Skep's Sketchbook

[Skep]

Hi everyone,
I've been lurking on these forums for a while, and after being inspired by this thread, I've decided to start my own sketchbook.

I've been drawing for a couple of months, but I've recently decided that I'd like to step up the amount of effort I put into improving. I plan to draw at least one thing in my sketchbook every day, and I welcome any feedback or advice.

This is from yesterday.


Here's my first attempt at a still life, which I did today.

[AllyAlbon]

Good start, strong linework. More!

[Skep]

Did a couple of Loomis figures, and just doodled some spheres.
I'd better use a scanner next time.

[Skep]

I think I should work on getting my spheres to look decent before getting into studying Loomis's heads.



I also tried shading some basic shapes.



I got myself a nice pen, so I'll be doing some work with that.

[cgaddict]

Nice start, great to see you tackling Loomis. Keep focusing on construction and you 'll go far.

[Skep]

Thanks for the comments AllyAlbon and cgaddict.

Here's some stuff that I did over the last couple of days.

One point perspective study.


Practicing with pen.


Some more heads, and Bridgman.

[Skep]

I tried a value study with a sphere.


I'd like to study Bridgman. Could anyone give me some advice on how to study him, or which of his books would be good to start with?

[poetry man]

good start. My crit would be that the transition line between the shadow and the light could be blended in more with the overall sphere. It would look more believable that way. It's good tho! keep going!

[Skep]

Thanks for the critique, poetry man.

I did a couple more value studies on a cone and cylinder, and tried to get a better transition between the light and shadow.


I was aiming to get more contrast in the cylinder.

[copaloro]

Nice sketchbook entries, your loomis studies are great.

[Skep]

[kevin_]

great to see your working on the basics, keep practicing!

[FenixN]

Hey man, you're off to a good start. My only suggestion to you would be to do something fun once in a while. What I mean is that if you find yourself mentally drained and can't possibly go on studying, go and draw something you like. Be a bit loose and not worry as much. I have found that by doing this, I am able to put more hours into drawing and it has helped me improved much faster.

Plus, as artists, we would like to see a bit of your artistic personality as well. Anyways, remember that it's just a suggestion, it's best to use whatever system and method that works best for you.

[Kanda]

These are some pretty neat studies, I'm also liking the value studies as well.

[Skep]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

FenixN: Thanks for the advice. I'll remember to do some fun stuff.


I really like drawing eyes.


I've ordered a copy of Michael Hampton's Figure Drawing: Design and Invention, and I'm eager to start studying from it.

[Pete Hidalgo]

Hey. Great start. Reminded me I need to do more perspective and value exercises.

Any way-Michael Hampton's Figure Drawing: Design and Invention, is a great book. I am going through chapter 1 at the moment and it is very interesting. simple but at the same time challenging.