Sharks for Fun

Been working on some shark sketches in my free time. Really, really incredible animals, I'm pleased more and more public awareness is being paid to these creatures. I know we have so much going on in the world today, famine, violence, war: Important issues that need our attention. But hopefully we don't over look the other creatures that share the planet with us.

If you want to be involved here are some websites:
http://www.projectaware.org/

http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Great-White-Shark.aspx?q=SharkAdoption&sc=AWY1200WCGO1&searchen=google&gclid=CLuqj56n6bYCFcJo4Aody1UAZQ&mpch=ads

These guys have been around since the dinosaurs. What a shame if the go extinct because we have no self control.

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Advice to a young artist

As artists, we are constantly striving to improve our skills. We might take classes, find a mentor, or spend arduous hours practicing. What I've discovered over the years, is that my mental blocks hold me back regardless of how much time and effort I commit to improvement.

We all have the voice of self doubt that whispers in our ear. They are our constant companions. Every interaction with other human beings provides these voices with an opportunity to  derail us from the present here and now. 'What did that person mean by that? Are they angry with me? I wonder if I have broccoli stuck between my teeth?

It's ok to listen to this voice moderately. Sometimes we do get carried away and this voice can moderate us. 'Am I talking too much?' 'Is it time to listen?' ' Maybe I've hurt this persons feelings, I should touch base again and clarify what I mean...'

But often this voice is destructive: 'There's no way you are going to get this job.' 'You aren’t very good, you know.' 'Why am I so dull? and ugly? and stupid?'

These voices need to be excised. Not repressed, mind you. You need to sit down with them and give them a very stern talking to and then find a way to come to terms with them. Another option, one that I find works well, is to journal and write. If you are really struggling with the voices, this is a great way to send them packing. Find a quiet place, sit down and write. Write down whatever pops into your head. Write it down. Doesn’t even have to be legable. Once it's written down, you can burn it up, tear it apart, drown it down or let the winds take it away. It's not going to solve any problems miraculously, but it does clarify and allow your mind to be clear.

These negative voices get in the way of your creativity. It's almost as if your brain is so occupied with the worry, it can't spare anything to relax, open up and allow the creativity to flow out.

Julie Cameron's book Artists Way is a fantastic tool for those of us struggling with those ultra-self destructive voices. Check out her website as well:

http://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/creative-clusters/

Journaling in some way is like meditation. It's another way to quiet the mind and bring your focus into the here and now. Mediation is simply bringing the mind to the present moment and each time it wanders off, bring it back again. There are specific breathing techniques for meditation and posture. I don't recommend meditation without initally finding instruction. There are a few websites that can offer guidelines, but I find meditation with a group is more constructive for beginners. 

http://www.shambhala.org/meditation/
http://www.vipassanadhura.com/howto.htm

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Sketching the Human Form

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Jim Byrnes: Original photography done by Weitzel Studios

One subject matter that many artists struggle with is the human form. Drawing people, whether in motion or at rest, can be a daunting task. I have often resorted to begging friends to pose and model for still pictures for reference, but these final paintings often lack the spontaneity and spirit of a live model.Additionally, when working from someone else's photography, you are bound by copyright laws. I did the oil/oil pastel study of Jim Byrnes for an exercise, but I cna not sell the piece sinc eits not my original work.

Perhaps, like me, you have dismissed this weak spot in our artistic abilities with excuses like: “I’m an animal artist.” “I draw plants, I don’t need to learn how to draw people”

That worked for a time, but as an older wiser (?) artist, I realize the need to be well versed in rendering the entire world around us, people, animals, flowers the whole enchilada etc.

So here are some tips I’ve picked up from several teachers over the years. The tips focus on sketching exercises, which are crucial in building an understanding of the human form, before contemplating a finished masterpiece.  This first one though is something I developed in order to continue drawing and sketching in the cold winter months without resorting to still photos.

Monks: Quick study sketches from DVD

DVD Sketching: Take a DVD of your favorite movie and sit down with your sketchbook. You can simply watch and sketch using a wire frame method (more on that later) or you can pause the DVD at points you like and spend a little more time on a more fleshed out sketch. One rule I have is that once the pause time runs out and the DVD resumes normal play, then it's time to move on to the next sketch. One quick note about copyright laws: I am advocating this as an exercise, not as a way to create sell-able art.

Wireframe Sketching: This technique works well when sketching movement such as people in a park or children at play. With a few quick strokes you can practice capturing the essence of the person’s movements.

Performers often repeat movements so it’s easy to start a quick sketch, move on to another as the performer continues and then return to flesh out the first sketch as the action is repeated: strumming a guitar, juggling, or delivering a passionate line.

Don’t Forget: Keep sketching using light pencil movements, correcting as you continue to observe your subject.

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