Journey of an Absolute Rookie: Paintings and Sketches

[MindCandyMan]

Yeah that lady was staying pretty still for me. Although the guy in the armor kept moving his sword around so I couldn't get the right perspective.

I just got my cast last night...it is huge! I didn't realize how big it would be hahahha...it's awesome. I am gonna do some drawings of it this weekend.

[davi]

you are getting so much better, i fears you!
less talk more art

[MindCandyMan]

Took your advice Davi (the best advice to ever give) ...did this over lunch at work today:

[MindCandyMan]

more train sketches from yesterday

[MindCandyMan]

Some stuff:


Some pen sketches:

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This pen sketch was loosely based on the picture...as you can see...I still need to work on perpective...ouch that's bad hehe. I don't know if the picture is big enough to see but I wanted to try out a whole bunch of different pen techniques...I used it as a double exercise.

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[Smeagol71]

Once again growth is evident my brother. I especially like the horse nostril and mouth in the first pic. The building sketch looks great! I can see you're really trying to work on contrasts in your tones with the pen. Two things about that one.

One, a lot of people don't even realize that their perspective is off so you've got a jump on the problem there. And two, remember that if you're drawing just for yourself that there's some room for "error" here and there when drawing from a specific photograph or location. Of course you want your subject to be portrayed truthfully in your piece, but there's always room for a little "interpretation". The casual observer won't know the difference sometime.

Now, am I giving you an excuse to draw whatever you want? No way! You know me, I'm a stickler for accuracy and detail. Just trying to encourage you as you move along!!! Great work bro!

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks bro...yeah I was experimenting a lot with that building sketch...I am realizing that especially with something that complicated with all these roof tops and stuff I just need to really measure it out. I can't do it by eye yet.

Yeah I like to change up little things instead of just copying a photo to give it some life. I'm not too good at working from my head but eventually with enough practice it will come together. Those images of the horse mouth etc... are in Nice's book. It's a great book and teaches you proper technique especially with the technical pen. Thanks for the encouragement. I know I will enjoy drawing horses...they are so cool.

[I.was.ink]

I like to interpret my own drawings as well Mindy, just like ur bro said. Anyways, I like that you are really trying hard, and are improving along with each drawings. Look at that horse nostril. SUPERB!!! keep these fatties coming! :thumbsup:

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks iwasink...yeah sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm getting any better...so I appreciate the encouragement.


I'm trying to learn to visualize the skull and other things as basic shapes...here are some studies of the skull as a basic polygon.

[Smeagol71]

That's definitely a good excercise and a good practice to get into. Carry that over for the body as well and you'll have a good foundation for creating your own poses or improved life drawing.

I'm not much into trying to copy the current comic styles, although I think they're nice, but the link below will take you to a book that has a lot of good ideas and reference for capturing human heads and anatomy. Just something different and another source to look at! One of my previous teachers, Dave Hoover, did a section in it too.

Drawing Cutting Edge Comics (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823023974/qid=1046209610/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-6612299-1470267)

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks bro...I put that book on my wish list on amazon. I think you had that didn't you? At any rate...I definitely need to do more skull studies cause my heads are awful!!!!!!!! My sketches lately have been so terrible...here are some more terrible ones from the train hehe:

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[MindCandyMan]

I felt guilty for not doing a self portrait for a while so I did one late last night

[MindCandyMan]

I just spent 4 hours going through Bridgemans life drawing book...I am starting off with the head.

I kept trying and trying and trying and trying to use the cube as a basis for the head....what I found out is that I CAN'T DRAW PERSPECTIVE WORTH CRAP...I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY ANGRY RIGHT NOW I CAN'T EVEN EXPLAIN. I just spent like 5 hours trying to get one stinkin head to look right and I couldn't even get one...NOTHING even looked convincing if I didn't copy it straight from bridgeman...I got so mad I even traced one to see what the heck I was missing. I erased erased erased arhggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg gg. The worst part is that I am so mad that I can't do it I have to keep going back to it...hence the 5 hours......................If anyone can teach me how to draw let me know.

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[I.was.ink]

ill give u some help later on . either today or tomorrow!
:)

go do something else! i do that when i get frustrated too! go play games, or run like a madman. Or kick a ball really hard *shrugs*

I don't know just let it out!:huh:

[jester]

I know that feeling. It looks soooo simple and when you try it - crap! My advice: switch books! When Bridgeman isn't able to teach you one thing - go to Loomis, ot try Glen Vilppu (great Link: http://mag.awn.com/index.php3?ltype=Columns&column=vilppu&offset=0 ). And do as I.was.ink says - go for something completly different!

Jester

[killing.people]

14 pages now .. well looky looky. this thread is very cool. it has been fun to watch your progress, though alot of the early links, as i am sure you know, are broken. *sigh*

"arhgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg"

.. looks like your are moving right along ..

-killing.candy

[cucaracha]

no, don't try loomis ;)

I bought a book Jester recommended me - "Die Gestalt des Menschen" or "The human shape" (thanks for that, the book's great)
The author is tearing up all that Loomis stuff because it's wrong method in his opinion. It's wrong to specify all the proportions in Loomis way, for example... (there are some other things said, but's hard to translate them :D)

So I would say, just keep it up, ignore the bad days :)
cu

[bara]

could you specify what exactly he said about loomis?
thanks

[cucaracha]

I'll try :)

the author Gottfried Bammes writes about Loomis:

"Loomis reached a climax of totally wrong information about anatomy. (...)
His proportion figures don't have any organic relation to reality, they're just an aesthetic standardization of idealistic dream-shapes (...).
Loomis tries to give a simple way to create quick figures without an aspect of art (...)"
Furthermore he writes about authors like Loomis, Hogarth and Marsh: "(...) like cookbooks to enrich the authors"

(the translation isn't word by word, but will do)

He's kinda radical huh? :D
But I think he's right... you should really try to (guess what?) draw from life; not from cookbooks.

but I don't want to abuse the thread now...
It's MCM's turn! :D
cu

[jester]

Just take in consideration that Bammes wrote his (excellent) book during the peak time of the cold war! He wasn't battling Loomis' art (IMO) but what he was standing in for - capitalism.

If you take this into consideration and manage to ignore it, it's a good book. And Loomis helps a lot!

:)

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Sorry killing.people....I know...all those stupid links are broken. Image magician all the sudden said everyone had 2 weeks to pay for their stuff and then it was gone...so stupid. I am working on a website that shows all my progress so hopefully that will be up sometime soon. Sorry about that. Thanks for stopping by every once in a while...I feel like I am not moving along at all so it's good to have encouragement.

jester and cucaracha - no worries...I like talking about stuff like this in my thread...I agree with both of you guys. I do agree that Loomis makes objective figures that don't have much life to them at all...but that's just one style...a lot of comic book artists adapt that style...some don't...just a matter of difference. I think one can also take the loomis information and use it as a springboard for fuller expression. If you know that Loomis has a tendency to restrain people than you can keep yourself away from it. Bridgman's figures have a lot of life to them but they are very stylized. I tend to like bridgman's aesthetic a whole lot more but that's just me. For now I just need to learn the stinkin muscles hehehe...I can't even worry about expression at this point...I can't even draw it right yet.


This is me trying to learn anatomy...hard stuff:

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[jester]

Great efforts! Why not paint them in the "Anatomy for Middle Class Artists" thread, too?

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

train sketches

I know these are almost undecipherable...but when I am on the train I don't really erase. I like to explore all my options right now without taking the time to make everything perfect. I am trying to capture the essence of putting the figure in perspective so I just put lines over my previous ones without regard. I am starting to understand a little bit about seeing the whole body as squares and cylinders...it's interesting. At any rate...here is the slop

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[MindCandyMan]

I will update soon sorry (all who care hehe)...I have had two exams in my figure drawing class...one on anatomy today! Hopefully I will do well.

[MindCandyMan]

I had to format my hard drive. Long story hehehe...I will update soon.

[MindCandyMan]

Well after some problems that needed to be fixed my computer is fully functional again. Here is a speed painting from last night on the daily sketch group. The topic was Fire based fantasy creatures.

[sic1]

I like the form on your creature, humanesque, with a freakish firey glow.

The texture on the cave looks very sharp and detailed... nice :)

[MindCandyMan]

Hey thanks sic1! I appreciate it. I had a lot of fun with that one. It's hard to work so quickly...it forces you to learn quickly hehe.

A speedpainting from the other night:

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A copy of a Willy Pogany drawing. Willy Pogany is the man. I changed up some things here and there...this was mainly to practice pen technique. I love working in pen.

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[Smeagol71]

Hey hey, looks like you pulled that cave off pretty well bro. Turned out real nice! I like the hint at the "tribal" markings on the front of the cave. Your mind is working on little details and that's always a good thing. And nice job on the Pogany excercise too. I'm sure the respect factor went up a few notches after copying that one! Heh heh!

[MindCandyMan]

Hey bro...thanks. Yeah my respect went up for him a whole lot. I learned a lot by doing that as well about the strokes and where to place them and what they do. Willy Pogany's pen work is amazing.

[MindCandyMan]

This is definitely not my month...my house got robbed and now I spent a couple days at the doctors...bleh. I'll be glad when this month is over. I will update soon. Bear with me guys.

[MindCandyMan]

Ok I'm not letting this month win. I am kicking it into high gear. Here's some stuff.


Blocking in the main color areas and measuring for my Sargent Streets in Venice copy. I am kind of glad I am forced to do it again. Maybe I can get it right this time.

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Sketch done on the train...maybe a painting sometime?...don't know...

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This was just a quick sketch I did in between working on things. Just something simple to keep my mind going. I would say I went a little too dark on the eye sockets...sheesh they look like blackholes heheh

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[MindCandyMan]

Here are some pictures from my "studio" heheh...my wife has given up control over this room at this point hehe. When I start painting I am gonna put a tarp down in this room and get that couch out of there...guests in our house will always be kept out of this room hehe.

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I couldn't see in the camera's viewfinder so I couldn't line it up exactly but this is how I am going about measuring the cast use the sight size method. I was also trying my hand at getting some texture on this paper...first time I have used this smooth kind...I like it a lot.

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[I.was.ink]

I like how your seargane piece is coming alonf Mindy! And I can see the hard work you have put into your art and your enthusiasm. It brings me joy right now, since I'm a bit sick. Its nice to know that others are working as hard, or even harder than I am at the one thing we all love. ART!

:D

[jester]

Hey MindCandyMan - great to see your studio. I like that idea that much tham I'm gonna post mine ;) today, in my sketchbook. I suggest that you get a proper table soon, working on the floor can be fun but your back will thank you if you don't.

I admire your dedication to do that Sargent piece again. I know that in your case I'd have started a different one.

As for your wife giving up... :D my father has learned to live with the whims of my Mum (I'm a kid of an artist type mother and a very down to earth father...) - she started drawing and painting on our dining room table... mostly on Sundays... that's why I became I good cook...

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Sinkmaster - Hey thanks for the encouragement man. Lately I have been feeling like my stuff is awful!!!!!!! I am wondering if I am ever going to get better. It's been really hard to keep going lately. These are the times when we have to kick it up a notch I guess though. I just wonder sometimes if life is going to catch up with me too soon for me to be able to pursue this anymore. What I mean is that I have about 5 years before my wife will really want to start having kids... (assuming they don't come before then) and I just don't want to get stuck doing what I am doing now if I can help it. I know I could move up in my current job but I would much rather pursue art. I guess we'll just have to see what happens in the future. I appreciate the encouragement man it helps me keep going.

Jester - Glad you like the "studio" hehehe. I wish I had the money to rent a space out and have a real studio. Thanks for the encouragement about the Sargent piece...I love this painting and I wanted perfect it and get it right. I think I will be able to do it a lot quicker this time as well...but we'll see hehe. That's hilarious about your mom painting on the dining room table heheh...I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that has to make due with less than desirable rooms and equipment...etc... hehe.

[MindCandyMan]

Just so you guys know as well I am going to go back and reupload all those original images sometime...so this thread will be intact again...might take a while but I can at least do a couple a day till it's done. I know killing.people was disappointed about the broken links. I am saving everything I do so that hopefully I can make a book 10 years from now that catalogs my progress...I think that would be a unique and inspiring thing (If I end up being any good at all heheh)

[ZippZopp]

you've got some good stuff going here! where'd you get that hand you've got there? looks pretty interesting! i'd be very interesting in picking up some stuff like that to draw from

[MindCandyMan]

Hey zipp...I got that hand from www.statue.com . If you go tot that site click on the "drawing casts" button to see all their drawing casts...it's pretty cool.

[MindCandyMan]

Working on this and also my cast drawing...still measuring things out and experimenting with the background textures for my cast drawing:

[MindCandyMan]

Still workin on my cast drawing measuring stuff out:

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Some pages from my sketchbook...bleh...anatomy sure is hard to put into practice

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[MindCandyMan]

self portrait

[MindCandyMan]

I failed miserably at life drawing tonight...I was able to draw some in my sketchbook though in between sessions and on the train ride home...bleh...oh well get up and do it again tomorrow right!

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[muse]

Oh Yeah----getting back to the search for the bones of a drawing ---------of a concept-----------------Nice!

[MindCandyMan]

thanks muse :thumbsup:

[MindCandyMan]

I thought this was funny...on the way home on the train yesterday there was no room to sit so I started drawing people while I was standing up...it was hard...and the people around me where looking at me like I was a freak...everyone always wants to know what you're drawing too...it's funny hehe

[MindCandyMan]

sketchbook pages

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I did a speed painting tonight for the DSG thread...30 min

This was the topic "Design: If you were in charge of the sith(star wars) design"

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[sic1]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan
I thought this was funny...on the way home on the train yesterday there was no room to sit so I started drawing people while I was standing up...it was hard...and the people around me where looking at me like I was a freak...everyone always wants to know what you're drawing too...it's funny hehe

http://www.mindcandyfilms.com/jons_uploads/stand up drawing people.jpg

hahahaahahahaahahaha! Those are some pretty good sketches for standing on train. I especially like your entry for the DSG #29, sith design... :)

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks sic1 hehe...yeah I wish I had a camera so you could see the way people were looking at me on the train...their expressions were hilarious hehe. That speedpainting was fun too hehe. Thanks again updates coming soon...workin on my sargent copy.

[MindCandyMan]

Update:

Ok this was from a WWII photograph...I am trying to learn to keep my values distinguishable...very very hard that's for sure

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page from my sketchbook on the train

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In imphead's thread he mentioned the use of this particular robot for a lot of his paintings so along that line I started a sketch last night...I probably won't finish it but I thought it was fun to use his imagery...the fish idea and the robot.

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[rybeck]

MindCandyMan,

Great passion that I cannot pass by without giving you a word... One thing I appreciate (and this is my general appreciation for all over things on the earth) is that the effort that I can see from your work...
Pencil milage won't trick us, all we need to do is more drawing, and you are my hero tonight... Thanks for your deligent and hard working...

*P.S.: Can anyone help me how to put a little picture under username? Isn't it called "avartar" or something, right? I tried a couple times but it didn't work...

[Smeagol71]

:D That robot is great! I love it...fish bowl in the stomach. Good idea. I might have to steal it from you bro. LOL! Keep up the good work!

:nana

[MindCandyMan]

I tried to do a speedpainting last night...it was a horrible disaster. The theme was "the child who saved the world" so I tried to draw this little boy with a helmet on with all these wires coming out of it. I had imagined sort of a minority report...boy with his mental powers saving the world type of thing. I wanted it to have a greenish hue to have a laboratory feel...was so awful I closed the file without saving. It was so awful. I realized then that I have no idea how to utilize color...none. So it was fun last night. Three hours of hitting brick walls...oh well.


__________________________________________

Smeagol - Hey thanks man...I stole the imagery from imphead so I guess if I steal it from him and you steal it from me it will end up being something pretty cool and unique hehe. You could actually do the idea justice too. Thanks for the encouragement bro.

Rybeck - Thanks so much for the encouragement. I am trying to work hard I feel like I am not working hard enough and need to push myself more. I get frustrated at my inability a lot...so thanks for the encouragment it really helps to keep me going. To give yourself an avatar the picture has to first be 80 x 80 pixels and under 15k I think. You have to upload that file to an online server of some sort...then when you have the "link" straight to that picture online go to the "user cp" section up at the top of this site and click on "edit options" and then at the bottom of that page you will see a place to put in the url to your avatar. Have fun.

[.PZ.]

Been lurking since back on page one, thought I would give you a little post now though. Ever since the first page I have been able to relate to what you are going through perfectly. I started drawing 2 years ago because I was inspired by those over at sijun.com. I have sketchbooks that I swear look EXACTLY like yours. I have pages of loomis heads and anatomy studies.

The thing is, is I really never thought I was getting better. For those 2 years I really only "dabbled" in my sketchbook. I was almost from the viewpoint that art was something that you had or you didn't. It was so hard to get myself to draw when I knew that when I put the pencil to the paper. Nothing cool was going to come of it. You have come further in the last 16 pages of your journey than I did in those 2 years because you are forcing yourself to do it.

Be careful though, don't get too down on yourself. You have to realize that EVERY single thing you read or see is going to affect your work. The fact that you are learning so much makes you MUCH more critical of your own work. That is great, but you have to keep it in check and not let it get you down. if you take in too much at one time you will get disillusioned.

just curious, how many sketchbook pages do you try to do a day?

And please keep all your sketchbooks, I still have my first one and trust me, you will get a kick out of it in not too long.

[MindCandyMan]

Hey PZ...yeah you are right on...does no good to get down on yourself anyways...you can't make it happen quicker or anything...just have to push and push. Yeah I am saving all my crappy work to look back later and laugh hehehe...I was showing somebody some of the stuff I have done the other day and boy was I embarassed hehe...I hadn't looked back through it before really and boy the stuff was awful!!!! hehe. All part of learning though I guess. I haven't really set a daily goal for myself in the sketchbook area but I usually end up doing about a page and a half of sketches every day...I eat my lunch during my work hours slowly so I can draw over my lunch hour...and then I draw on the train so it usually ends up being about an hour and a half of drawing...when I get home I, recently, have been working on a cast drawing and a master's copy. But two days out of the week I go to figure drawing class and I don't get back till like 9 o clock at night when I do that...but the time spent is well worth it that's for sure. Figure drawing is probably the hardest thing I have done so far...so so difficult. I am having a blast in that class though...frustrating that's for sure though hehe. I have a drawing class coming up in the summer where for about 5 weeks I will be going to class and drawing from 4:30 - 7:30 monday through thursday so that will be awesome. Thanks for posting and thank you so much for the encouragement...it's good to know that there are others like me around hehe...so much talent on these boards that you forget that there are people that feel the same as you. Thanks again man and I will definitely keep updating.

p.s. - It's funny that you mention drawing loomis heads and stuff like that...there is this guy in my class doing the same type of thing as me and he pulled out his sketchbook and as he was flipping through I said, "Loomis right?.......Oh that's definitely bridgman.." etc..... hehehe. He started laughing at how I knew them all but I told him it's only because I have looked at those books so much hehehehe...

[MindCandyMan]

updates

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This was a speed painting with the theme "Vehicle: three wheels" ...I know the railings are REALLY messed up along with some other stuff but I have to go to bed hehe...it's a speed painting so I guess that comes with the territory hehe. I know this has a lot of screwups in it but this represented a big mental step for me. I was able to choose some colors and set up a scene and actually make it not TOTALLY HORRIBLE...like my speed painting was the other night. Oh well enough blabbering here it is.

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[Smeagol71]

Nice! Good idea dude, I like your take on the assignment. Here's my advice on small points...

You already mentioned the rails (I went to bed about the same time as you still working on that freelance job!). Of course be careful with your perspective and pay close attention to bending the rails with the tunnel. That goes for the curve in the rows of lights as well, along the tunnel wall.

I like the light coming from around the corner, you're giving me a sense that something's back there. The ambient light on the walls could use some work, but I like it. Remember as well that anything close to that light at the end of the tunnel will lose a lot of detail and become completely silouhetted (sp?) against that light. The rails would probably be almost lost in that light back by the vehicle which you indicated a bit I can see. It would be like that for the rail in the foreground shadow as well.

Great stuff man, I know you didn't have long with it, but my comments are made with the intention that you might go back to this one at some point. Very cool! See you tonight!

:nana

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks bro that's exactly what I like...a breakdown of all the mistakes so I can do it better next time. Yeah there was a bunch of crappy things but I just left it...I was tired at that point heheh. It all just comes down to good drawing as well...which I am not so good at yet hehe. Got to practice practice practice.

[MindCandyMan]

updates

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I am trying to turn over a new leaf in the way I am drawing based on the nudging of a friend. I am approaching it with a different perspective. Might take me a while but we will see how it goes. Just trying to move to the next plateau.

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This is a really preliminary sketch for the next upcoming thunderdome. I am going to try to come up with a unique frankenstein...we'll see what happens.

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This was an impasto test that I was doing. The colors mix like real life...that's right folks this was done digitally hehe

[MindCandyMan]

Frankenstein painting step 1

I hope no one else does Frankenstein although it's probably inevitable that half of the people will do Frankenstein and/or Dracula or something heheh.

[R_M]

hi MKM
your charcoal number 5 in the previous post is really cool! the one with the guy falling backwards..
it has drama movment and somthing I cant put my finger on..

[jester]

Hi MCM,

great new approach to try shading with the flat side of the pencil. This took me to the next level and I'm sure it'll take you there, too. Was it I.was.ink's advice? Take a look at my sketchbook (hands and feet studies) and you'll see what I mean.

I really like the first post and the way the spine comes out of the thorax, also the wooden manikin shows that you understood the new approach.

Your digital impasto study really shows that you though a lot while doing it, however I suggest that you do this with the real stuff first.

Do you want to draw Frankenstein himself or his monster? It isn't clear yet. And watch out the head-hand relation, the hands seem much too large as yet.

I always enjoy coming to your place and see how much you improve - keep pushing!

:thumb: :)

Jester

[Runcible]

Good job my friend. I'll be doing some of the same to see how it progresses. Here's to constant learning! :chug: No megalomaniacs here...except maybe for the one who gave you the advice! LOL! :D

[MindCandyMan]

Runcible - I don't have anything to say to you...your name summarizes you perfectly in my opinion. You runcible Megalomaniac.

jester - Hey thanks man. Nah it wasn't iwasink just a friend that I visited over the weekend. Talked some sense into me. The impasto thing was actually just a test to see if the impasto in painter actually worked. I was reading a book on painter and it was talking about getting "3D" looking strokes with impasto so I tried to do it. I just thought it was cool what painter could do...no real thought or anything but I'm glad it had signs of that heheh. This is Frankenstein's monster too not the man. I always just call the monster "Frankenstein"...it isn't true to the book but it's a habit from childhood I guess hehe.

R_M - Hey thanks man I was trying for that when I did that drawing and I thought I failed miserably so I'm glad you were able to pull that from it. Thanks man.

[MindCandyMan]

HAHAHHAAHAH We look exactly the same...same avatar same signature hehehehe

[MindCandyMan]

I'm going to bed hehe...sleepy

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[MindCandyMan]

I've started the slow process of re-uploading all the pics from the beginning of this thread. Eventually they will all be updated. I am going to try to re-upload about 3 pics every day. I'm also workin on revamping my website to have the "journey of an artist" theme. I am going to be sectioning it off into groups of three months. So that will be a catalogue of my progress and will be another way for people to catch up with me and my work. I will do little write-ups telling what I worked on in that three month period...etc... More updates coming soon I forgot to scan my drawings in last night.

[MindCandyMan]

Update

Dracula Sketch

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The speed painting from tonight...the topic was "Organic Alien Ship: A lot of weird shapes"

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Sketchbook pages

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I am trying a lot more experimentation in my sketchbook lately...it's frustrating and it isn't coming out good a lot of the time but I want to keep trying new things with it and keep pushing myself...this page was darkened and then the eraser was used to pull the highlights out...turned out awful...gotta keep experimenting though.

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Frustration hehe

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[MindCandyMan]

Whoops I forgot this one...I am ditching it because the pose is very non-dynamic...thanks for the tip novacaptain! I need to come up with a much better pose and setup. The sketch was to prepare for a painting for the thunderdome contest...this was a remake of the main character in the Castlevania game.

[StephenC]

just wanted to let you know that i look at this everytime you update...

[Runcible]

Sheesh! That Dracula concept is shweeeeet! What are you? Some kind of megalomaniac or something? :nana

[MindCandyMan]

I forgot a couple sketches

These were done during a meeting at work...I was holding my pad really far in front of me heheh. Don't worry I wasn't going to get in trouble if they saw me...the meeting was just boring and we all knew it. I stamped the guys chest with my "confidential" stamp hehe.

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Runcible - I won't reveal your true identity. I am NOT a Megalomaniac. Thanks dancing banana man.

StephenC - Thanks so much man. I know this thread doesn't have the greatest art but I appreciate you sticking with me and going through the journey with me. It helps me keep going it really does...to know that people are interested.

[julien]

it's really nice to see your work here... for a while all i saw was this really awesome but very imposing work from phenomenal artists, and i felt so terribly below their level, so i'm glad to see that you're working where i am, and that you're posting it. that's awesome.

[MindCandyMan]

Update


The them from last night's speed painting was "Guard/Sentry Robot"...I started late and couldn't finish it...bleh

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julien - You should definitely be posting. I felt the same way at first but then I realized that looking at this awesome art should motivate me and not make feel dejected. Thanks for stoppin by.

[MindCandyMan]

I was doing these charts that richard schmid suggests in "Alla Prima"

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When I did the Burnt Umber chart I decided that I want to try to paint something on a piece of bristol board. I messed around with the paints one other time just to get the feel of them but I actually tried to paint something this time and this is what came out...it's a self portrait...this is what I stinkin feel like every day at work...trapped

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I am reworking some concepts I have for the thunderdome contest...I changed my mind I am doing q-bert now hehe

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[jester]

MindCandy, the thunderdome pre-concept of the chicken-like being is just great! Absolutely funny!

:D

Jester

[Runcible]

:mad:

Well, I think it's just shameful what you've done to Q-Bert. My goodness, he was always a symbol of everything cute, innocent, fuzzy...I think I'm going to cry. I while we're on the topic, I hope you're going to take out that awful cursing thing he used to do!

LOL...just jokes! Looks good. The more "hobbles and knobbles" the better, eh?!?

:fruit:

[MindCandyMan]

Runcible & Jester - I am having fun distorting q-bert heheh. I hope it turns out funny and interesting as a painting...we'll have to see hehe. Thanks guys hehe.

[I.was.ink]

Hey MCM can you give me some insight on the "Alla prima" book you're talking about. I'd like to give that one a read, it seems like you're starting to know your stuff on oil paints.

Good job man!

[MindCandyMan]

Hey iwasink...yeah it's an awesome awesome book. Costs 104 dollars total (I think) and you can get it from richard schmid's website. Just log on to www.richardschmid.com and look for it on there and you can get it. Foster turned me on to that book...he said it was invaluable...and it totally is. I have learned a lot about just good drawing in general from it as well and I am only through the first chapter hehe. Check it out it is a purchase well worth it...definitely.

[MindCandyMan]

Update:

Here are all my q-bert designs...lemme know what you think guys.

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More crap from the sketchbook

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[MindCandyMan]

Some updates

Latest Qbert design

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I purchased a couple Marshall Vandruff videos that arrived yesterday. I have to say that they are AWESOME. I am going through the one on drawing animals...absolutely fantastic...awesome awesome. He teaches you how to draw animals in perspective and proportion...it's really sweet. Here are some really quick sketches done while watching the video...These aren't the greatest I know but I have never before sketched a horse (only tried once I think looked awful hehe) or a dog...so keep that in mind hehe.

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The website where you can get the videos is www.draw123.com . Marshall Vandruff taught Puddnhead...Jason Manley...Justin Sweet...and a slew of other artists as well. He's great.

[Oblio]

Keep it rockin friend!

[Smeagol71]

I see what you mean now, after our discussion. That kind of practice is invaluable for creating your own monsters, creatures, even your own animals. Once you learn some of the basic ways that animals bones and muscles come together you can start to combine and push different elements you see in nature to suit your needs and come up with more "realistic" creations. The same applies for twisting and shaping human anatomy as well, although it can be more difficult. You can "fudge" certain elements when drawing a creature that you can't when drawing a humanoid type figure. But that's a whole topic in and of itself.

Good job!

[MindCandyMan]

Oblio - Thanks man I will definitely keep going. Having too much fun to stop hehe.

Smeagol - Yeah you are right. I was immediately thinking about how this would apply to the figure as well. He gives you exact measurements for each animal too so it's pretty cool. He also says that a secret to learning to draw animals is to learn one animal you like really well and the others will come easier if you do that. I really like horses...I like the idea of a smaller creature (humans) riding something much larger and powerful. I am going to try to learn them really well. I am starting to learn to draw with more volume in mind as well...I hadn't really thought about that before I realize now I was just "faking" whatever particular angle I was trying to draw. That's no good at all...that's for sure. Bridgman makes a lot more sense to me now that's for sure.

[MindCandyMan]

qbert compositions. I think I am going to try to start my qbert painting tonight. How do these compositions look...any of them worthwhile? I did these on 1 inch sticky pads at my desk at work...I am thankful for the scanner here at work. Scanned them in at 300 dpi hehe. Lemme know what you think.

[jester]

Now, that's extremely interesting to see Vandruff's approach is almost the same as Bammes'! I'm going to copy a few of his basic animal constructions to let you see what I mean.

The q-bert thumbnails are sweet. I like the top right one best, when it comes stomping on the viewer.

:)

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Oh brother

Yeah so I spent a while last night working on painting Qbert....forget it...it was trash. I feel like it was a total waste of time. I don't have a hold on value that's for sure...I need to do some still life paintings is what I need to do.

This is total crap...I'm definitely going to start over before I go further with this concept.

[Smeagol71]

I can't help but smile, things must have gone downhill mentally for you after I left last night. Welcome to my world! LOL! Anyway, don't let it get you down. Use it once again as a tool to learn, even if it's just to learn what NOT to do.

One thing you might want to do is continue to work more broadly before you start getting involved with the details on Q-Bert. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you might have jumped the gun a bit and were anxious to detail Q-Bert before some larger issues were resolved. Be more assertive and purposeful with your light source, that may help. Nail down that Q-Bert anatomy a little more forcefully too, that could help you determine exactly where that light is falling and bring his shape out more.

I know this was really a preliminary shot, just trying to be helpful. Hey...at this point you're way ahead of me with your entry for T-Dome. I'm still sketching! LOL!

:nana

[MindCandyMan]

Things were crap when you were there I just couldn't see it for myself heheheh. Those suggestions are really good...you are absolutely right. I didn't do either of those things I thought I could "work them out" throughout the process...yeah right hehe...mistake number one. Thanks for the help I don't feel like it is hopeless at least now hehe.

[Richard]

MCM et al,

I have just joined, and the first thread I looked at was this.. I
then clicked through *17* pages of your history of your drawings.. and man it's fascinating. the way you've improved, and the way you all give each other encouragement and tips is awesome!

I probably don't draw as much as I should, but that will soon change. ;)

and as someone said 'draw, DRAW, DRRAAWW!!' :D

Rich.
terminalclick (/art is the gallery) (http://www.terminalclick.com)

p.s. some of the links were broken, so I couldn't see most of the intermediate drawings, but got the effect of it from look ing at the first and most recent artwork!

[MindCandyMan]

Hey Richard welcome to the club! Yeah the people on here are awesome. Don't be worried if you don't get any responses to your posts at first it's ok because people are in different time zones and there are a lot of threads to look at on here. People on conceptart will give you true feedback and encouragement. Definitely post some of you work. Thanks for stopping by the thread. You are right on man! Draw draw draw! Yeah sorry about the earlier ones not being uploaded...I am in the process of uploading all those slowly...I was using a free hosting service and then they started charging money so the links went dead. Keep checking back and hopefully it will be updated before too long. Thanks for stoppin by.

[MindCandyMan]

Bridgman Studies

[MindCandyMan]

Ok I tried to incorporate some of the things Jason and Target and Foster said...I screwed up even worse tonight I think...oh well...do it again tomorrow right hehe. Plus I got this "palette paper" stuff from the art store and I didn't think you had to gesso it...you definitely do that's for sure...it's lame without gesso...soaks the paint right up and makes it really difficult to do anything. At any rate here is the latest one. I stuck with the same idea (subject matter) because I wanted to make it better...sheesh...yeah right.

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Here is the value set that I am starting. The one on the left is Black + White...making very interesting shades of grey...it really is a desaturated blue...fascinating. And two over is burnt umber.

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[MindCandyMan]

Got my skull from statue.com tonight so naturally I started to draw it. I have a long way to go that's for sure...I can't control value at all...I think from now on I am going to be doing nothing but drawing from life...till I am proficient at that...then I will create monsters and such...etc...anyways...sorry babbling here it is

[Behemoth]

MCM, Hi.

Congratulations, man. It's beautiful watching the learning process in action. You're improving in leaps and bounds daily. Well done.

[MindCandyMan]

Hey Behemoth thanks man...It's a slow process but I am having a lot of fun.

I uploaded a bunch more of my earlier paintings and drawings...I am on page 6 of like 36 so sheesh hehe...will take a while to upload all the old ones hehe.

[geckonia]

Excellent progress, MCM. I'm enjoying this thread and thought I'd drop in and make it official. Yikes, controlling values.... that's where I'm stuck too.:rolleyes: I'll be watching to see how you figure it out.

[MindCandyMan]

Hey geckonia thanks man...I'm glad this thread isn't annoying to everyone...sometimes I wonder hehe...some stupid rookie posting all his crap heheh. Yeah controlling value is rough. I think I have learned the most (the little I have learned) by doing cast drawings. I am resolving to do at least 1-2 hours of cast drawing every day along with doing at least 1-2 hours of painting every day. I think cast drawing is the way to learn to control value...especially if the cast is white. I have a skull cast now and also a hand...I would definitely buy some if you can. Go to www.statue.com and under the "drawing casts" section they have some really good casts. Check it out sometime. I think doing still lifes...drawing the figure...basically doing anything from life is what really teaches you to be sensitive to value. This is what I thought the other day (which is stupid I never thought of it before)..."If I can't even draw what I AM seeing correctly...how can I draw something from my memory correctly...it just isn't going to happen"...so I am drawing strictly from life now...nothing more. No utter creativity until I have the tools to utlize it. Sorry that was a long winded post...I could have just said. "Cast drawing works for me"...sheesh :rolleyes: Thanks again for stopping by.

[geckonia]

Cool... thanks for the link! I just want to let you know this journey you're on has lit the "fire in my belly" to draw again too. (I got caught up in photography for a few years.) So thanks for bearing your soul and sharing your progress. I like to learn by watching other people first..lol... a great video I recommend is Marshall Vandruff's "How to Draw monsters." http://www.draw123.com/ I just love his approach... and the way he explains the process. I'm also drawing animals from reference along with the Hogarth humans, and am going to get his video on animals too. Thanks again for posting all this inspiration.

[MindCandyMan]

Hey all I just realized something and I wanted to post it to make sure that Wetterschneider got total credit for an idea. One of my previous speed paintings with this robot from an ant's eye view was a TOTAL rip off of Wetterschneider's speed painting from a while ago. I totally didn't mean to do that but I remember that I liked the painting a lot so it must have been stuck in my subconscious. I just wanted to post this to give Wetterschneider his due. It was accidental but I totally ripped him off. Sorry Wetter! :(

Geckonia - Hey thanks man. It's funny I just got those two videos in the mail the other day hehe. I am saving up to get the perspective series...expensive but worth the money I think.

[MindCandyMan]

Updates

Trying to work with pastels...I sprayed it and I am going to work on it more tonight. Lemme know your thoughts. I put the source there as well. The source is like postcard size and I did it on 12 x 18 I think...something around that size.

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All I had was a ball point pen. Vesalius

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We went up to visit my sister and brother-in-laws site where their house is being built. It is just a hole in the ground right now but it was interesting to draw hehe.

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[MindCandyMan]

Recent Stuff

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[MindCandyMan]

Speed painting from tonight...the topic was "combine man and machine"

[R_M]

Hi MCM,
your last Dsg reminds me of a Jim Burns painting... just don't remenber where I have seen it. Nice

[geckonia]

geeze... I stopped by to see what you're up to and my eyes just popped out of my head! These are great... the last one is so beautiful. I really like your use of color.

[MindCandyMan]

Geckonia: Thanks man. I am going on drawing for seven months. I feel like I should be further along but I am trudging ahead. I mean 7 months is a long time...i have so much further to go. Sorry I'm babbling...thanks for the encouragement man it really helps keep me going. Yeah I had fun doing last night's dsg...it's interesting because when I am doing still life's and stuff like that sometimes I wonder whether this is helping me at all but then I come back and try to paint again and I can see that it helps me immensely. I've grown to love drawing from life. It's awesome...I'm off to do some more life drawing tonight! hehe

R_M - Thanks man. Hey I looked up Jim Burns and he is really good. He has some kick butt paintings in his gallery section.

[R_M]

You didn't know Jim!?!
He is probably the single artist that had the most influence on me, he is pretty old school but I grew up with him. (made a cover for warhammer 40000 that is amazing! Nuthin comes close with the level of detail or complexity)
He is always in spectrum with one picture, but it is usually a crappy one so people don't remember him much there :D

He is one of the bedst 80s/90sl airbrush artists, made tons of book covers since the seventies. He published two books collections under papertiger.
Where you on fantasiaonline? cause that isn't his site (even if it is the first that pops up on a google search) you have to look for Alison Eldred's site, his agent.
Harris and Gambino are repersented by her to.

Keep the good work up!

[MindCandyMan]

hey guys updates coming soon I forgot to scan the stuff from the weekend.

[Erik]

Those skull studies are really good. From the linework of the pencil one can see that you had a lot of practice, it's getting smooth and yet characteristic. Keep it up!

[MindCandyMan]

Hey Erik...if I'm looking at the same ones that I think you are those are out of bridgman :( ...I don't want to take credit for that heheh. I'm just doing studies of bridgman's stuff. There is a skull cast I drew from life on the previous page but I'm not sure if that's what you meant. I wish I could draw like bridgman out of my head...he is awesome.

[MindCandyMan]

Some updates

I'm workin on some other things but here are my sketchbook pages

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[jester]

Hey MCM, have you realised that you've just reached the next level?!!! :thumb:

Your new sketchbook pages show that you've learned a lot during the last couple of weeks. I really like the man with the large hat and two sword and that Bomb Squad sketch. Reminds me that I have to practise, too, but there was sooo much work to do the past days :(

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Hey Jester thanks man...yeah something snapped in my brain this past weekend. I started thinking more volumetrically and some lights went on in my head. I'm glad someone noticed hehe. thanks.

[MindCandyMan]

Updates:

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This was a graphite wash I tried out...I like working with it...never done watercolors but I assume it's similar...I will try more of these...hope you can tell what it is heheh. Was inspired by my teacher who had some amazing ones he showed in class.

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hadn't done a self portrait in a while...had to do one hehe

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[MindCandyMan]

___________

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[Rohan]

Hey MCM I can see in your drawings your linework has become tighter but more expressive too. it's cool to watch the progression in your skills over the course of this post. I very much liked your degas pastel as well. keep up the good work. I've got my eye on you :)

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks so much Rohan I really appreciate it. That helps keep me going!

[jester]

Hey MCM, who is it, Bridgeman or Loomis? ;)

Jester

[gekitsu]

man... i remember when you first posted at ca, when you begun and you were like "i'll never be able to be as good as most of the people here"

and now look at your recent drawings and compare them to the ones you started with.

if there is one guy at conceptart who can be proud of what he accomplished, it is you.
i am in honest awe how fast and how much you improved.

manley and android better watch their backs...

raphael

[aww]

Hey Im 15 and i live in Australia. I came across this site by sheer luck and i am grateful towards god for leading me here. I am hopeless at drawing and when i say hopeless i mean completely and utterly without hope. I have been studying all these drawings and re-doing them in stick figure shapes and i just wanted to say that you have helped/inspired me to levels i didn't think possible. It is amazing to see a fledgling artist can grow so skilled in such a short period of time. I am currently digging up my brothers old "how to draw" tutorials and i have just started what looks to be my first real character. My idea is "myself in 20 years" he is pretty accurate but badly drawn :D hopefully i will get better with time. Once again i thank everyone here especially mindcandyman for inspiring me to try and grasp the limitless art that is drawing. Thank you very much. I will start posting drawings in a few weeks once i have grasped how to proportion and pose the human body.

[sic1]

Amen to taht aww...

I hereby declare this thread "Concept Art's Most Inspiring" ! :chug:

I love your bridgman sketches MCM :) :D

[pleX]

I have regged today and believe it or not i have checked out every page :) And I seriously think that youre on the right track, not only you're persistent and motivated but also you can take the critism well, and that's always a good thing , an artist with a bad ego is a bad one. I have to say that you've improved a lot over such a short period of time but then again you're willing to push yourself further and that's really wonderfull. You're a great inspiration to us all. And yeah some may think that this whole thread is pointless well you've proven them wrong, not only youre going beyond yourself but also you're closer and closer to setting your future goals, and yeah it'll take even more practice and sweat but you already know that it's all worth the time :)
Anyways... I'm looking forward to your next submissions and good luck
L8r

[MindCandyMan]

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quick self portrait

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Graphite wash of a tree in my yard...I had to scan it in sections...sorry for the dumb dividing line between the two bleh..

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plex - Wow thanks so much man. Yeah some people say this is pointless but that just fuels my fire hehe...makes me want to improve even more. Thanks man

sic1 - Thanks man...you have always been there to encourage me I really appreciate it man. Thanks so much.

aww - That's an awesome goal you have set for yourself. I'm glad I could help inspire you! Definitely post some of your stuff on conceptart when you can...the people on here will provide so much help and encouragement. We can help each other grow. Thanks for the encouragement!

gekitsu - Thanks man you have always been there from the beginning to help me out. I haven't forgotten that. I really appreciate all the help you've given me. Will be hard to catch up to Jason and Andrew...cause they keep getting so much better everyday hehe...I sure will try though.

jester - The stuff I am have been posting recently is all from bridgman.

[Tomasis]

wow what big development you did!

it is a lot difference between first page and last here

continue to work hard so you will be a great artist .. good luck

[Cashmere]

MindCandyMan,
you are an excellent example of a persevering man!
Step by step you bring me to find more energy and creativity.
Ehi, don't stop you now ! :chug:

[MindCandyMan]

quick self portrait

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Cashmere and Tomasis - Thanks so much guys. Your encouragement is great. Thank you for taking interest in a rookie's thread hehe.

[Mindflaw]

Went in for a quick look, but got stuck on this thread for a long time :rock:

[MindCandyMan]

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Did this last sketch while in a meeting at work...hehe...yeah...I was that unimportant to the meeting. I am required to go to these meetings and I have no idea what is going on...it's so ridiculous.

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mindflaw - Thanks man! Welcome to my home...stay for as long as you like! :rock:

[mtw]

I haven't looked at this thread since the first page began, and all I can say is that you definitely have been practicing hard. You're showing a lot of improvement.

I've been in a drawing slump for the past few weeks (slumps are normal for me whenever I'm trying to learn something) :bars:. Today has been an inspirational day with this thread, daarken's self-portrati WIP, and Jason Manely's new paintings, so hopefully I can use these to get me back in the game. :)

[MindCandyMan]

I'm giving up on this stupid dumb cast drawing...looks like total crap...I am going to start again I think I am going about this wrong...arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhh frustration

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mtw - Thanks man I really appreciate it...sorry I am not more enthusiastic I am fuming right now hehe.

[jester]

Oh no! Don't give up! No!

Just try new ;)

IMO you can improve your next cast drawing when you:

* choose a smaller piece of paper for an object of that size
* don't smudge foreground and background
* use a single light source
* move closer to the object you are drawing to "see" more.

What you've done well (I remember the photo of the cast) is the basic shape and proportions. The position of the fingernails though look wrong to me.

Hope this helps and KEEP GOING!

:)

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks jester...all those points are dead on. Don't worry I'll do another hehe.

[MindCandyMan]

Trying to figure this cast drawing thing out...sheesh...so hard

[zkreso]

wow you've improved tremendously! Thanks for giving a beginner like me some motivation and hope!

[MindCandyMan]

zkreso - You're welcome...it's cool that we can all inspire each other at times. Biggest thing is to make sure you draw every single day...not just draw for 20 minutes...that won't even get you past warmed up. Draw for hours every day. Post your stuff on conceptart.org too cause people will give you honest and helpful feedback...it's a great community.


Hey everybody I keep forgetting to upload all the old images. I will get back to that soon.

[MindCandyMan]

______________

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[Wynd]

Heyas Mindcandy,

I'm new here, but I've been lurking for a couple of months and the vast improvements that are in these 20 pages never ceases to amaze me! Keep going man!

[MindCandyMan]

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This last one is a quick sketch for Davi's eliphos thread.

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Wynd - Thanks so much man! I am definitely going to keep going...I'm having too much fun to stop hehe

[jester]

That eliphos creature shows haw much you have learned! Keep them coming!

:D

Jester

[Cashmere]

Hey! I am the visitor number 16200 + 1 :)
This is a monster thread! ;)

[MindCandyMan]

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Still working on this cast drawing hehe...still looks awful

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Cashmere - hehehe Thanks man.

[MindCandyMan]

92561

I was forced to go to this seminar thing at work...the dean of the medical school that I work in was giving a boring boring speech...so naturally...I took my sketchbook hehe. I sketched one of the doctor's talking to one of the rich old ladies attending the speech...was interesting to try to get a likeness and get it down...in time.

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This was for a speed painting last night...the topic was Character Design: Make up your own RPG 'Hero'(Examples: Tidus, Cloud, Link, etc...

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More updates tomorrow...I uploaded some more of the old images as well.

[Bombesei]

Hey MindCandyMan, your lines really seem to be getting confident and more mature. And your skull drawing isn't looking awful at all! It looks really tricky though, even with that single light source setup you have going on, because the plastic looks translucent. There's so much light-play happening within the actual skull that is affecting everything, like the eye sockets and nasal cavity, etc., even the surrounding area like the table and backdrop. You could try softening the light, like using a bulb that isn't as bright, or putting some sort of screen on the light just so it isn't as intense, and even setting the skull up on a more matte surface. That way you could focus more on the forms of the skull without worrying about all that reflected light. But then again it could just be the photo. Well, you're really doing awesome in everything, rock on!

-Nick
www.nhiltner.com (http://www.nhiltner.com)

[MindCandyMan]

Trying to get back into working in pen...I love it so much although I am awful at it heheh....without the guptil pen and ink book I am going through I would be totally lost.

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Bombesei - You are dead on man...exactly. You said what I was thinking but could not put into words. Yeah the eye sockets are so hard hehehe. Part of that is not being able to have a controlled environment as well...the light that I have to use for my easel is affecting the actual lighting of the skull itself...but I guess it just gives me a challenge to capture all of the reflected light! I will do it! Thanks for the encouragement and wise words.

[amphex]

Keep it up man =)
Your maturing a great deal, and as someone currently at the skill level you were when you started out, all of your work is very helpful for me!


PS - What do you use for those red drawings?

[MindCandyMan]

Hey amphex...thanks bud...those are pencil drawings but I just change the hue in photoshop...sorry to disappoint...hehe...I just find it easier on the eyes for some reason when they are red. You can buy sepia conte pencils though...they look the same.

[MindCandyMan]

I have no explanation for that last sketch except that I am a strange person...my wife can attest to that hehe

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[MindCandyMan]

Working on more pen drawings before I go to bed

[I.was.ink]

I like the way you handle your penwork. Very intricate! Imo this is your tool!

I definetely see some improvement.

:thumbsup:

[MindCandyMan]

thanks iwasink...yeah I really like working with pen...it requires patience which is something I definitely need to work on...and you have to think before you put a line down...i like that. Thanks for the encouragement man I appreciate it!

[MindCandyMan]

I am so frustrated at my lack of ability...I feel like quitting...don't worry I won't...but I definitely feel like it tonight...I can't visualize anything in 3d...I can't control a pencil or a pen...bleh...I'm going to bed.

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[jester]

:p There are good days and bad days, so cheer up! :)
It doesn't look "that" bad... ;)

Seems like you've been looking at Vilppu's exercises (I mean that bean like thing at the bottom of your second pic), am I right? I've been trying this, too. The beans come ok, but the cubes in space are a pain in the a**. :D

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

That's funny...hehe...I was thinking about villpu and reading some of his stuff. Lev_0 brought him up in another thread and made a good point about thinking in 3d and stuff like that so I am trying to do that now. What I realized is that I really need to start doing some perspective studies. I need to start drawing boxes again...and start learning simple shapes. Back to the basics...they will be boring posts for the next little while but hopefully I will learn something from it hehe.

[Lost Dragon]

MCM - you're inspiring me to draw daily again. Keep it up, please!

Villpu's Drawing Manual is one of my favorite books.

[MindCandyMan]

I know these sketches look like crap but I am trying to work through different things. We will see where I end up.

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Lost Dragon - Thanks for saying that man. Yeah I definitely need to pick up that villpu book...just from the stuff I was reading on the internet I could tell it was awesome. Thanks again Dragon and you keep drawing too!

[Ezrad]

ive been lurking around here for a couple months and this is my first post, i stumbled upon this thread yesterday and i have to say, it literally brought tears to my eyes, i read through the pages and pages of frustration, enlightnment, success, failure and the words touched my soul. this is a perfect chronicle of the frustrations and obstacles of the artist. MindCandyMan your my hero! for your ability to turn negative frustration into positive outcome, im never satisfied with my work either, but now i know thats just part of the process. i just need ot make that a more positive process. to me its just crap no matter what i do it turns to crap, and i throw down the pencil and say i QUIT!! ive quit several times. you have inspired me to work more on my technical skills (anatomy and form) to buy a sketch book and draw every day, perhaps some day ill make something worth posting here.

thank you..

ps. i also would like to thank everybody that posts here as ths forum is an amazing resource.

[MindCandyMan]

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This is a master copy of an Anders Zorn etching that I did in pen...his looks much much much better trust me heheh

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After seeing Andrew's 365 portraits I had to start up doing portraits again. Work with me here guys...still struggling through things.

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Ezrad - You don't know how much you have helped me man...I have been feeling really down lately about my abilities and my progression as an artist...I feel like nothing is happening. It's very encouraging to here from other artists in the same situation and going through the same things. We will stick together and we will grow together. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. One thing though...seriously...never quite again. Don't ever even consider it...keep pushing!

I would also like to thank everyone that has posted in my thread...you all are awesome.

[MindCandyMan]

Check this thread out that I posted guys!!!!




http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7216 :eek: :cool: :D :o :) :D :cool: :eek:

[Carnifex]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan


[IMG]http://www.mindcandyfilms.com/jons_uploads/bound sketchbook 82.jpg



*sigh*ah it's so satisfying to see that even the greatest artists have bad days sometimes,or just make sketches that even look like mine sometimes:D
that last pic looks pretty realistic,even if it's a sketch(i think it is,is it?)
and congrats on your chance to access those studios...hope you will continue to post here tho;)

[MindCandyMan]

Updates

This wasn't a very couple days for me as far as product...this stuff is mediocre at best...oh well...keep pushin.

Got my new sumi brush so I had to dip it in some ink to try it out...this was on the back of a bulletin page...hence the green hehe.

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Carnifex - I will definitely keep posting here don't worry about that bro. Concering your comment...I feel like everyday is an off day for me at this point heheh...but I am learning to have fun every step of the way. Even the frustration is really good. I love it. Yeah that was just a sketch...wanted to leave it loose like that...thanks man!

[jester]

Please don't tell me that you did that old woman's portrait from life, please!!! ;)

Pen and ink really suits you. Also the gestures look good, who's that girl?

:)

Jester

[Cashmere]

I like the last one more: the eye on the top of the pic is simply perfect.

[MindCandyMan]

Hey guys...thanks hehe...the old woman portrait wasn't from life (unfortunately)...I'm still trying to learn pen technique so it was a master's copy of a drawing. The eye in the very upper left is my eye (I looked in the mirror) and the thing in the upper right is the "flow starter" for my pens so that was done from life as well. Of course the guy in the bottom right was out of my head hehe.

Those quick drawings are of my wife. It doesn't look like her unfortunately. I made her face look weird. When I capture her likeness I will let you know...very hard to capture likenesses that's for sure.

Yeah I really love pen and ink...I have lots of fun working with it.

[Carnifex]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan


Those quick drawings are of my wife. It doesn't look like her unfortunately. I made her face look weird. When I capture her likeness I will let you know...very hard to capture likenesses that's for sure.


oh yeah i fully understand you there...even drawing from a photo makes it hard...the weird thing is(for me) that when you try to paint a real beautiful girl it turns out horrible and without any likeness at all on the painting:rolleyes:
do you have the same problem?:)

[MindCandyMan]

But of course hehe :D ...but I do seriously find that hard...for instance my wife has really subtle and beautiful features and it's hard for me to capture them with a smooth line and a delicate touch. It's good for me to practice that's for sure.

[MindCandyMan]

Bad day again today...rough stuff

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[jester]

Well, I found that it's much easier to draw men than women, especially young women. I think this is due to the fact that once you start to draw their wrinkles (which *are* there) they look like an old hag. So you have to rely on what you leave out. But when doing this, you easily loose the likeness. Vicious circle, eh? My mom and my partner's mom are always disappointed that they look soooo old on my drawings and always praise how I catch the likeness of both fathers. Any idea of what to do?

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

Yeah I would definitely say less is more with women...if you are going to draw any wrinkles at all...make sure they are very very very light...unless of course she is an old hag hehe. You don't have to render every detail or even half the details to make a drawing pleasing. Most of the masters would be very minimalistic when drawing women. Hope that helps.

[MindCandyMan]

vampire speed painting for DSG

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did this doodle while my computer was starting up

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unsuccessful tree study :(

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Done for davi's "Eliphos" thread.

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[geckonia]

You're doing so great MCM... I am so inspired I started an anatomy sketchbook too... thanks for keeping us posted on your development... love that vampire!

[Cashmere]

MindCandyMan, "unsuccessful tree study" ??? No, i like it, specially the tree knots...they are so complexes with intricates twists and turns... this tree has stopped my eyes for a long time :)

[adien]

MindCandyMan, your understanding of shape and light has improved drastically since you started this thread. It shows in every sketch you post. Your worst days now are far above your best days then. Inspirational! :)

great work man. And congrats on being accepted to Pantura Studio as a student. :)

[MindCandyMan]

I will respond to everyone tomorrow...sorry it's late (for me at least hehe)...

I've been busy


These are all vine charcoal (I hate using it but my teacher at upenn insists hehe)

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This one had to be done quickly and we couldn't shade at all we only could use line

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source photo - The lighting is a bit different from when I was doing it but will give you an idea of what I was working with...tried to get the angle right...not sure if I did hehe.

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We had to do a contour drawing of our closet for homework...borrrrrrringgggg.

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working on a master's copy of velazquez...for the life of me I can't get the colors right.

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[Mindflaw]

Like your concept stuff

[MindCandyMan]

Ok I started a self portrait and got way too tired

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Goodnight everyone! I will respond tomorrow.

Thanks mindflaw :chug:

[MindCandyMan]

adien - Thanks for the encouragement man...it's a long hard struggle and I can't really see my improvement cause I am in the middle of it. Your encouragement really helps. I can't wait to go to Pantura Studios woohoo! Thanks.

Cashmere - hehe thanks man. Trees are definitely hard and I need to do a lot more studies of them from life...thanks man!

geckonia - Thanks man! Yeah that vampire was fun to do was like a 25 min sketch or so. I'm glad you started an anatomy sketchbook! I have found it has helped tremendously already and I'm not even through 1/10th of the book...so I'm happy about that. Bridgman rules. Keep going man and keep posting your stuff! If you're doing anatomy studies you can post them in the middle class anatomy thread!

Mindflaw - Thanks man...it was fun to draw those!

[Carnifex]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan
Yeah I would definitely say less is more with women...if you are going to draw any wrinkles at all...make sure they are very very very light...unless of course she is an old hag hehe. You don't have to render every detail or even half the details to make a drawing pleasing. Most of the masters would be very minimalistic when drawing women. Hope that helps.
excuse me to abuse your thread to show some work of mine mcm but i just wanted to show what i got from trying to portrait a girl from my class...sadly i've no photo reference to show right now(from which i did it)well...i hope you excuse this i just wanted to know your opinion on this while we're on the topic and not to start a whole new thread for it:)
http://www.angelfire.com/dragon/fisite/ghead.JPG

[MindCandyMan]

Dank für in Carnifex hier bekanntgeben... Ich nehme Handlung nicht an allen. Sie können alles bekanntgeben, das Sie innen hier wünschen, wann immer Sie wünschen. Sie gehen definitiv in der rechten Richtung urteilend durch die Zeichnung voran, die Sie bekanntgaben. Erinnern Sie daran, daß die Breite Ihrer Linie auch wichtig ist. Bestimmte Bereiche sollten nicht wie andere Bereiche so dunkel sein. Heben Sie Ihre dunkelsten Dunkelheiten für die Bereiche auf, die wirklich dunkel sind. Dieses schaut wirklich subtile... große Arbeit... tun definitiv mehr!

[MindCandyMan]

updates

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did this speed painting for that funny thread that Dan Milligan, MGH, koro, dicksart, etc...... are posting in. It's a storyboard in process...really funny hehe...check it out here:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7332

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[jester]

One can see the inspiration you received from the acceptance at Pantura studios with every sketch. Have I understood it right that they take no fee from you?

Jester

[Nold]

MCM, are you learning german ?? Nice studies btw. For some reason I like especially these books very much.

[jester]

Nold, I guess MCM just found Babelfish or sth similar online - looks like word-by-word translations - :D good fun, though!

Jester

[Cashmere]

"Your studies of anatomy are becoming more and more complex and precise and task that if you will continue therefore, soon you will be able to design a human body to memory. It appeals to also yours to me you work to ink. it is one technical difficult why if it is mistaken, it cannot be cancelled. It continues therefore!"

-*- Powered by Babel Fish. All rights are reservation ...ehm..reserved -*-

:)

[Nold]

Du hast recht, das sieht in der Tat sehr nach einer wörtlichen Übersetzung aus. Daran hätte ich ja auch selbst denken können. Aber war ja klar, daß du da drauf kommst, denn wie schon in deinem daily sketchbook geschrieben steht: Sie sind groß !;)

But.. lets stay in english.

[MindCandyMan]

My secret is out!!! It was babelfish indeed. I can't trick you guys heheh. Thanks for the kind words...I will do more pen studies tonight...I love working in pen...so fun. They used to not charge their students jester but now they do. It's the same price as all the other atelier schools 4,500 bucks a year. Seems like that's pretty much a standard I think for atelier type schools. I'm pretty sure their website hasn't been updated in a while so they used to teach for free but not anymore. There's definitely some inspiration from that place flowing through me...I can't wait!

[Carnifex]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan
Dank für in Carnifex hier bekanntgeben... Ich nehme Handlung nicht an allen. Sie können alles bekanntgeben, das Sie innen hier wünschen, wann immer Sie wünschen. Sie gehen definitiv in der rechten Richtung urteilend durch die Zeichnung voran, die Sie bekanntgaben. Erinnern Sie daran, daß die Breite Ihrer Linie auch wichtig ist. Bestimmte Bereiche sollten nicht wie andere Bereiche so dunkel sein. Heben Sie Ihre dunkelsten Dunkelheiten für die Bereiche auf, die wirklich dunkel sind. Dieses schaut wirklich subtile... große Arbeit... tun definitiv mehr!
ok,and now tell me in german,because even if i speak german fluently myself i didn't understand a word except that i should watch the thickness of the lines and the darkness and that this is a great piece;)
and tranlation with babblefish back gives me just bafflegab:rolleyes:

[Big-Dave]

My favourite part of the translation by babelfish was "Waive your darkest darknesses for the ranges, which are really dark." :p

Keep up the good work in the thread, it's a real inspiration seeing the amount progress you've made so far.

[EchoFactor]

Woah... I just started reading Conceptart when I came across this thread, and though it's been said a few times before, I cant help but say it again.

Absolutely Awsome, MindCandy. To see how far you've come on from the first few threads to what your drawing now, and read about all the effort thats gone into it is probably the most inspiring thing a budding artist could hope to read. This thread and what you've done is a credit to everyone who's ever set their sights on a goal.

I only wish I could see what happened in the intermediate stage *Smiles*

Cant wait to see more, and hear how the Art School (If thats the right phrase), goes.

[MindCandyMan]

Carnifex - I'm glad you at least pulled that from it heheh...sorry about that hehe. Yeah I was just saying that your line could be varied a bit more. Also don't work so small...work bigger so you have more room and so it forces you to measure.

Big-Dave - That's hilarious hahah...no more babelfish for me heheheheh. Thanks for the encouragement man. It's been a long hard road but I'm not stopping anytime soon.

Echofactor - thanks so much for the kind words man. It's been 8 1/2 months of hard work and I am enjoying myself so much. I can't wait to get going to South Dakota...I am stoked about that. It will be a slow process of uploading all the intermediate images hehe...but I am slowly chipping away at it. I need a cable modem is what I need hehe. Thanks again man.


I just got a crowquill pen set tonight so I had to try it out. I will post my still life's this weekend. The pen was a study of gordon grant's pen technique...crowquill has a different and interesting touch than the technical pen.

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[gooch]

BEEEGSUS!!

wow MCM. You have no idea how inspiring this thread is.

I am truly amazed at your progress, I had to show some people at work and they couldn't believe it either.

Ya inspired me to keep a journal, offline, of my own workings and at least put in 15min a day, no matter how tired I am.

Just wanted to extend a thank you to ya.

Keep up the good work.

Gooch

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks gooch...I appreciate it man. Yeah I would definitely keep a little sketchbook to carry around with you...it's so much fun. Thanks again man.

[Jaku]

Your constant determination amaze me... You´re incredible MindCandyMan.

[Irate Customer]

Wow, it is so good to see your progress go so well. The figure sketches are looking great! Keep up the passion.

Irate

[MindCandyMan]

jaku - You are too kind. Thanks for those words I need them this week. I appreciate it man.

irate - Thanks so much man...the figure studies are coming out of bridgman and not out of my head hehe...there are some from memory and some not...the figure is so tough. I am going to keep learning things are starting to sink in from bridgman I can feel it...I am on the edge of starting to get it all I think...we'll see hehe.



I will update soon everybody...this week was ridiculous...I have been drawing I just haven't had time to post it all.

[DragonGX]

Hey MCM, you mgiht want to try this (not sure if you have)..

You sy you dont liek using Vine charcoal, and I didnt really like it either when I started to use it. But after this technique I find it rather enjoyable.

Start off by toning your paper with charcoal (using the side of it in big strokes works best) to get a mid-grey tone. (wipe it down with a cloth or your hand afterwards to get it to stick better.

Then start your drawing, and draw dark shapes with charcoal and for the lighter colors and highlights, use an eraser. Its almost like painting. if you make a mistake you can just rub it with your finger and it returns the color to the mid grey. Ive done soem cast statue drawings like this and they are fun to do like this..

[MindCandyMan]

Dragon - Actually it's funny you say that hehe...we just did that in class and I really liked it. I will get used to vine charcoal too...When I really step back and think about it...it's probably just my inexperience that is causing me not to like it...some people (like kchen) wield it like a sword...I will learn in time I guess.


Sorry for not updating for a little while guys...there is more than this but I need to scan more of it in and take some digital pictures of the stuff I have been doing in class. I had to format my had drive...bleh...this past week has been torturous...but I am still doing good.

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I had to reinstall painter 8 so I was testing my wacom drivers...etc... out when I did this sketch. Bizarre I know...so I wanted to include it hehe.

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more to come....

[Mindflaw]

Hi mcm nice that you are able to update again.
To reply´on the quote in the tree thread I have an extra problem too...when I leave and come back to a drawing it looks like total crap to me. I think it's because my drawings really do look like crap I just can't see it when I'm in the moment hehe.
I actaully think it´s a good thing cause if you get to negative while drawing you probably get angry and stop drawing or get rid of the drawing and then you get no practice. No it´s just better to do one thing at a moment first be the artist and really be happy with what you create. And then be the critic and find every little mistake that probably only you could find anyway.

Yeah one more thing would it really be fun not beeing able to get better? As I see it to be able to find flaws in your own work shows that you already improved, just beeing able to find them thinking about them and then try not doing the same misstake the next time. Be happy that you are beeing able to find the flaws yourself cause when you don´t do that anymore then it´s game over.

To say it shortly ...LOVE THE TRIP MAN

Well that what I have to say hopefully you understand what I´m rambling about.

Just keep posting even if you think it´s crap I don´t.

[MindCandyMan]

I agree wholeheartedly. Don't worry about me I wont stop ;) ...I'm just venting...this week was crap that's for sure. Yeah seeing your mistakes is everything in my opinion considering every professional out there never draws the figure exactly right the first time...etc...knowing what to change is everything. Right on man.

[Cashmere]

MindCandyMan, you are become a sort of rhythm machine, if your posts make less frequents, we slow down. ;)

Your anatomy studies are pretty good, I can see your progresses that grow quickly. I noticed one thing though, the picture of the dragon seems wrong, It has a strange incoherent shadow on the body...

You surprised me with that 3d picture of the tree. For a little moment, I have really had the sensation of falling down flat on the street eheheh

Compliments for your study of Gordon Grant's pen technique. Man, you are good, I like that.

[I.was.ink]

Sorry for not responding in a while mcm. But I'm glad to see you post everything, whether it be good or how you put it "crap". Your thread seems a good place for you to ventilate everything that happens to you when you draw, and sometimes in comforts me knowing that I'm not the only one. I know I don't say it or anything, but I'm glad you have.

Great stuff mcm, and I thank you for all your posts. Long live the hard, but worthwhile journey! ;)

[MindCandyMan]

iwasink - I'm glad you are here as well...you kick my butt often as well! We encourage and push each other. Glad you are on the boards man...as I have said before...look out art center here comes THE SINKMASTER!!!!!!

Cashmere - You are right on about the dragon...yeah that looks really weird...that shading. I don't know if I like being the rhythym machine!! Just kidding...that's cool I appreciate the kind words about my art and everything...thanks bro.


Perspective Studies

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I did this in class...we were just supposed to draw the boxes in perspective...but that would be so boring wouldn't it?

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And I did this tower while keeping this perspective info in my brain.

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[R_M]

nice 3D feel to your tower sketch.

is it a bridgman doodle on the left of it? :D

[jester]

Great perspective studies (I really like that watchtower!) - I'll start sth. like this tonite, too.

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

R_M - Thanks man...yeah from Bridgman hehe ;)

jester - Thanks man...can't wait to see your studies.

[jester]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan
jester - Thanks man...can't wait to see your studies. [/B]

Just posted, go and check it out! :D

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

jester - Looks fantastic man...I really like the colors you used as well!

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[MindCandyMan]

Did these in a meeting here at work with a sharpie on my "note" pad...man I can't wait till I can draw all day and not have to sit in this stupid cube.

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[jester]

The sketches on your office notepad are really good! I know how difficult it is to sketch in meetings, fearing to be discovered...

I'll comment on the environment pieces in the Middle Class Thread.

Jester

[Kortez]

I just realised that I've never replied to this thread :rolleyes:

You're an incredible inspiration. You're art is improving so fast it's not even normal. They're gonna be lucky to have you at Pantura.

you're newest pics are great, especially the interior of a house :)

and here's to you following your dreams! :chug:

[MindCandyMan]

jester - Yeah that's seriously true...you have to try to not get caught. Luckily these were done right at the beginning when the meeting started so I couldn't get in trouble (possibly hehe). Although I have sketched during a meeting before hehe...too risky.

kortez - Hey thanks man. I really appreciate all the encouragement you have been giving me. It means a lot. I am dying to go to Pantura and get out of filthydelphia...I hate it here. Here's to following dreams. :chug:


Back to the basics of pen and ink drawing...usually with anything anyone is drawing...if there is a mistake it is usually in the fundamentals...so I am going back to spend more time on the fundamentals of pen drawing. My teacher took my sketchbook and I won't get it back till tomorrow so I am forced to use pen and ink hehe.

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[jester]

Why did he take your sketchbook? You let him?

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

he was taking it to grade us on it...we were supposed to be keeping a sketchbook throughout the class (of course I keep one anyways) so he needed that for part of my grade. I love pen...no worries hehe.

[MindCandyMan]

Ok guys I made a list of all the files I need to upload...there are about 322 images that I need to upload to restore the thread to its original state. I will upload them all at the same and then I need to go back in and adjust the url for each one...just wanted you guys to know that I am working on it hehe.

[EchoFactor]

I think I speak for a vast majority of people when I say that you cant work fast enough!!!

I cant wait until your done and I can finally go through and witness your development up to today as a whole, without the annoying little red X's :)

I seem to remember you saying you were thinking of working on a website about your progress as an artist? If so, I cant wait to see it, and if not, well you should :)

Keep uploading :)

[MindCandyMan]

hey echo...I will try to give myself a deadline for the next couple weeks to get it done...I am going to be switching servers so hopefully when that is done...everything will be up and running. Yeah I am also working on a progress website (thanks for reminding me about it hehe). When I switch servers I will upload that with it as well as soon as I finish it. Thanks again for taking an interest man. I'm glad some people are looking forward to seeing it all.

[MindCandyMan]

Take a look at this page...the bottom right...it's coming soon hehe.

http://www.creationstorm.com/

[Carnifex]

Originally posted by MindCandyMan
jester - Yeah that's seriously true...you have to try to not get caught. Luckily these were done right at the beginning when the meeting started so I couldn't get in trouble (possibly hehe). Although I have sketched during a meeting before hehe...too risky.

kortez - Hey thanks man. I really appreciate all the encouragement you have been giving me. It means a lot. I am dying to go to Pantura and get out of filthydelphia...I hate it here. Here's to following dreams. :chug:



http://www.mindcandyfilms.com/jons_uploads/pen and ink 7.jpg


http://www.mindcandyfilms.com/jons_uploads/pen and ink 8.jpg


http://www.mindcandyfilms.com/jons_uploads/pen and ink 9.jpg

Back to the basics of pen and ink drawing...usually with anything anyone is