a new start - sketchbook by J. Rottjers

**rottjers** · January 14th, 2013, 07:31 AM

Hello viewer. I had an account on this forum a few years back, but had little time to paint or draw due to job obligations, depressions and other lame excuses. Quit my job last month and now got thons of time. I want to improve, so critics are always welcome.

For starters. This is a painting of Jennifer Connelly (from the movie Labyrinth), made 30-12-12. It is acrylic on canvas 50x60 cm. It is reflected in a glass table.

Edit: for thumbnail

**rottjers** · January 14th, 2013, 07:38 AM

Next a few paintings I made for my nephews in December. The dragons are for a 4 year old. He said the first one wasn't ugly and scary enough, so I made him also the second one. The car is for a 8 year old. He is crazy about cars and wanted me to paint that Subaru. It was the first time I ever painted a car.

**rottjers** · January 14th, 2013, 07:43 AM

A nude, also last month.

**rottjers** · January 14th, 2013, 07:50 AM

A few fantasy. Crazy Alice (acrylic on canvas 50x60 cm). Baatezu (acrylic, pen and pencil on paper 50x70 cm) and no dragons allowed / gnomes (pen and pencil on paper 50x70 cm).

**rottjers** · January 14th, 2013, 07:55 AM

And last for today. A sad attempt to paint windflowers from Waterhouse (acrylic on canvas 50x60 cm). Waterfalls (acrylic on canvas 50x60 cm) and Chloe Moretz (acrylic on canvas 40x50 cm).

**rottjers** · January 19th, 2013, 06:51 AM

A new Chloe Moretz painting. This time in oil.

**rappdg** · January 19th, 2013, 06:54 AM

Freaking awesome!

Your portrait paintings look really good!

I also liked the rally car painting but it seems you did not pay attention to the environment but still good. (I don't know how to paint so don't take me seriously I guess LOL)

**rottjers** · January 19th, 2013, 07:02 AM

Thanks Rappdg. You're right about the environment. I put all the time in painting the car and rushed the environment. Maybe I should do some environment studies?!

**rappdg** · January 19th, 2013, 07:06 AM

I don't have the credibility yet to say that you should do more studies but most experts here would probably say that (I'm not saying your bad cause your way better than me) since some already told me to do more studies and practice more and after all, art I guess is a never ending process of practicing and expression.

**rottjers** · January 19th, 2013, 01:33 PM

@ Rappdg, practice, practice, practice. I know, but thanks for reminding me.

Made another today. Something I normally never make, but I just wanted to practice painting glas. Another acrylic on canvas (30x40 cm).

**rottjers** · January 21st, 2013, 03:34 AM

It's snowing again. So to stay in the mood.

**rottjers** · January 23rd, 2013, 02:05 PM

Haven't done much today, just one small drawing.

**rottjers** · January 23rd, 2013, 11:21 PM

Trying to draw some different dragon-type-heads. I like the cute one myself. Maybe put it in a painting someday.

**rottjers** · January 30th, 2013, 05:46 PM

Some stick-figures today. I need to sketch those stick-figures a lot more. Back again to page one of Loomis, I guess. I am pretty sure it will improve my paintings.

**siiilon** · January 31st, 2013, 05:02 AM

What a beautiful sketchbook, nice illustrations! Following Loomis is a great step forward, do it and I will watch your progress

**rappdg** · February 2nd, 2013, 07:37 PM

Awesome paintings man keep it up! I can't wait for you to try some figure studies (I'm having a tough time myself haha), so if you kinda get it maybe you can teach me a thing or two?