The hopeful beginnings of a future artist...

[OldThunder]

I'm studying artistic game design at a technical school and have little foundation in any form of traditional art. That said, it's very difficult for me to find traditional instruction other than expensive classes. I currently have a small scholarship from a local museum which allows me to take about two classes a year which I am taking full advantage of. I've heard nothing but positive things about this community and hope that I'll be able to pick things up that I'll otherwise miss.

This is hopefully going to be the start of something that will grow into my future career.

I will start with my sketches today which come from George Bridgeman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life. I chose to look at the cartilages of the nose.

Thanks for looking...

[DeeStar]

hey good start, the Bridgman books are great. You'll need to post more though for crits ect

[Pixiebrush]

These are good! I have such 'issues' with noses even when I dont think of them as that, Bridgeman really helped. Would be great to see them applied to some observation now!?

[Spaggen]

The studies looks good. But post more more more! ;)

[OldThunder]

Another quick study I did tonight...

I had a question about the Bridgeman book. How exactly should I use it. I was told by some to just copy from the sketches in the book but I don't know if I'm getting anything out of that. What should I be keeping in mind as I copy the sketches.

Thanks,
Kyle

[Chison]

the way you understand nose is way too complicated ....(well done anyway^^)
tracing is very useful for your hand to pick up "memory"of "outline",i think your teacher counld be wanting you to draw more losse and free instead of "block proportion"???

and as a game designer , i don't think "real" is a mainskill unless you what to work with eg war FPS shotting game

i am not game-designer so just ignore me if you like

keep it going

[Pixiebrush]

The thing I have found it most useful so far (having only just started) is largely in his description of the basic muscle/tendon layout. He explains that in hands, the basic muscle layout will mean that the muscle between the thumb and the first finger will always cause a bulge, whereas the muscle leading to the little finger is always long and lean and that the knuckles of these two fingers will always protrude. Although the language is complex at times and takes a few re-readings I'm finding that with a basic understanding of the principles, and after copying the illustrations, if I take it straight into observation ractice it all starts to make a lot more sense! The way I figure it, once you understand the basic structure outline it enables you to work from imagination without having to rely on sort of, 'learnt templates', where you produce the same image again and again.
Hope that's helpful in some way! :S

[snasitra]

Hey,

These are a great start. The thing to keep in mind with Bridgman is that he's a master of analysis. He really understood and knew how to abstract and break the body down into pieces that you can relate to.

Something I've found very helpful is that when you copy the drawings, try and find pictures (muscle magazines, especially female bodybuilders are good reference) that you can cross-reference with his drawings.

I would suggest doing a little "blind copying" with just copying the drawings as literally as you can and then also doing a large amount of analyzing and cross-referencing them and then applying the lessons learned through the drawings to a healthy dose of life drawing. Artists who you can cross reference Bridgman with are...

Glen Villpu
Orbikart.com
Frank Frazetta
Steve Huston

And a million more I'm sure...

Great start. Keep posting these and post your progress in life drawing when you can.

[OldThunder]

I've been neglecting my sketchbook for some time now for a couple of reasons. I have been working on a 3D modeling project for a course I'm taking at school however and I've managed to get my first render out today.

Just a little explanation: This bust was for a 7 week course that focused on sculpting and rendering in ZBrush. Most of the students, including myself, had no prior background in ZBrush at all.

The concept behind this character revolves around those who hate their job and possibly their life entirely. This goblin-esque creature has lost all hope and dreads returning to his cubicle every day.