spend each evening doing the studies at the same time, and after the first two days I'm noticing that my brain is catching on to little rules and trends. For tomorrow's study, I will still do at least one observational value study, but I will also try to create my own setup from imagination. This will help me apply the new things I've learned about light so far.

Value Study
Day 3

1615882
1615883

[erdbeerfeldheld]

Congrats on the finished book cover illustration, looks like an interesting story. Hope to see more stuff like that from you.

[lionheartGFX]

hey that value/light study idea its just great! make sure you finish it! and im sure there will be results, remember in order to make even more results try to think in terms of what could you Change or adjust or add in your usual way of working to get a better resulting artwork, in the end this will train your eye too so its just great good lik with that, mayble ill try it too when im more comfortable understanding light :(

[ceddo]

Thank you Leonard. I'm not sure whether I should spend more time on these, at the moment I am just trying to focus on the rough values. Go for it Leonard, I can tell you it isn't as hard as it may seem. I can feel that I've learned a lot so far. In this update, I did two value studies from observation, and tried to apply what I learned in the third study, from imagination.

Value Study
Day 4

Observation:
1616686
1616687

Imagination:
1616688

[ceddo]

Hi again :) As I do more of these, the rules of light are becoming clearer for me - the first few were a real struggle, but now I feel like I can rest of some knowledge that I've gained, and as a result my studies from imagination are less strenuous as well. I've become aware of the atrocious linework behind these however - as my studies go on, I will either focus more on clean linework with proper perspective, or working faster and using brush strokes more efficiently (hopefully both!).

Note: the studies with both matte and glossy shapes look much more interesting. Sounds obvious, but variety makes for a more interesting picture, and I should take this into consideration when making final pieces (I have had a tendency to render everything as the same material).

Value Study
Day 5

Observation
1617608
1617611

Imagination
1617609

Thanks for looking! Crits much appreciated :)

Cedric

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day Six

Observation
1618280
1618281

Imagination
1618282

[Shahan]

man i really look up to the stuff here. so neat, solid and the form is so clear. I wish i could be this clear and concise with my stuff. and thank you for the post on my SB, it was helpful . and thankyou so much for the kind words!! :)
more life studies for all eh? lol.
i like the recent shapes here. good values

[ceddo]

Thank you very much Shahan! Yes, life studies for the win :) Must have clarity!

Only one value study today, but a couple of other studies!

Value Studies
Day 7

Observation
1619174

From Avatar
1619175

From Boxing Photography
1619176

From N.C. Wyeth
1619177

[ceddo]

I learned a lot today!

Thanks to CGMW's demo video of Han's Dynamic Sketching Master Workshop, I know what I need to do in order to increase my confidence with line. I will introduce it in my daily practice.

Equally as important, I had some eureka moments during today's value study. My first study took about an hour, and I could feel that while the piece was getting more accurate as time passed, it felt like I was grinding my way to realism, rather than placing the correct brush strokes by the way.

Enter the "Pomodoro Technique", in which you set a timer for 25 minutes and focus like hell. 5 minutes break, rinse and repeat. I did three Pomodoros today, and I can already see huge benefits to doing this:

- I am forced to use my time more efficiently: to make quick decisions, and correct decisions.
- As a result, I get less stuck on details, and am forced to see the bigger picture. Broad brushstrokes.
- Energy! I prefer the aesthetic of the quicker studies. They don't look nearly as dead.

My third Pomodoro was after dinner, and I was beginning to feel a little sleepy. I decided to do it from imagination, and obviously struggled a lot more than I would when copying from life.

Notes to self:

What I learned from my failed imagination study:
- I suck at shadows. Learn how to calculate shadows with perspective! That'll also help me have a better sense of where the light is coming from.
- Consistency is key. it happens automatically when doing stuff from life because the source is always true. But from imagination, my vision needs to be clear. Be sure, be clear! Assertive. BELIEVE.
- do some micro-improvising when copying from life (try to make educated guesses instead of looking back at the reference right away). Be brave!
- try making broad brushstrokes and pausing between each one. Instead of questioning a stroke right after I've done it, LEAVE IT THERE. or do another one elsewhere... just don't reflex ctrl Z or erase it.
- also, try laying down my perspective grid beforehand

Value Study
Day 8

Long Observation
1619951

Pomodoro Observation
1619952
1619953

Imagination
1619954

[ceddo]

Hi!

Here are my updates for today. I have always found doing studies from life to be a relatively relaxing process. Drawing from imagination on the other hand, can quickly turn sour for me. In an effort to break through that mental barrier, I decided to generate lots of thumbnails from imagination.

Value Study
Day 9

Pomodoro Observation
1620842

Imagination Thumbnails
1620843

Thanks for looking!

Cedric

[Wingal]

I like hans video as well. Trying to incorporate what he does into my process but I keep getting sucked into old habits. Great studies btw! I dont know what you are talking about saying the imagination ones arent as good... Im jealous of your construction skills, everything is a circle for me >.<! Cya.

[AriyaLothiriell]

Nice stuff in here. I especially like your value studies. They looks awesome. I'm learning values as well at the moment and what I see here motivates me. So thank you for that. :)

[ceddo]

Hey Wingal! Thanks for the vote of confidence! Yeah same, Peter Han's video really cleared up some issues I was facing as far as line confidence is concerned. I've been doing loads of the pages as warmups every day, and I really enjoy it. It's like a meditation that gets me into the drawing mood and calibrates my arm/brain coordination. I've found out a couple of things while trying out different techniques/ways of doing it. These are mostly self-notes but you can read if you like :)

- I lift my entire arm off the paper, the whole time (except for detailing). I don't necessarily recommend it, but being a person with "the curse of the heavy hand" for a long time, forcing you to lift your arm off the paper really makes a difference. Give it a week or two and you won't turn back!

- Inner vision is the most important thing when doing these. Most of the time I can't even see the line I initially drew because it is behind my hand. I need to picture it clearly in my mind. If I don't picture it clearly, the lines go way off.

- Like Han said, don't focus on the point of contact between pen and paper. Focus on where you are going to go. However, if you look beyond 2-3 inches of where the pen is, the line will jitter so it is best to keep tracking your eye about an inch or 2 ahead of the point of contact.

- Too much speed makes it sloppy, too slow makes it shaky. In between is the natural flow of the muscles in your arm. I find especially when doing ellipses, that I need to "wait" for the natural flow, If I let it come, it will naturally complete the circle for me with smoothness and confidence. If I bully the pen it will struggle, if I let it be my friend it will work with me!

Hey AriyaLothiriell, thank you very much. Excellent, I am glad! Always good to know you are not alone in struggling with value :)

Only one value study today. As per some great advice Robert AK Brown gave me the other day, I have been studying how to properly cast my shadows (on paper). I'll scan my sheets in later today, but I feel like this will not only make my shadows more accurate, but help me be more aware of where the light comes from in my pictures. Thank you again Rob, I'll work from your advice :)

Value Study
Day 10

Pomodoro Observation
1621486

Observation
1621485

Thanks for looking!
Cedric

[CountBlackula]

It's great to see someone else who likes using hard lines. I like that you're very self-reflective on what you're strong or weak in. Keep it up.

How do you decide what to do a value study on?

[ceddo]

Thanks Countblackula :) Initially, I was watching one of Matt Kohr's videos on ctrlpaint.com, and he recommended studying basic shapes by spray painting them a solid color. So that's what I did - all the studies so far have been of those shapes, spraypainted either matte gray or gloss gray. I'm more familiar with the basic rules of light now, so I think I will start taking on more complex setups and materials soon. About hard lines - I do like them as well, but like Rob pointed out to me a few days ago, what really makes hard lines pop is their contrast to softer lines in other areas. Definitely worth spending some time studying that!

Perspective is one of those things that I understand but haven't practiced enough to have it fully ingrained in my mind, so that I can use it quickly and with ease. I find it particularly difficult to implement when doing compositions that don't include the horizon line. I also have trouble figuring out how far apart to space vanishing points. More time will be spent studying perspective!

In today's value study, I put a black cloth under the objects to mix things up (woo exciting!).

1622597
1622598
1622599
1622601
1622602
1622603

Value Study
Day 11

1622594

Thanks for looking!
Cedric

[ceddo]

Hello!

Some thoughts from this update:

When under the pressure of a pomodoro study, I am forced to do the things I currently consider most important first. This streamlines my creation process. However, in order to absorb more information I need to do in-depth studies. I'll keep doing some of both, to get the best of both worlds.

I also feel my confidence has increased in doing things from imagination. Where applying lighting used to be a struggle, I'm getting the hang of calculating where highlights and reflections should be, and it's actually fun!

Value Study
Day 12

Observation
1623224

Imagination
1623225

Cheers for stopping by!
Cedric

[ceddo]

Here is a newly finished piece, and my value study for the day :)

1624417

Value Study
Day 13

1624418

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day 14

1625511

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day 15

1626064

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day 16

1626644

Thanks for looking!

Cedric

[ceddo]

Hey guys,

I've been slowing down on the value studies lately because

1) I've felt a tapering in my learning curve - at least for the moment, I feel like I have absorbed quite a lot, and that I need to spend time assimilating, experimenting with this new knowledge before I can 'unlock' the next level of understanding. Nevertheless, I will continue to do value studies until the end of the 30 days. I may break through the platform if I really focus on them again. We will see.

2) I have kind of shifted my focus to an activity I had been doing on the side before, which is the expansion of my visual library. I've been finding the book "The Way Things Work" fascinating so far, and it's been a bedtime activity to read through a couple of pages every night and draw some of the mechanisms. It's a lot of fun to then apply the new mechanisms I have learned about to imaginary constructions. I'll be posting some of these experiments soon!

Meanwhile, I apologize for the very quick value study :)

Note to self:
took about 15 days to reach a zone of good understanding of the tones within studies from observation in my room. Maybe 15-day study cycles make more sense than 30 day ones!

Value Study
Day 17
1627555

Cheers for stopping by :)

Cedric

[ceddo]

This study was refreshing - I don't think it looks that great but I certainly had fun making it! The clouds behind the houses were really bright so the silhouettes of the structures were really pronounced.

Value Study
Day 18

Observation (25 mins)
1628290

[ceddo]

My slowing down on the value studies in the past few days:

have also been due to boredom, and the feeling that I was not learning as fast as I had been in the first few days.

But this may be a good thing! Boredom = not enough challenge. The mental space I have created for myself, because I am not focusing on the basics anymore, can be used for much more than boredom. I just need to be more aware of the opportunities.

Opportunities like:

- Robert AK Brown's advice: develop my use of edges. Vary them, become comfortable with the terms 'soft', 'firm', 'hard' edge and use them effectively.

- Tweak values a little. I don't need to copy 100% correctly unless my aim is specifically, to copy life exactly as it is. The rest of the time, I can interpret!

- Try things out. See which techniques create which effects. Emphasize elements, make others recede.

So boredom is not necessarily a bad thing. It's just a sign that I have reached a plateau, and that I need to consciously change something in my way of working, to acknowledge my new comfort zone and push past it.

Value Study
Day 19

Pomodoro Observation
1629058

Thanks for looking!

Cedric

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day 20

1629808

[ceddo]

Finally managed to scan in some of the studies I've been doing!

Mechanical Studies
1631020
1631024
1631025

Value Study
Day 21

1631019

Thanks for looking!

[ceddo]

I very much enjoyed this study! And I think it shows. I need to remind myself more often, that my state of mind is reflected in what I produce. It's therefore vitally important that I am relaxed, focused and having fun when making art.

Value Study
Day 22

1631700

[ceddo]

Good day today. Went to two life drawing sessions, and despite having a fried brain by the end of the 6 hours, I enjoyed myself a lot, produced some good artwork and discovered a few things.

- outline is just as important as construction. It is beautiful, learn to use it (and apply it to my constructed drawings).
--> Klimt and Alphonse Mucha are two artists I am really interested in but don't know much about. I should do some studies of them, particularly how they use contours.

- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers.. each of these have different effects, advantages and disadvantages. Don't exclude the smaller ones, but remember to always warm up by doing lines and circles with the shoulder, to keep a nice flow of line and confidence in my work.

I hope those points will make sense tomorrow. My brain is too tired to write anything cohesive!

On my value study, which is of a cloth, and with limited colours: start more basic! It's not a failed study, but I doubt I managed to absorb much knowledge at all. Start by zooming in on small folds, learn to understand them, apply them with my imagination, repeat until confident, go more complex.

Value Study
Day 23

1633165

[asa]

very cool studies
I also love your concepts, lots of very cool ideas

[ceddo]

Thank you very much Asa :) it is a lot of fun to combine subjects and invent stuff, I should have started this way of working before.

I had plenty of fun with this value study. I still feel like I should be studying simpler first though. Maybe it's time to take out Hogarth's book on drapery from the library again (or Bridgman's section on drapery) and study the different shapes produced by different kinds of tensions. Once I've learned that, I can start applying the knowledge to more complex observational pieces, and my own stuff.

Value Study
Day 24

1634017

Thanks for looking!

[ceddo]

Value Study
Day 25

1634792

[iven]

Your first page is very nice, i love the pencil sketches and the lose lines you have.
Hope to see more Pencil sketches.

[ceddo]

Thanks Iven :) I've mostly been using pen these days, to increase my line confidence, but I've also done a lot of life drawing! I'll upload them soon.

Eureka Moment

I need to write this down in detail before I forget it.

I've been practicing straight lines and ellipses with Peter Han's warmup exercises, for the past few weeks now. Some days my focus is better, and I am accurate, other days it's not.

One of the things I have learned is that focus is paramount. Anything going on in the artist's brain, is reflected in what he creates. Therefore, if you want to make a clear drawing, you need to have a clear mind. If you want to make it look easy, you have to be relaxed.

This morning, I was getting frustrated because my circles were not as great, my focus wasn't really there and my lines didn't always match up. Then something clicked.

One of the ellipses turned into an ovoid, then they all became ovoids. I kept drawing them, and instead of trying to draw perfect circles and ellipses, I focused on creating ovoids and spheres. The focus became so intense that the paper ceased existing, it was replaced by this field of infinite potential, and these forms were being created out of nothing, by the power of my pen and hand.

Hallelujah! I felt like God. The spheres and ovoids were not perfect, but that is what made them beautiful.

I previously read about the importance of focusing on the paper not as a 2D surface but as a 3D field, and it resonated with me. This is however, the first time I experienced it to such a degree - I could feel the texture and the roundness of the shapes I was creating the moment the pen hit the paper.

This probably won't make much sense to others, but I wrote it down because I think it's important. It feels like something has connected deep in my mind, and I want to remember this moment as a powerful, true one.

[iven]

So thats how you do it with digital painting ?! First in Grey scale !!
I like what I see, looks good !

[Wingal]

Thats a nice tale ceddo. I love when I have those moments... Its also funny to look back at that moment months later XD. Its so exciting when something clicks inside us.

[ceddo]

Cheers guys :)

Value Study
Day 26

1636004

[lionheartGFX]

amazing updates ceddo, those pen studies were particulary awesome, all of this geometrycal practice is really paying off at making easier for your hand and your brain to communicate well that is what i think anyway hahaha, keep this awesome stuff going! and scan those studies i want to drool over them!!!!! :D

[ceddo]

Thanks so much Leonard! It's nice to have you pop by again :)

I apologize for the series of quick value studies lately. My schedule's been quite crammed, and I haven't been focusing on these studies as much as I should be. I still feel like I'm swimming with these drapery studies, but slowly I am starting to understand how the folds of drapery work.

Value Study
Day 27

1636805

Cedric

[ceddo]

Still swimming...

Value Study
Day 28

1637716

Cedric

[ceddo]

Hi guys, here are a few sketches from the uni project I've been doing.

1638842
1638843
1638844
1638845
1638846

Value Study
Day 29

1638847

Thanks for looking!
Cedric

[ceddo]

This is my final study for the 30-day tonal study challenge I assigned myself! I definitely learned a lot from doing this, and will do more "x-day" challenges but with some changes.

- 15-day cycles.
- Ideally, with some outer purpose as opposed to studying for the sake of studying. It's easy to lose momentum and direction when there is not much to aim for. If my studies align with some project for example, I can strive for a certain look, and be proud of it because it works within a context.

Yep.. it's been fun! :)

Value Study
Day 30!!!

1639924

Cedric

[ceddo]

More bugs :)

1640335
1640336
1640337
1640338

[ceddo]

So!

As a continuation of my last tonal studies, I've decided to make my next cycle about drapery. 15 days go!

Drapery Study
Day 1

Lines from observation, lighting from imagination
16411321641133

Thanks for looking,

Cedric

[ceddo]

As my confidence with the basic rules of light and form improves, my focus will slooowly drift towards actually executing things so that they... look nice! Texture, varied edges, gesture.. so much to do!

Drapery Study
Day 2

1642019

[apa]

I like how you experiment with different techniques and media..keep walking!

[ceddo]

Thanks a lot apa :)

Drapery Study
Day 3

I'm having a lot of fun with these. Though at the moment I'm kind of confusing myself, especially with the ones from imagination. When I'm not sure exactly how it would work, I keep adding stuff to make it look "kind of" like the real thing. But that's not the right way to go. The key is to understand the very simple concepts at work, copy them simply from life and apply them simply to imagined scenarios. No fluff!

Observation
1642715

Imagination
1642716

Thanks for stopping by,
Cedric

[ceddo]

Well,

obviously the drapery studies have been put on hold for the moment (at least until my current uni project is handed it). Until then, here are some ink drawings and studies of head structure.

1647604
1647605
1647606
1647607
1647608

Thanks for stopping by!

Cedric

[Leonor]

I gave your sketchbook a quick browse and subscribed. You're very disciplined and technical with your studies. I'd love to learn to be more like this. I'll have to study you carefully.

[lionheartGFX]

holy crap such an amazing amount of work your putting lately, specially on those heads i see youre getting the hang of it, cant wait to see more work :)

[ceddo]

Thank you guys for the wonderful comments. Leonor, I'm honored! I will have to make it worth your subscription :) Pressure's on!
Leonard, yeah they are quite a lot of fun to do, especially if you get in the rhythm of producing them fast. These are from Loomis's "Drawing the Head and Hands". Not quite sure if I am comfortable enough with the head construction to start being creative with it, but some more practice should solve that. Hope you're well.

Here is some more work for my current project on insects. It will be a set of informative posters on the structure of insects. Each insect order has 2 posters: an illustrative poster and accompanying informative poster.

Insects in General
1650243

1650247



Coleoptera (beetles)
1650242

1650246



Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies and skippers)
1650244

1650245

Thanks for stopping by!

Cedric

[Whirly]

Hey Cedric I love your sketchbook. The insect work is great and the way you are forcing yourself to rotate everything you draw in 3d is really really good. Keep that up!!

I really really like this http://conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1647604&d=1354280147 Any tips of achieving that level of line economy and simplification?

[shockowaffel]

Nice SB, I especially like these coloured bugs and your skribbles.
These value sketches sure are helpful and it will show in your works.

[ceddo]

Thanks Whirly! I posted a reply on your sketchbook.

Cheers shockowaffel, your Kil'jaeden piece is just sick. I'm glad I did the studies, though I am noticing there are some things I neglected. I think I'll go back to them soon.

Final pieces for my uni project! This was a mad rush, I was up 'til 6am this morning to finish them, hand them in a day early and catch a train to London. Mmm sleeeep...

Insect Information Project

1653491

1653492

1653493

And for those interested in the information on the other sheets, here are the roughs I handed in (not rendered).

1653494

1653495

Good night :)

Cedric

[Wingal]

Those bugs are AWESOME!!!!

[Wingal]

Fell off the daily post wagon already? =(

[ceddo]

Thanks Wingal :) It'd seem so: I've been on the move so scanners are hard to come by, and a lot of the work I'll be doing from now on I can't show (new graphic novel project! WOO excited!). The daily updates will resume some time this holiday! Until that time, here is a piece by one of my favorite artists, Alphonse Mucha.

Alphonse Maria Mucha, 1896, Winter
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/winter-large.jpeg

[Wingal]

Oh a graphic novel!?! Sweet!!! I hope you dont mean we cant get a little taste of it ever... :yum: Glad you arent slacking though~ Happy holidays!

[Mashach]

Yay! Congratz on the graphic novel project, can't wait for you to share it! Great going with this sketch book also. Keep up the good work buddy. :)

[ceddo]

Hi all! I finally have an update :) Here are some skull studies I've been doing after I realized my knowledge of head anatomy, and drawing in perspective, are far from what they could be. I plan to go into much more depth with perspective studies soon. I feel that's really what is holding me back at the moment - a lack of consistency due to not having practiced enough.

1683038
1683039
1683040
1683041
1683042

Thanks for stopping by!

C

[ceddo]

Here are some more head/skull studies I've done. I think I'm making progress.. some things like eye placement are difficult for me - also, heads from imagination tend to be too narrow, not wide enough.

-> maintaining consistency from one side of the face to the other is difficult enough, recreating a character head from several angles is a real challenge!

1683686
1683687
1683688
1683689
1683690

[ceddo]

Some more work on heads!

1684728

[ceddo]

A little update with some drawings from life. No particular aim here..

Actually, while we're on the subject of a lack of aim, having just finished a few deadlines and the intensity of my studies on heads is slowing down, it'd be a good time to reflect on what I need/would like to do next!

- continue my study of heads by working in the use of expressions, and varying proportions (no longer ideal) to create original characters.
--> line quality. Working on mixing curves and blockiness (organic and mechanical), finding the ideal mix that makes the subject pop.
- study the rest of the body with the same attention as I've been giving to heads.
- study perspective, in particular with regard to setting scenes quickly, constructing interiors and exteriors, and architecture.

168593716859381685939168594016859411685942

[ceddo]

Here is a superquick animation I did for a one-day advertising project on my course :)

Quicktime video link:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/830509/blooddonate.mov

[ceddo]

Some 60 second warmups I've been doing using Michael Hampton's methods. I really like them, a refreshing take on anatomy as I've been looking for something more gesture-oriented for a long time now. Of course, these are pretty darn challenging and I'm out of practice. Crits would be really appreciated.

1694268

[ceddo]

Some more gesture/pose studies using Hampton's method.

170117517011761701177

Thanks for stopping by!

[piskorz]

Hey! Those value studies are amazing and I love the concept of x-day cycles. I'll surely try those in the future. Thanks for the idea.

[GrayPersona]

this thread is bad ass i like how you approach to learning in a constructive way especially those value still lifes-keep up the good work and i will be lurking around!

[ceddo]

Hey Piskorz! Thanks! I do really recommend it, I learned a lot from those daily value studies.

GrayPersona, thanks a lot for the kind words :) I'm a fan of your stuff myself, great studies going on.

Here are some sketches. Most of the work I'm doing is going toward that graphic novel project, unfortunately I can't post that! But a small update is better than no update :)

17088211708822

[lionheartGFX]

how dare you cedric to spoil me with promises of graphic novelness now you must DELIVAHR dont lack on your fundamentla studies either dude this is all a big wheel everytheng helps everything else work your ass off and enjoy every tear you shed :)

[ceddo]

Hey guys!! It's been such a long time since I updated this sketchbook. That's why I'm updating it now! Cheers for the tip lionheart, it's so true that all studies feed into each other. I am doing quite a lot of life drawing these days, but I have realized that I've been doing way too many studies lately and not enough personal work.

Here is a scan: the drawing on the right I'm hoping to take further, possibly turn it into a portfolio piece though I will have to work hard on it to make sure it turns out well. Crits would be really appreciated :)

1739727

Thanks for stopping by.
C

[GrayPersona]

hey man nice update , your studies look like actual drawing and not school assignments (which I need to work on).
those last two studies are great,the core shadow on the girls face though could be made more designed around the form.

[ceddo]

Thanks Graypersona! I was indeed thinking of emphasizing the form at the time, but wasn't bold enough :P too early in the morning.

Here is something I've been working on for an architecture-inspired project. The idea is colossal stone creatures with human settlements on their backs - from prehistoric, to medieval, and coming up soon.. to renaissance!

1741875

[Sushy]

Wow looks great. I really like that last "turtle".

[ceddo]

Thanks Sushy! :)

Here are some tonal drawings done from life, with charcoal.
17436981743699

[ceddo]

ALSO, I can now post some of the work I've done so far for the comic! Environments - crits would really help me out here :)

1743702

1743703

1743706

Thanks for stopping by!
C

[GrayPersona]

thank for the cit mate,honestly I know I said this before but you surprise me with every upload,you capture essence with every study
you make which for my square mind is very hard at the moment.
I would say though that the sense of scale in those environments is a bit off
not just in size but the composition could be arranged to accentuate
the sense of depth and size compared to figure,which is to big in my opinion in all of them.
also the middle one could use a foreground element to show scale.

[ceddo]

Thanks again Graypersona! That's very kind of you :) I've been struggling with the same problem, especially after doing many constructive studies, which indeed "square" the mind and squeeze out any creativity.

But like anything else, it can be trained! You may just need to spend some time exclusively having fun while drawing, doodling, daydreaming etc. You can find your inner artist that way I think :)

Here are some life studies I've done after trying out some inking. I wanted to try reducing what I saw to a small number of tones, to keep it simple. Not sure how successful it was, but it was fun!

1746035

1746036

1746037

[ceddo]

Update!

I've finally finished those concepts of the turtle cities. Scanned them with a better scanner at the campus as well. Quite pleased with this!

1748703

1748704

Thanks for stopping by :)
C

[hallowtreez]

oh my. that turtle is amazing D: that last drawing has such a sense of scale. your doing great. is that drawn on cardboard? xD

[ceddo]

Thanks hallowtreez! I usually find it difficult to convey a sense of scale, but in this case it seems like drawing buildings everywhere has helped :) it's drawn on brown paper with cool darker guidelines on it (make is Seawhite).

[ceddo]

Some head rotations for a character.

1749096

[GrayPersona]

hey cedric those heads have weight to them but the proportions are a bit off.
try thinking of the depth in comparison to the width off the face.
also you can check out the reily rhythms method(I was introduced to it lately),when you know the profile and the front rhythms its much easier to estimate proportions.

[RyanRyan]

Yah, I would have to agree, those heads are a bit off.

[Rhubix]

This sb is so much fun! I could spend all day going through those huge posts. That turtle is so fun. I love the idea.

Keep setting goals for yourself, and doing all those studies, and you'll figure it all out :D

happy sketching!