The "Can I have another fiver?" sketchbook

**PxelSlayer** · March 27th, 2009, 08:38 PM

You know the drill - Last page = sparklies.

EDIT - New thumbnail image, made by http://toukijin.deviantart.com/
A perfect fit indeed...

**Feil Magnus** · March 28th, 2009, 05:02 AM

Well, according to what you said is your objective, the only thing i can say is "draw", draw everyday , everything you see, train your eyes to see through material things, how things work and make a lot of studies from reference (they will stack up in your knoledge of art), go to museum and do not forget any aspect of what can be called art that way your drawing skill and creativity shall improve.
(those are not advises from the pretending artist i am but from masters)

**PxelSlayer** · March 28th, 2009, 09:18 AM

Wheeee, a first reply!

Thanks, Feil Magnus! That is an excellent advice, and I am going to shift my whole perspective and follow it. Till now I was convinced that everything I did HAD TO BE pretty and stylish, even my quick sketches and other pieces. What I forgot is that it dosen`t matter if it`s pretty or not - every piece I make is going to teach me something, regardless of how "ugly" it might turn out. Until now I only did things I was somewhat sure of, and kinda knew how to draw, but now it`s time to grow out of the boundaries I set around me. I guess the term "trial and error" really does mean both trial AND error, and I have to stop being afraid of both of them. Right?

So, 3 more days till I get my scanner. Here are some older pictures of mine a friend scanned for me. She did the best she could, but the pictures turned out a bit...streched? Cut off? Oh well...Both of them are about 4 years old, and not so bad, actually...Proportions, you say? Yeah, always was an issue for me...sigh...Still, I could never draw something like that again. Seems my skills went down the hill since then. But I`ll get them back. And upgrade!

**PxelSlayer** · March 28th, 2009, 07:39 PM

Insomnia....

.... Caffeine is NOT a good way to treat it, trust me...But, while attempting to make the best out of it, I did a little digital piece that has WIP written all over it..Inspired by an awesome print I saw at dArt, but I only looked at it once for a short moment! I swear! Having problems with the nose and hands again...go figure...I`m planning to make 2 more once this one is done, print them out and hang them on my tall, purple walls, legacy of my sister (the color, not the height of them). Come to think of it, a paint job is due. Anyone wanna give me a hand?

:EDIT:
Forgot to post my photoshop object study. I noticed people usually do apples and other fruit, but since I`m not much of a living-a-healthy-life kind of person, I sketched the first thing I saw. My coffee mug. Addicted much lately?

**PxelSlayer** · March 29th, 2009, 01:39 PM

Another day, another nervous breakdown. Especially since I`m running low on smokes...

Comment, people. If I can make the effort of making an absolute idiot of myself posting here, I believe you can make the effort of proofing that. Right?

**PxelSlayer** · March 30th, 2009, 06:20 AM

I just knew this day would suck, from the very moment I woke up. I barely slept, kept dreaming about drawing and making sketches (!), and now I`m drop-dead-tired...I didn`t go to classes (playing hookie again, aren`t we?), didn`t pick up my scanner, TRIED to make some drawings but nothing turned out right...Now I know why they say God created man in his own image - to make it hard to draw! Sigh...

A little photoshop pose this time, w/o references...need to swallow my pride and accept the fact that I can`t do without them ATM...I`m such an idiot...

As mentioned, CC is always welcome. I had no idea you people were that shy! Or just not interested in my work and sad attempts of making an image that actually looks good...

Bitch away, Pxel, bitch away...

**Ian Miles** · October 8th, 2009, 11:18 AM

Man thanks for the Artist´s joke in first page.

**RandAlThor** · April 16th, 2009, 01:12 PM

Not a bad start actually. Drawing is like learning any other new skill it takes time and practice. I find that when i need to learn something new i follow a logical approach, first i think you need to clearly define your goals and aims. Secondly, you need to read around the subject and find out what inspires YOU from the existing subject matter. Third, its important to learn the terminology of your chosen subject, it helps with understanding when someone explains an issue your having and you can 'talk the talk'.. Fourth, Learn by example, find examples of good reference materials and try to analyze and recreate those examples. Fifth, You then need to attempt your own examples from the 'tit-bits' of information you have gleamed from those before you...

So, in summary i think you've already made the first few steps by joining a site like this and exposing your current skill level. From here on in, its just a matter of being critical of each new piece and develop it until it meets with what ever goal you had for that example. If your goal is to draw the human figure clothed (the fashion thing) then start by analyzing the underlying structure of both human and fabric. then when you have completed a drawing try and spot what you do and dont like about it, then in your next image address the downfalls and research the areas you think you need to make it better.

Hope it makes a little sense. keep posting dude ;-)

**PxelSlayer** · April 16th, 2009, 06:35 PM

Thank you for the reply! I really didn`t think anyone would bother with little ol` me

Your advices made me really re-think on what I want to master...Inspired by many things, I roam from one to another, w/o really focusing on basics. I love digital paintings, like those by Linda Bergqvist (sp?), but I`m also fascinated with the work of Marko Djurdjevic, and many other artists who each have their own, individual style. Everything would be much easier if I wasn`t afraid of picking up all these books I got about drawing and anatomy, and start from scratch. Also, lately I`ve been feeling like there is actually MORE than just fashion design, but I could never be a concept or a comic artist. Let`s face it - I live in a small country, I`m already too old, and my skills are...ugh, there`s no way of putting in nicely...you know.

I really need to sort these things out. Man, if I only knew that at the age of 24 everyone expects me to know what to do with my life!

In the mean time, I draw...probably the only thing (besides caffeine/nicotine) that makes me feel good...

**pencil1** · April 16th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Randalathor said it

Make yourself a plan, and some goals. Dont make that plan too strict. And go ahead until you reached your goal, than set new goals

.

But most important: Keep drawing... whenever you can, and feel like. Always carry a sketchbook around with you, and draw everything you see, and everything you like

. Dont worry about the quality of those quick doodles.

And dont tell me your too old!. I'm 20 and i really do think i'm much too old myself already... But the truth is, you can never be too old to learn something new.

Keep drawing and updating!

**PxelSlayer** · April 16th, 2009, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by pencil1

Keep drawing and updating!

!

**PxelSlayer** · April 17th, 2009, 10:02 AM

More...

**Mebiusu** · April 18th, 2009, 05:15 AM

Welcome to the CA, it is good to have you here. :]
I want you to take a good, calm moment to set aside your ideas about limitations and enjoy the fact that not only have you decided what you want to do with your life, {no mean feat} but you have also landed in the right place. We learn from each other and grow toward our artistic goals here. I want you to put the Hogarth book back on the shelf for now please. You will see why later. I promise. I assume you are delving into the Loomis "figure drawing" book? If so you are reading his instruction books way out of order. I think it would be wise to check this book out first, here it is for free-
http://www.scribd.com/doc/10343/Andr...un-With-Pencil
Do not let anything keep you from studying and understanding this book. Even yourself. If you keep your hands busy learning and drawing, you will have precious little time to play with percieved "limitations". They only exist if you believe in them.
To study drawing, does not mean copying the drawings, it means to understand and to practice the procedures and methods described in the book.
I am only certain of a few things and of those things I am absolutely certain. Here is one of them, no one in modern times has offered art instruction equal to Loomis. I will check back with you.

**PxelSlayer** · April 18th, 2009, 02:13 PM

@ ED - Wooot! Man, getting an advice/comment from an artist like you is...well, WOOOT!

Thank you for the link, I already have that book (actually, I have all Loomis books), and it is IMO his best one for starters like me. However, I didn`t study anything from books, including Hogarth, all these drawings were made w/o references. I`m trying the "trial and error" method, where I sit in front of a paper and draw something until it looks right. Takes A LOT of time and nerves, so I definitely think having a better look at this book wouldn`t hurt. Again, thanks (

), I really do hope you`ll have another look here, and I hope I`ll have something more "representative" to show

2 moaaaaaaarrrr! I really need to stop drawing chicks...

**Collywobbles** · April 18th, 2009, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by PxelSlayer

However, I didn`t study anything from books, including Hogarth, all these drawings were made w/o references. I`m trying the "trial and error" method, where I sit in front of a paper and draw something until it looks right. Takes A LOT of time and nerves, so I definitely think having a better look at this book wouldn`t hurt.

Please stop doing it that way. You have a good imagination, but I would like to see some studies. You should start reading the books immediately, you can't learn anatomy, composition, perspective or any other art related concept without the basic rules and information. The fundamentals are missing, and there is no reason not to learn these concepts as soon as possible to avoid bad habits like elongated limbs or wonky proportions. You should use references, you should study as much or more than you doodle, otherwise you will stagnate.

You already know that your drawings aren't precious, so do more. But not just more of the wrong thing, that is pointless. Read and draw every page from Loomis, Bridgeman, Villpu. All the time spent trying to find the right line or stressing over imperfections is time that could be spent studying to avoid those problems in the future. You cannot draw well out of your head if you don't know the fundamentals. "Why do I draw from life? So I won't have to."

Art is science multiplied by creativity. Color theory, anatomy, perspective, these are all just concepts based on how our eyes and brain view the world. Your knowledge plus your skill and dexterity skewed by your creativity are what define you as an artist. That is the difference between a professional and an amateur. The amateur just hasn't learned or accepted the fundamentals yet. It's really just knowledge and experience, the information is readily available and you determine how much time you want to spend. Anybody can do it, there is no such thing as talent. Skill. Creativity. Knowledge. Draw more. It's all up to you. Do it.

**PxelSlayer** · April 18th, 2009, 07:49 PM

@ Dahami - that`s the goal! Despite the fact my professors want me to draw long, leggy figures...And then one wants to learn proper anatomy...sheesh!

@Venial - I heard about the mid-life crisis, but a mid-twenties one?! Man, if that`s true, we`re doomed...I just got out of puberty! LOL

Sunscribed?!

@Collywobbles - bitch slapped by a pro...I needed that! I really want my skills to grow. I don`t have much going on in my life, in fact I never did, so drawing is something that keeps me preoccupied and somehow gives me a feeling of...meaning, I guess. I thought my life would be about writing (hence the journalism study), but that turned out to be a failure of grand proportions...I hope the same won`t happen again. Fashion design...yea, I guess...Here you have to be filthy rich to start your own business, and I don`t know if I have what it really takes. As for art - means a lot to me, but it will probably stay a hobby, and nothing else. I`ll never earn money with it. Gaming industry - yea, right! Comic artist - no, thanks. What ever one could think of doing for a living (art related) has 50 reasons why it would fail. So I pick up my pencils b/c of me. In this little world of mine everything else dosen`t matter. And I like how that feels.

Focus, Pxel, FOCUS!
More sketch/draw something... This one SO SHOWS I need to pick up my Loomis!

**PxelSlayer** · April 19th, 2009, 02:40 AM

OMG, where are the legs???!!!

**Collywobbles** · April 19th, 2009, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by PxelSlayer

@Collywobbles - bitch slapped by a pro...I needed that! I really want my skills to grow. I don`t have much going on in my life, in fact I never did, so drawing is something that keeps me preoccupied and somehow gives me a feeling of...meaning, I guess.
So I pick up my pencils b/c of me. In this little world of mine everything else dosen`t matter. And I like how that feels.

Oh man, I don't know anything. In fact that's all I do know. I didn't want to sound so militant, I just developed a lot of bad habits years ago that could have been addressed earlier. You don't have to want a career in art, just incorporate some studies here and there to make drawing from your imagination easier and more readable. Either way, your stuff looks good, do whatever is working for you.
If it's good to ya, it's good for ya.

**Dahami** · April 18th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Great line work and a good sense of fashion model style feminine beauty. It will be interesting to see if you can do a stouter, less elongated version of the female form.

**Venial** · April 18th, 2009, 02:42 PM

"Well, I guess the moment had to come. You know, the breaking point - I`ll start from nothing or I`ll give up once and for all. I chose the first option. Now we`ll see if that was a good idea..." EPIC Statement!!!!

I totally understand the whole taking an about turn to do something new. I have done the same going from music to art. 14 years in music gone. Then I found art. Strange as it is, it must be something to do with the mid 20s.

As you mentioned fashion design I can now see why your female figure is tall, slender and leggy. Not a bad thing necessarily.

Great to see you on CA

Keep up the good work. -subscribed-

**Jorge Gecov** · April 23rd, 2009, 11:08 PM

The last one is very cool! Do more studies like this.

cheers,

**Artangela** · April 25th, 2009, 02:51 AM

Hey PxelSlayer! Thanks so much for dropping by my thread

I like what you're doing here! The last value study is a great start, very beautiful. And I really liked the line drawing girl from the first post and your dark mermaid and cloaked girl. Keep practicing!

**PxelSlayer** · April 26th, 2009, 07:18 AM

WIP...blah

**PxelSlayer** · April 26th, 2009, 11:38 AM

Seriously, when does the skill improvement kick in?

**PxelSlayer** · April 27th, 2009, 10:13 AM

........

**jhofferle** · April 29th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Your sketches have a great feeling of movement to them.

**Farelle** · May 23rd, 2009, 07:50 AM

you are saying you are waiting for the skill improvement shock moment?

im wondering^^ cause i already see some changes^^

your legs starting to be shorter, the upper body is thicker and the faces are less perfect more natural like^^

dont look only at the things you draw (even if its a picture in your head)

start to look over your drawings too

it helps me sometimes to just look back and see what I'Ve done before and HOW i'Ve done before...

its like writing a book^^ sometimes you just have to look back or start it over again from another point of view, when you notice it isnt going further

often you'll notice something that feels good for you, which you maybe havent done in the last three pages^^

ah and btw. try and error study is just working if you folow these steps:

-try or draw an image from your mind

-then go over it until it feels fine

-then find some references (even if splitted up) and draw over your image or make a new one like yours and paint it with these references

that way you learn what you are making different, and whats the things that different

**Cyberman** · May 23rd, 2009, 10:36 AM

Farrelle pretty much said it, I am just going to second that

and ad keep on stormin man!

**PxelSlayer** · May 29th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks guys!

Ice Queen, more WIP. Any CC on anatomy, lightning, proportions/whatever is highly appreciated. I`m planning to finish this one for my fashion design class, and once it`s done, have it printed an hang on a wall. Just to remind me how much work there is in front of me.

**Cyberman** · May 30th, 2009, 11:39 PM

Catwomans up man

I was checking out your new sb. Fashions cool, I really love the watercolor fashion design,...you know painter is suppose to be able to do watercolor, I would be curious to see how that would work for you.