Alexander's sketch/paint thread (05/14/08)

[Alex the Red]

I suck at environments but I never have time to practice outside of school, so I've decided to start getting up an hour early every day and spend that hour painting an environment (a new one every day).

These first two were only 20 minutes a pop because a friend ended up needing a ride. I'm starting simple (the ref pics are this limited in colors and complexity, too, which makes them easier to work from). Smudged the clouds on the second one too much :(

[Grafguy]

1. did u stole my title? (quest for improvement)
2. nice paintings
3. I think that getting up an hour earlier isn't that good if u want to improve, ur still half asleep while ur painting

[thedestroyer]

Cool just like a real sunrise

[Alex the Red]

Grafguy -
1. Sorry. Didn't see it until after I'd made my post. Changed it for ya.
2. Thanks.
3. Don't have much of a choice; after school's over, I have enough trouble doing work that's due for a grade, so making time BEFORE school is my only option. I'm trying to make it a pleasant, relaxing "getting up" experience with coffee and music.

thedestroyer - Thanks bunches.



Also, one more image for today.

[rsharr]

the last mountain image is really nicely done, the rocks you painted made me take a second look

[Nightblue]

Way to go Alex! These are looking really nice. Before long you'll be a master in environment!

Copying master oil paintings or even digital paintings might be even more helpful as you can learn their technique as well.

[Alex the Red]

rsharr- Thanks duder.

Nightblue - Danke. I'm working on a Mullins study right now, actually. Might go into Painter or ArtRage later and do some Master's studies with simulated oil later (don't have time or space in my apartment for real oil).


Moar . . .

[Smoke]

You're doing some nice studies, I'd suggest making them bigger and looking at images with a greater range of colours.

Try to stay away from the smudge tool, use it only as a time saver or last resort. Once you can create the same effect with brushes and blending it'll become almost obsolete.

Good start!

[Moftah]

nice work and technique,maybe if u added more tones it may help bring it more to life,just a suggestion,hope to see more

Moftah's Sketchbook

[Alex the Red]

Smoke - Thanks man. I'm just starting out, so I'm choosing smaller and "simpler" images to to learn the basics first. I'm going to move on to larger and more detailed images eventually. I need to get to the point where I can comfortably do this stuff without constantly looking at reference. As for the smudge tool, yeah, you're absolutely right, I should avoid it . . . I've been using it on these because towards the end I get a little rushed and need to wrap it up. I'm practicing blending too, though, so eventually I should be able to get away from it.

Moftah - Thank you. The pics I'm working from are limited in colors, which is why I'm choosing them. Makes them easier to work with. However, I do plan on working my way up to more complex images.


Friday's and Saturday's sketches attached.

[Nightblue]

The newest two are really nice. The first one is very solid, and you captured the charming epic lighting on the mountain top. The 2nd one looks a bit rushed. The lighting is very nice but it looks a bit less finished than what you've been doing so far.

Awesome work Alex :) keep it up!

[Alex the Red]

Ran out of time and rushed the water on the first one, which sadly ruins the image for me, but I had to move on. Made the other two simpler and faster to make up for lost time.

[RandAlThor]

Awesome progress already alex, keep it up dude. I like your intention to get up early to paint, I've tried it a few times when i couldn't sleep, and its amazing what your brain will come up with just after some rem sleep, its like your still dreaming, but you have the chance to paint it, kudos. ;-)