Journey of an Absolute Rookie: Paintings and Sketches

[MindCandyMan]

obid: thanks so much man. It's awesome to know that my stuff is inspiring people...that's the best compliment I think I can get.

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Some sketches from the zoo...man I have so much respect for the pros that can sketch moving animals sheesh it's hard. I have more to post but I don't have pictures of it yet...I painted a dead sparrow in oils and did some other stuff...will post tomorrow.

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[endregan]

awesome

last sketch has great composition

that sketch of that guy you did looks structurally great. :)

it is hard to do females from imagination since im so used to the male body i guess. do you draw females from your imagination often?

dead sparrow must smell :)

[insane visions]

Ive checked out your progress from page one of this thread and I see a lot of progress..its always good to know that you are going the right direction....keep practicing

[JackalAnubis]

oh yah, massive improvement. keep up the studies and exercise them on your creative ideas. lets see it!

[pandawhipped]

The finished drawing of the mouth cast is beautiful MCM, almost impossible to distinguish it from a photo! Your next one is gonna be so sweet. You made me want to go buy a cast :) Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration. I need to get crackin' again, its hard to keep it up, HOW DO YOU DO IT?!

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - The dead sparrow doesn't smell bad yet...but it will hehe. Thanks for the comments bro...yeah I don't draw women from imagination too much...I need to practice them a lot more that's for sure. I feel the same way...the male musculature is much more familiar.

insane visions - Thanks so much man...I will definitely keep practicing! Thanks.

jackalanubis - Thanks much I appreciate it. You are right about internalizing those studies by doing something creative with them...I definitely need to do more about that.

pandawhipped - Thanks bro ;) ...I can't wait to finish the beethoven one. You should definitely buy a cast!...it's very grueling but fun. Trust me...I've been following your progress for a while and you don't have to keep up...you are ahead of me that's for sure. Thanks for stopping by bro.

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Watercolor study of my wife...never used watercolor before...it's fun but a lot different that's for sure.

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Dead sparrow still life.

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More work on this figure drawing

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[empty]

"Dead Sparrow Still Life" is kind of redundant, don't you think.

HAHA!!! I made a funny.

that sparrow looks great man. and the cast drawing looks really good. I was gonna say it looked too outlined in the previous post, but it looks like you fixed eat. let's see that finished.

peace,
empty

[endregan]

that sparrow is amazing !! :) what medium is it?

I like the shadow on the figure, it really gives it depth and reads well even though it isnt all smoothed and rendered. thats the buty of shapes :)!!!

Keep on going. watercolour is hard!

i think a lot of people use the pencils and pencil crayons overtop of one to finish with details, but the form is there and what counts most.

[Groover McNab]

Ahhh. The pics on this latest update are great! Great job on the watercolors, the proportions on the third one look spot on as well.

[jester]

Jon, all studies (especially the animals) are looking great. Why did you set up the sparrow in this unworty manner - I think you'd respect this little animal a bit more. However, the rendering is great.

How is that Moses bookplate project going?

I'm too busy to post myself and only rarely manage to squeeze in a sketch once in a while. What a pity!

Jester

[xia]

Awesome Dead Sparrow! Damn!

[MindCandyMan]

empty - I didn't your joke at first it was more like a joke grenade for me and then when I got it I laughed out loud. Trying to finish up that cast soon. I will post an updated version tonight when I do some more work on it. Thanks for the encouragment man it helps...especially this week bleh.

endregan - Thanks bro that sparrow was painted in oils. You are exactly right about the shadow shapes on the figure...that's how doing bargues and casts is key to understanding how to do everything...it's all the same...the only difference with a live model is that they move a bit more. Even higher on the scale is the figure from memory but once you can recreate those "shadow shapes" (by understanding and analyzing how something is constructed)...you can create the illusion of depth. Watercolor is definitely really hard that's a good idea to go back over with other media...I may try that down the road.

jester - Thanks for the comments...yeah I definitely miss seeing your posts :( ...that bookplate project is on the backburner cause I gave my dad a different present for his birthday but now I am doing it for him on father's day...you have reminded me to go back to it hehe. Concerning the sparrow that definitely wasn't my intention to set it up in an unworthy manner. My teacher actually chose that way because it looked more beautiful (to us at least). He extended the wings, etc...I think it added to the beauty. That seemed better than just plopping it onto the wood all stiff. I actually wanted to get it mounted but the taxidermist said, "No I don't want to do that"...he would rather do deer, etc...:mad: Some of the old masters did this as well so that's where I got the idea...or what I first thought of when I found the dead bird in my driveway anyways.

xia - hehe Thanks xia...if only I could do a still life of a panda half as cool as the ones you draw ;)

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I started another lemon study...hopefully to do it better this time than the last time (I wanted to include my process so: 1. hopefully it can help someone. and 2. Hopefully someone can point out my flaws more easily along the way hehe.


In this step I use charcoal/or pencil to just loosely block everything in...I am not very adept with a brush yet so I do that to save some headache later.

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In this step I take a little bit of raw umber and just go over the lines so I don't have to worry about losing them (charcoal smudges easily)

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In this step just blocking in some basic neutral tones to work off of later.

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Starting to go in and paint a bit...the colors are all screwed up (although in the pictures above I raised the contrast a lot so the lemons aren't that bright in reality)...gotta come back later and redo some of the stuff...I'm not too precious at this point yet since I just started.

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Quick figure

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Just some sketches...struggling trying to learn...very difficult that's for sure

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[endregan]

awesome you seem to know your way with oils. i would say saturate it a bit more. the real lemon in the pic looks so much yellow than the painting, its more of a yellow with a bit of green in it, id say a 5 in value :). Maybe its just the oils or the picture though!

your sketches have evolved i can tell by looking at these. such form and variety, I really enjoy these.!

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks bro...yeah the colors are definitely too desaturated but the picture I took makes the lemon look really bright which it isn't hehe...a little of both probably. I definitely don't know my way with oils yet just trying to learn hehe. Glad you like the sketches...thanks bro!

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More work on this figure drawing

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Sorry I took this picture of my cast from a weird angle but you can at least see where I am at...I took a picture in between this process so you can see kind of what I am doing.

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[MindCandyMan]

**Sorry guys...my webhost went down for about 20 hours because their one server died so they replaced it and everything is back to normal now. Sorry if you tried to look and you got red x's.**

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Sketches from the zoo...top one was outside at an exhibit...the elephant was in the stuffed section.

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By the way this is a sample of what it looks like in there if any of you were curious:

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[young paddy1]

all I'm gettin' are little crosses everywhere

[pandawhipped]

Wow what a great place to draw animals. You should come to the "world famous" san diego zoo one day. I haven't been in SO long, but I bet there's enough to draw there to keep you busy for years. I really love the animal studies though. Its something I should start doing for sure. I think theres a zoo sketching class at my school.

Ive always wondered whats up with the hangers taped to the wall. Is it to hold that string for proportion purposes, almost like a partial grid? I've never tried that method before, thats a good idea.

Your long figure is looking great. Personally I like to stay really light, even at that stage, mainly because it isn't until you start filling in your shadow patterns that you notice proportional errors, and if its too dark, you can't really change it very easily.

[MindCandyMan]

young paddy 1 - Sorry about that...things seem to be back to normal now...sorry I know how annoying that is.

pandawhipped - That hanger is there to hold the plumb line through the center of the object...kind of like a training wheel and once your eye is trained you can throw it off. I agree with you I definitely went too dark too early...my teacher called me on it too hehe...good eye! I wish I lived by the san diego zoo...man that would definitely take years to draw everything in there...very very cool. Thanks for stoppin by ;)

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Gotta run but will post more soon.

[endregan]

schweet updates.

i knew u were hiding the bone studies eheheh. awesome anatomy. from imagination or studies?

I have still yet to make it to the zoo. I will have to try that. I dont even know if we have stuffed animals here!

[Jeff Gran]

nice animal studies. that's something I've been wanting to do more of lately. stuffed ones are great for rendering practice and live ones are great for trying to learn the forms so you can do it from your head later. your drawings from imagination are my favorites though, the monsters and all.

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks bro...those anatomy ones are from a book and then I put the bones underneath myself...or vice versa...excellent practice. Definitely go to the zoo if you can!

jeff gran - Thanks bro...I appreciate it...I've been feeling frustrated lately...especially with the stuff from imagination...hopefully I'm hitting a growth spurt...oh well more bad drawings out of the way hehe.

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This is a sketch for a painting I am going to do for a splash screen for his program...called IP Ferret

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Did a tiny bit of work on the painting part...I just started just experimenting at this point.

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zoo sketches and a monster guy...I was really really struggling at the zoo this last time...sheesh I felt like I had snow gloves on trying to draw...everything felt like a struggle...I hate that.

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More work on this stuff as well...

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I am paid and ready for the workshop...hopefully I will see a lot of you guys there...spread the word!

[hito]

barlow's inferno?

great drawings!

[MindCandyMan]

hito - actually it's from his book on extraterrestrials...I bought the book for like 3 bucks on half.com just so I could have the sketch section...his sketches are very very nice...his technique for pencil is really appealing to me. Perhaps this is in the inferno book too though?...I need to get that. Thanks for stopping by bro ;)

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Something before bed:


sketch

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the pen and ink version...hadn't done one for a while and I had to come back...I love pen so much even though I'm not too skilled at it yet hehe

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[pandawhipped]

This latest pen drawing remdinds me of Miyzaki's work in the Nausicaa comics. Not the face, just the overall style of the drawing. Very cool :)

I think the head looks a little small for tha hand. It could jsut be a stylistic choice, but just keep it mind that usually the hand is about as big as the face (bottom of chin to a little over the top of the eyebrows) Obviously that rule can be broken, like the giant in Big Fish, but just fo' future reference

[endregan]

awesome sketches. I like inks too but I am not very good with them...maybe in the summer I will have to play a ton with inks!

your cast is sure looking solid, it is coming along.

good figure drawings !:)

[pandawhipped]

Just noticed on your figure drawing, thee shadow on the wall makes it look like the wall is tilting back. If thats really what the shadow looks like, thats cool, but remember that when people look at your drawing, they dont see what you saw, they see a drawing and you dont want to have to explain stuff like that (dont worry i struggle with that a lot) I could be wrong though and maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me

Hey dude those sketches from the zoo are GOOD! I wish I could draw a horse like that! And the little roof thingamajig looks pretty sweet too.

Those ferrets are scary though. Reminds me of The Ring or something ;) Cool concept though! Dont change it...i just get freaked out easily

[D.O.Jones]

Ha, I certainly know that feeling of drawing with snow gloves. It's like that all the time.

Your stuff keeps getting better, thanks for motivating me to push harder.

Huge respect for the cast and figure drawings, I'm in the process of murdering a Bargue at the moment :(

[obid619]

very nice stuff man. I wish I can improve at the rate your improving

[stormy]

been busy with life, but wanted to stop in and see what you were up to. it looks awesome. it's nice to see definite improvement in the details. this cast drawing seems to have come along faster than the first. is that true? or have I just been out of touch for too long? the ferrets are cool, but the sparrow is exceptional..even tho it's dead, lol.

[Synista]

Nice to see you improve like that. I'm making a thread like this soon, it'll give me more fuel to draw every day instead every other day.

[MindCandyMan]

panda - Thanks man...I looked up that comic you were talking about...very cool drawings. I'm still trying to find my niche with pen...very tough that's for sure. You are absolutely right about the hand...it is massive compared to the head...there's a lot of padding in that glove maybe :confused: hehe I'm going to revisit that shadow on the figure as well I see exactly what you mean and I hadn't noticed before thanks man. It does look like it's leaning.

endregan - THanks man...I appreciate it...I would like to see you try some inks ;)

Rash - Glad to hear you are doing a bargue man! They are extremely extremely helpful. When you learn to do one of those you can use that method to draw from life with everything...very useful. Thanks for stopping by man ;)

obid619 - Thanks so much for the comments...being at the atelier really helps me improve a lot faster...having a constant teacher right there. Also it is always easier to see improvement in others and harder to see it in yourself...keep pushing you will grow :chug:

stormy - Thanks! Yeah this cast is coming along faster than the previous one...I feel more confident about this one and know more of what I am doing that's for sure. I have another sparrow painting for you today hehe.

synista - Thanks man...Definitely make a thread like this if you can...it helps tremendously that's for sure.

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short fingers

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struggling struggling trying to learn the figure from imagination...totally frustrating hehe

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[strych9ine]

The bird piece is excellent... I'd actually like to take a closer look at that figure painting in the background, that looks damn fine as well.

[Yina]

it actually looks like there are two real sparrows there in that photo. great painting!

[jester]

Damn good sparrow!

Jester

[endregan]

yeah awesome painting. What is that hidden figure painting you have been hiding from us there :)

your the man

[MindCandyMan]

Thanks guys you are the best....hahahah...sorry for the misleading photo, that's actually my teacher's figure painting that she is working on...Sanna Tomac . I WISH that was my figure painting hehe...I will probably start figure paintings of that sort in about a year from now at the atelier. My teacher was actually painting the bird as well on the other side of the box...her painting turned out a lot better. It turned in space a lot better. Thanks guys sorry if the picture was misleading...I only wish I could take credit heheh....

[empty]

the sparrow came out nice. glad you liked the joke.

[cotron]

Your shit's becoming awesome man, these birds youve been doing are excellent!

[I.was.ink]

I know others have said it, but that it is a really nice bird! :thumbsup:

[stacy]

its a trick! this is actually not a painting its a real sparrow! its a scam!!!

ive replied to this thread before and havent visited for like a month and OMG!!! i thought you were good then.....but...but......:eek:
this is very inspirational
infact....im gonna go get my sketchbook now.
please post more
thank you

[emilpaun]

I know I'm not original, but it happened to me too to mistake the painting for the real bird. :jawdrop:

The box helped a lot in distinguishing the two :) Great, great , great stuff, man.
Hehehe, I see some Loomis-like perspective studies on those figures? Great book that is, I look forward to finishing it myself

And yeah, that cast will be done in no time, what next? :)

Keep up

[killing.people]

what i would give for a thread like this! heh, so cool!
36 pages and going .. 76913 views last i checked ;) started two YEARS! ago. September 21st, 2002. i was the first reply *dusts his knuckles* hehe, you make me tired mindcandy.

... mmeeemmoorrieess ...

how many of the 76,000 + views are yours mcm? :p

-killing.m.c.m

btw, nice bird you sicko :dead:

[MindCandyMan]

empty - thanks man...yeah that was hilarious...made my day.

cotron - Thanks bro :chug:

iwasink - Thanks bro...your figures are looking shaweettt!!!

stacy - Thanks! I'm glad the thread could encourage you...definitely draw draw draw as much as you can!

KR33P - You are absolutely right...I've been dipping into loomis...trying to learn to draw the figure...so frustrating. After the cast will probably be another cast :rolleyes: ...you learn a lot doing them but they sure are boring. Thanks ;)

killing people - What can I say man...you've been there since the beginning giving me awesome feedback and inspiring me through your art. Not sure how many of the 76,000 are mine...sheesh 76,000 is that what it's up to now? Crazy...I haven't looked at that for a while. .......oh c'mon man...admit it you know you love seeing death,,,and especially death painted ;) :angel:

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[endregan]

hahahahhahah

that last sketch page is the best.

your figure, gesture, tone, conceptualizing...its all soo much better now and I can see it can only grow and grow with your motivation

looks like someones about done a cast drawing :)!

[obid619]

dude, you got so much growth in you its not funny. I wish you luck on your quest to get better. Damn i really wish I can improve at your rate.

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks bro...yeah almost done...it's getting boring doing casts hehe...but they help... :rolleyes:

obid619 - Thanks man I really appreciate it...keep pushing you will progress...it's cause and effect

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More work on these

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[emilpaun]

:waves:
lookin' good :)

Yeah, figure is tough, especially when trying to draw considering perspective as well. I too am stuck to measuring diagonals :) Hope won't need them anymore soon enough :D

Take care

[endregan]

hey great. havent seen that portait youve been doing in a while. It really turned out well. that cast looks dying to be finished :). you use pencils and charcoal to do it right, for that black shadow?

good stuff

[Oddo]

Fight on , fight on! Post more! Don't slow down.
:D
Good stuff.

[MindCandyMan]

kr33p - Thanks! Yeah it is so tough learning to draw the figure...probably the hardest thing I would guess...at any rate it's fun...but terribly frustrating hehe.

endregan - Thanks bro...just charcoal for the cast ;)

oddo - Definitely! I can't stop now. Thanks for stopping by.

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Failures failures failures...more bad drawings out of the way....frustration frustration

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[jester]

Don't get frustrated! You know, there are 10000 bad drawings in everyone - once you got them out, you're an artist. ;) :D

They don't look that bad, mostly unfinished. However, it's good to strive for more!

Jester

[arghmisfit]

hey man! i just looked all 36 of your pages.. i must say u improved so much over time that it makes me want to start a daily sketch book sometime in the next few days! hopefully i can improve just as much as u :chug:

[jetpack42]

that picture there is of your drawing of the cast???

I've been studying it to figure out if it was a photo of the cast, or a photo of the drawing, but the edge of it makes me think its the drawing???? soooooooo gooooooood!

[-The Swift-]

that cast is insane! what did you use to do that!? looks so realistic, really good job, very nice.
i know you're not uite done yet, but looking at the photo, i'd say the only bit need doing is the eyes, they have a slight highlight.

great stuff, keep it up:)

[MindCandyMan]

jester - Thanks ;) Yeah I'm not sure what number I have hit right now but no where near 10,000 hehe...I need to get workin!!! Thanks for the encouragement I really appreciate it.

arghmisfit - Wow all 36 pages huh sheesh heheh...you are very brave! Definitely start a daily sketchbook and you will improve...cause and effect...thanks for the encouragement and I look forward to seeing your work! :chug:

jetpack42 - Thanks jet heheh...yeah that's the drawing of the cast. It's not finished yet but close to being finished. Thanks man you crack me up hehe...see ya soon. :cool:

theswift - Just charcoal on paper for the cast...kind of weird what you can do with just a stick of charcoal...it's weird. Yeah I still need to do the reflected light on the eyes I will probably wait till the very last to do that since it's so subtle. Thanks for stopping by :beer:

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inked that drawing that you saw before...terrible technique on this one...I need much more control I'm struggling but learning...at least I know what I need to do at this point hehe...at least I think I know what I need to do hehe

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more work on this thing.

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figure drawing...experimenting trying to figure pencil out

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[emilpaun]

I love the way you rendered the details of that throne, to me it looks great.
And that cast drawing is coming along fine. Charcoal? Man I always have to take a bath after using it, but it's great :)
And the figure looks great too, I've been meaning to ask you what size is the paper you are doing the figures on? Is it like really really large? :)

Great work ;)

[endregan]

did you ever know that youre my heroooo

inking is very hard, especially without predrawing in pencil! It is a long journey with that for sure...inks/markers for me are pretty weak so that will be on my list of to do for sure. we can inspire eachother to keep inking haha.

i always like your hooded characters! :)

[Zankuusen]

Ok, I quit.

[dakoscwash]

Wow... your improvement really is spectular man. It's great to see such a thing, really inspiring for me. I love your pencils sketches, they seem so much more natural than mine. You've given me high hopes for what I can accomplish if I just don't give up. It'd really be nice to get some advice from you, since you were obviously doing the right thing. Don't mean to request such a thing in your thread, but I really like your work. Keep kicking ass man.

[Badhawk]

I looked at the first page, then the last. I can;t believe my eyes that in less than 2 short years you came from drawing cubes and couldn't get the light right, to beautiful sketches and stuff. Inspiration to me :)

[MindCandyMan]

KR33P - Thanks for the comments...I had trouble with that throne...using pen is tough that's for sure. Yeah that drawing is in charcoal. We sharpen our charcoal to a long thin point and work that way. I had never seen that method till my teacher's showed me because before that I had only seen people use super soft charcoal and really cake it on the paper...this way is still dirty but much much less dirty and it's way more precise. I would do it precise first and learn it that way and if you want to be more loose you can make the willing choice to do so. The figures are done sight size so the paper is probably something like 30 inches x 16 inches or something like that...I would have to measure it I'm not sure. But yeah they are in general pretty big.

endregan - and did you know that "You're everything I wish I could be!!!! I did pencil drawings as guides for these pen drawings first. It would be really really hard to do them...even harder...without a pencil drawing underneath. Only the people that have been doing it for their lifetime could pull that off. Thanks...I like drawing the hooded guys...I still haven't gotten it right yet though hehe.

zankuusen - I don't want to ever hear you say those words again!!! Look I have awesome teachers that help me along...come to their atelier http://www.panturastudios.com and you will probably kick my butt in 6 months!

dakoscwash - Hey bro thanks man...I still feel frustrated about my pencil sketches and stuff...I have not learned to control the pencil well enough yet but it's a long process. I will check out your thread and post a reply there soon but just to let you know a lot of the recent progress I have experience has been a direct result of having an atelier approach and by having awesome teachers. Throw a pinch of hard work in there and you have a three layer cake...but I will reply to your work specifically in your thread soon hehe and give a less metaphor-ridden response. Thanks for stopping by.

badhawk - Thanks bro :chug:


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***I get a lot of people commenting on the progress in this thread and I just wanted to say as a general note that my skills have jumped in the last six months due entirely to my training at my atelier...honestly. The method that is taught there and the awesome job my teacher's do can't be replaced by anything. When you see something in this thread (bird paintings for instance, etc...) they were standing there right beside me saying, "Do this...no that doesn't work...here's how I solve this problem". I have much much much more interaction with my teachers than any atelier has probably ever had...I learn under them like the old master's did...as an apprentice, etc... I would recommend to EVERYONE trying to learn and get better to find professional training (of course I am going to recommend ateliers and more specifically the one I am attending http://www.panturastudios.com ...but I can't say how vital that is. If you want to become a skilled artist find the people who are the best in the area that you want to go into and do everything you can to study under them. Anything you see of mine has been affected by them...I even show them my zoo sketches and see what their thoughts are on that. So I would encourage anyone who wants to get better to study under someone in this same capacity...it's fantastic and can't be replaced. I am planning on starting my own atelier one day and doing that...so I can give what was given to me...just wanted to say that***




These were traced out of a book that my teacher had called "Modeling and Sculpting the Human Figure" by Edouard Lanteri (I may have spelled his name wrong) but at any rate I traced these out of those books cause I thought they would be really helpful in coming up with drapery and learning how it works...so I DIDN'T draw them but I thought they would be useful for some people to see. The A points are the points of radiation...the source of the gravity that the fold generates from. The B points are the "mass of folds"...and the C points are the "space of rest"...it's a great book even for 2d artists so get it if you can.

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Another Lanteri drawing that illustrates some great stuff:

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Some sketches

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Last session for this portrait...this is all I'm gonna do to this one...gonna start a new one:

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More work on the cast drawing had to darken a lot of things up...my teacher suggested that it would give more form to do that and of course...that was right hehe:

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[endregan]

Fantastic.

You know how much we appreciate you sharing this journey with us.

You are not selfish in your ways and you help other people in their own journey, giving back to the community. That is the greatest quality and I am sure thankful I came across this site or I wouldn't have met you!

Youre at the next stage where one day you will wake up and not realize how good you really are but others will take notice..

Keep going jon, we will draw together one day

[pandawhipped]

Ok just when you think that cast drawing cant get any better...BAM! That looks so awesome, I love the bounce light in the eye sockets, that really adds a nice touch.

Sweet job on the portrait, its your best one yet! I think the nose is looking a little flat, and the background is really sloppy, but thats something you could easily fix with a little more time and care. Something is odd about the shape of the head. Maybe the model really did have an odd shaped head, but right around the forehead area (especially the top right) it just looks funny, like the head is flattening out or something. Its kinda hard to explain, but I feel like its something thats keeping it from looking like a solid 3dimensional head. Regardless you did a really good job on it, you make me proud! ;)

Hey thats great that you're singing the praises of the atelier. I know I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am now if it wasn't for Watts, and I try to convince everyone its the way to go (though most aren't willing to listen unfortunately) But what can ya do? I hope you continue to go for years to come (which im sure you will), cause its gonna be amazing to look back on this 4 years from now.

-Ryan

[emilpaun]

Thanks for sharing MCM, those folds are really useful... :)
And those eye-balls... :eek: You scare me! LOL

[metalwinds]

hey man, good stuff going on here.. .that plaster mask thing is lookin real nice. glad to see you did some drapery studies. ..i need to pick up that book, it looks very helpful.

[Calle_]

You are doing great man, keep it up. Thats pretty much all ^^

Calle.

[Barewren]

i'd just like to add my voice to the many that say you are an inspiration. I'm picking up my sketchbook right now.

it's just so awesome to see the progression, to realize that anyone can get to where you are now with some work.

[Nocti01]

Threads like this are the reason I come to this site. When I'm a little tired and don't really want to pick up the pencil and sketchbook, flipping through a thread like this ignites the fire. Thanks for sharing your progression and keep up the excellent work!

Nocti

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks bro I appreciate it. I've been given much by my teachers and by all of you guys...I can't help but give back. We will draw together one day ;)

panda - Thanks bro...great critiques on the portrait...the head definitely looks bizarre and misshapen...it definitely wasn't that way in life. I found the same problem with my cast flattening out until my teacher helped me through it...perhaps it's a common problem I need to keep my eye on. I didn't control the values very well in this portrait either...but I will try again! I would like to come and visit your atelier at some point just to meet everybody...would be fun. At the very least we will meet at Austin...see you soon!

kr33p - haha you crack me up...glad the pictures from that book were useful :chug:

metal - Thanks for stoppin by man...definitely pick up that book. My teacher owns it and that's why I copied the pictures from it but I am planning on buying it sometime myself...it's really really useful. Builds the anatomy from the ground up. Thanks for the comments on the cast! Dude I have been following your sketchbook as well and I love your drawings...they are really cool! Keep up the good work.

Calle - Thanks man I appreciate it :chug: You are named after one of my favorite pencil artists...Paul Calle.

Barewren - Thanks man...I have had tons of help from others along the way as well...my teachers and lots of people around here on conceptart...it's all about the community that's why I'm glad I can give back even a little. Thanks for the comments :)

nocti01 - Defnitely! Pick up that pencil again...it's hard I know but don't ever stop just keep going! We will be here to help you along the way! Thanks for your words they are very encouraging ;)

_______________________________



I tried to give myself a 10 minute time limit to do my wife's portrait...somehow I managed to turn a beautiful young looking woman into an alien with a lockjaw...hehe

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Workin on anatomy both from life (that figure sketch) and from memory. I feel like I am starting to unravel some clues about drawing from imagination and the importance of knowing the anatomy which feels good because I have been terribly frustrated with my lack of ability in that area lately.

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Finished this cast of beethoven...I will post the progression later.

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This was a one day study of a cast that my teacher's wanted me to do before I moved on to do it more fully rendered like the beethoven one. This was really hard...it is a medium size/large cast so I had to do a lot in a little amount of time...it was really fun though always being on the edge knowing I only had a little bit of time left. You don't often get that feeling of time pressure while doing a cast so it was a nice change. Fun stuff but sheesh was this hard.

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the progression of the one day cast drawing that I did.

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[endregan]

Thats an amazing study. I need to find the time to do these kinds of things...

yeah draw for sure

your anatomy studies look good. the bones are solid and looks like your in the right direction :).

amaze me every time

[Groover McNab]

Damn MCM, these cast drawings are amazing! You have come such a long way. I know a lot of people have said it, but your dedication is very inspiring.

[van]

MCM, you are truly an inspiration. And the progression through this thread is outstanding. I hope I can keep the torch lit with my sketchbook with the same flames I see here. Rock on.

[jetpack42]

Step 3 on your progression is cool, looks like somebody elbowed the cast right in the eye! BAM! I know what you mean about your wife's portrait. I've heard the saying something like "every drawing (of a friend) is a friend lost", which is why I almost NEVER draw anyone I know. I HATE the inevitable "wow...thats....but it doesnt look like me?!". I'm going to wait until I'm a mastah! 10 minutes is not too much time though...you gotsta hurry. Studying anatomy is so important...keep at it! your beethoven cast is the shiz-niz-dizzle!

the one day cast is goooood. What exactly are you supposed to be learning from cast drawings? I've never really done one...

how long are you staying at the studio there and when will that spot open up?

Edit: I just realized, myself and van ^^ have the same birthday...go us!

[van]

Originally posted by jetpack42

Edit: I just realized, myself and van ^^ have the same birthday...go us!

Rock on!

[emilpaun]

Hey, I know the feeling, you should've seen my finacee's expression when she saw the portrait I had made of her :D
Ahh, Beethoven... :rolleyes: and in one day?
:)

lookin' really good!

[-The Swift-]

yeah!!!!! you finished the cast!!!!! looks great, that other day study cast is great too! nice job MCM

[winjer]

why dont you find a skeleton and draw every part of it like you did with these casts. Youd learn way a lot i think.

[MindCandyMan]

endregan - Thanks bro...you are so loyal! Always watching this thread...you rule man! We will all be expecting GREAT things from you in the future.

Groover - Thanks so much man!

van - Thanks man...if you keep your momentum you will pass me that's for sure...keep it up bud!

KR33P - Seriously hehe...sometimes you are afraid to show them what you just sketched heheh...yeah the venus was done as a day study...there were some critical mistakes where it didn't look exactly like the cast but I learned a lot through those mistakes!

The Swift - Thanks so much...I know I finally finished it heheheh...I need to get my butt in gear that's for sure. hehe...thanks for stopping by and the encouragement is awesome thanks.

winjer - I was actually just thinking this past weekend that I should get a skeleton model...I think that definitely would help.

____________________



I think this is the first self portrait of my braided goatee.

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Starting the long cast study of the venus cast. Should be fun...I need to do it quicker than beethoven!!!

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[dCepT]

Jeez! I check in on your thread every time you update, and holy hell! As so many have said before me, you are truly an inspiration! The cast-work is amazing, man! Good lookin' out!

looking forward to more!

d-C

[endregan]

That self portrait is amazing. It is so accurate and subtle. I can see your sketching evolving as I watch this thread!

I like to see your studies too. I think the cast is really improving your 3d forms and applying it to your sketches.

[van]

Excellent update, MCM. Your hand studies look great. Just keep pushing!

[grinn]

Your self portrait does look like you though it lacks a lot of contrast.

And in your hand studies, the hand at the center looks great. Keep up the good work.

Ah also, we did meet at the workshop..you said you might have trouble remember the screename so here is a link to a picture...you will recognize me i am sure

http://www.madorb.com/proof.jpg

[-The Swift-]

great update MCM, i can see that cast being another stunner!

[Summer Pudding]

Man, the contrast between the first page and the last is incredible. I don't have the time to look at everything here, but I think I can safely say that without it sounding too patronising.

Keep it up fella

:chug:

[Fog_cartoons]

As soon as I get the 2 years free practise time, I can look back and say MCM inspired me to be this good. A tear will flow out of my eye, as I look toward the sun...

[Kasper_P]

How can you have so many pictures online? You must have a huge website.

I really like your stuff. Your improvement is massive. :chug:

[Fimbulvinter]

MCM, you are the most inspiring artist I've ever seen! I most recently bumped across this thread, and looked in awe on the evolving of you as an artist. You are the living exaple of that anyone with the guts and the right energy can draw or paint.... I will post replys on your work later, but for now I am just gonna sit back awestruck in my chair with my mouth open.

You are THE Inspiration! keep it up!!!

[endregan]

yeah get on msn!!

[MindCandyMan]

dcept - Thanks so much man...it's really cool that you check each time means a lot bro. Thanks!

endregan - Thanks bro! Your encouragement helps a ton.

van - Thanks bro! I will definitely keep pushing...you guys keep me going!!

grinn - It's funny...you must have made a really good impression cause I remembered exactly who you were ;) ! Thanks for the crits man. Yeah it did lack a lot of contrast and it was a little wild too...the technique was a bit out of control. It was great meeting you man you are a funny guy...thanks for posting.

swift - Thanks I hope so!

Summer Pudding - Thanks a lot man! Your stuff rocks...I have been checking out your work for a while. Awesome man. I am gonna post in your thread so I get an email every time you update...awesome man. Thanks for stopping by it means a lot!

Fog_Cartoons - Dude I seriously was rolling on the ground laughing when I read this...hilarious dude...when I turn toward the sun a tear will..........hilarious man. Thanks heheheh. I appreciate the encouragement.

Kasper - hehe...I know I'm surprised my space hasn't run out yet hehehe...thanks man!

fimbulvinter - Thanks so much man. My work is most certainly not at a professional level yet so it's good to know that I can inspire in other ways...thanks so much man

___________________


Well I am back from Austin everybody and I have to say it was unbelievable...it was amazing and I was so surprised at how cool and fun everyone was. There was a bunch of times I left my bag laying around for a while and no one tried to steal anything...no one would have done it if it had been there all day I am sure of it. Everyone was friendly and everyone was looking out for each other it was great. All the professionals were amazing and not one of them...I can honestly say...that in my experience there not one of the professionals came across with a big ego or anything like that. They seemed to be there to learn just as much as anyone else that was there. It was an awesome experience and 400 bucks was a very very small price to pay for what I got there. It was cool meeting all the pros and sitting down adn talking with them and watching them work...it was awesome to have like 40 guys sketching in my hotel room at 4 in the morning...it was all awesome...wouldn't trade it for anything. I have a lot more knowledge and direction now...so I am going to try to put it to work! I am still in Texas at the moment but when I get home I will post some stuff that I have been drawing...thanks guys!

[metalwinds]

gotta agree with you bro.. .it was awesome meeting you and everyone else. hanging out in the room at 4 in the morning and drawing was definitely one of the cooler parts of the workshop. i have absolutely no complaints about anything (other than the heat, which half the time i didnt even notice). the amount of inspiration i was able to walk away with cannot be measured. ..this will keep me going at top speed till the next workshop, and probably longer. hope to see all you guys again next year

:chug:

now, lets see that update

[cotron]

Nice to put a face to the name man, the 4am drawing sessions were great. I hope your studies continue at this fervent pace, there's a lot to be learned from your work ethic.

[metaphysiks]

this guy is one cool motha fucka. it was an honor meeting you MCM. youre definately one of the "James Brown's" of this forum.
peace
meta

[strych9ine]

It was great meeting you dude, keep up the amazing progress. You're a talented guy, and pretty fucking tall too. :chug:

[Eew]

I'm new here. wanna say hi ! :)

Man i looked at all thoose 30 and something pages and i'm impressed !
I myself am a total beginner too. I saw your stuff maybe a week ago or so. today it's 23/06/04 and i started to draw. I want to go on atleast till first september. So will see if i can make such progress as you ,i hope i can. So you kinda inspired me :rolleyes:
I want post any stuff of my "learning summer" but i will post some first pics with those i started and some last to show the progres (if i'll have any ) .. hmm i'm taking too much ..

---> Thx for showing me that i'ts possible to get good and better at drawing :)

[steak-tron]

it was great meeting you John, keep it real with them awesome drawings and paints.:chug:

[Calle_]

Update for the people!! :D i cant imagine how much you have evolved during theese years, the dedication is awesome and i hope you keep going. Peace


Calle

[Groover McNab]

Hey it was great meeting you man! You're the only dude I recognized instantly from your avatar. Too bad I missed the first room sketching session. I hope we can all do it again next year!

[pandawhipped]

DUDE, wish we could have talked some more than our brief little meetin'. Are you coming to comiccon this summer? I think Rons trying to set up some sort of conceptart get together. Not as extravagant as Austin, but it'll still be pretty sweet I'm sure. Too bad I didn't know about the hotel room sketching, I would have been there for sure! I hope you learned a ton in Austin and were inspired to push yourself even harder, I know I was.

[bRyaN]

It was awesome to meet you dude...

And you are a tall bastard lol...

Keep up the fantastic job..

[MindCandyMan]

metalwinds - Thanks bro...you rock man...I have a renewed vigor for doing anatomy sketches thanks to you!

cotron - Definitely I agree...it's cool to actually meet people. Thanks man but I need to work even harder!

metaphysiks - Dude you crack me up man heheheh...james brown...dude I was laughing out loud. It was awesome meeting you as well man! Thanks again man...good times

strych9ine - Thanks man heheh....yeah I hit my head on everything. You keep up the good work too man!

eew - Good to see a new face around here! If you push hard you will pass me in no time! Wow all 30 pages man sheesh...I hope you have a cable modem...with dial up it would take soooo long hehe.

steaktron - It was awesome meeting you too man! I will be following your work as well of course man...you are kicking some serious tail.

calle - Thanks man! I will definitely keep going that's for sure man.

groover - Oh man I'm sorry you missed that late night sketching again. We will definitely do it next time that's for sure. You were a really cool guy man hopefully next time we can hang out a little more. Thanks man.

panda - I know man...we got to talk for about 2 seconds...sorry about that. I wasn't planning on going to comiccon but I might be able to...that would be pretty cool if it worked out. I definitely learned a ton in Austin...just need to put my nose to the grindstone now and start going somewhere that's for sure hehe.

bryan - Nice meeting you to man....I guess I am kind of tall but jetpack is a lot taller than me heheh. Thanks man.

_______________________________-



Ok I know a lot of these images are crap but I am trying out some different things...trying different techniques and stuff. I learned a lot at the workshop and now I am trying to experiment with some of the ideas that I pulled from there to internalize them...so you have been warned hehe

93984

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93987

Started on this painting but I have a lot more anatomy studies to do before I try to start tackling this...back to the drawing board. But I was trying to think about some of the things ron and jason discussed about color theory, etc... It's in my head but I just can't express it yet...oh well keep trying I guess.

93988

[softdrawer]

Hey M.Candy,

I have to confess... you're skyrocketing your personal skill progress. ( and your results are magnificent )A very good example for the young lads who wish to become better in the field.
Keep the production !

alx

[van]

Awesome. As always, you remain a great inspiration. You work ethic is amazing. :nod:

[emilpaun]

Hey MCM, what is the fat guy doing with his hand? :D
Nice stuff man, but that's no surprise I guess :)

[jetpack42]

I'm really digging the lizardman and his gun. The gun turned out real super looking! Are you back in SD?

[MindCandyMan]

softdrawer - Thanks so much. I will definitely try to keep up the progress. Thanks for stopping by :chug:

van - Thanks bro...You keep up the good work too! I see you workin hard in your thread. :mohawk:

KR33P - I know hahahahah...jetpack pointed that out to me in Austin (or maybe it was blackhawk I can't remember)...I didn't intend for that but that's why I erased it heheheh. hilarious.

jetpack - thanks bro...yeah that lizard guy is fun...I'm trying to experiment with how to approach my sketches...trying to find the right way to lay strokes down....frustrated but learning hehe

_______________________

been frustrated with my art lately...I'm hitting certain walls...gotta break through them

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Venus cast...where I'm at so far

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[EVIL]

WOW.. never notised this DST before.. OMG.. you have made so much progress in 2 years.. its amazing and inspiring.. especially inspiring to people who want to draw and have passion for it but think they can't do it .. Help them break their walls that they themselves build by showing them your amazing progress into the world of art.

drawing, painting, sculpting, are skills that anyone can develop.

You have my respect man..

[endregan]

Oohh finally I get a little treat from you :D. This is one sweet treat...

I love what you are doing. You are showing experimentation along with your traditional skill building, this is good. I love to see your sketches and paintings. Keep showing us these!

You know that last painting? That was just so awesome..the brush work is pretty solid, Your forms and eye has been trained and you are doing well, keep pushing...

I know we all have our walls but we climb over them eventually... this wall and all walls were necessary. Dont doubt, all of us from the forum have your back :D. We'll make sure you get over that wall even if we have to throw you over...

Keep updating man! You are my inspiration..

[imglue]

hey man, ive seen the pogess work and its very inspiring. it was a pleasure to see u and austin and im very impressed by your love and passion for art.

k e e p i t u p,
and keep in touch

[MindCandyMan]

evil - Thanks so much man :btu: ....that's exactly why I post here...so that hopefully I can help someone else in the process!

endregan - Thanks dude...your kind words are always an encouragement that's for sure :partyguy:

imglue - Thanks man it was great meeting you as well...and "imglue" really IS a cool name!!!!

________________________________

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In between the model posing a fellow student in the studio said, "Draw a lobster dancing with a platypus jon...see if you can do it" ...so I had no idea what a lobster really looked like...so I sketched a platypus and a weird crab...fun stuff though hehe

93998

93999

This drawing turned out terrible...it was just supposed to be a quick block in but somehow I managed to make a 25 year old model look like she was 12 years old...I think it's in the face or something...so frustrating

94000

I did my first plein air painting last wednesday too...my teachers suggested that I just do a value study first which I am really glad they suggested because it took a lot of the frustration out of the first attempt...I didn't have to worry about color on top of everything else. I used raw umber and white. It's hard enough (as you can see by this crappy attempt) to deal with value, edges, paint thickness, etc... by itself. This was really fun though...I would definitely recommend it to anyone...the flies were biting us and the sun was hot but it was worth every minute...fun fun fun

94001

[nmcleod]

wow man, your progress is amazing. i used to come here a lot a couple years ago to look around and i remember seeing your thread then, and seeing some of your new stuff now only two years later is incredible. i am very inspired by your work ethic and passion for art. i only really started to get serious about my sketchbooks and start posting a lot more just recently, and seeing a thread like this is what keeps me going. good work man

-nate

[endregan]

That last painting is showing how all this progress has lead you to doing these paintings. That is a great improvement and I definitely think I would like to see you do more of those. Painting is something I have not done for a while and seeing that painting inspires me to explore painting again.. :)

Keep going silly, you are moving on up

[bwkeough]

jon- that landscape is really nice. Great values and brush strokes; I'm looking forward to your first full color plein air. It looks like oil; what size is it?

[jetpack42]

what does "plein air" mean? I've always wondered that. My experience with a random seafood drawing...my mom one day wanted to see an "octopus riding a whale". Studying some anatomy I see...Does Hans know about this? hehe...keep up the good work. The only think I'd recommend is doing a little more imagination sketches after you do studies...I find that to be the hardest, and most improving, part.

[Groover McNab]

Dude I could swear I posted a reply on your last update. Oh well. Looking good man, I like your value study/painting that's a great idea. Also I really like the digital faces (the one you x-ed out with crap. those are digital right?) Anyway, I'm diggin those and I don't think they are past saving.

[I.was.ink]

hey mcm. Good to see you back at it. Those arm studies are really nice. Ive been wanting to try plein air painting, but it's tooooooo hot right now. Keep up the good work! :thumbsup:

[Oregano]

Hey MCM -

Some wonderful stuff you've got going on here. I especially love your plein air painting (though I know you don't like it). I've just got a weakness for anything plein air :D

Cheers, and great work.
~Oreg.

[draw]

MCM

I visit this thread often and would like to say you are a constant source of inspiration. Keep it up. We want more!!! There is sooo much beyond crit, but I will crit where I may. So here goes. I noticed on a couple of your sketches the shoulders looked a bit rounded and the traps and necks were huge, I don't know if this was on purpose or not but it is only one of the few crits I can notice.

Hope my meagre crit's a help.

I too like the plein air.

[afklamer]

I remeber when you started this thread, and im terribly ashamed now that I've never replied :bash:

Your stuff is so inspiring and you evovled great !!!

And as usual after seeing great stuff I'll be gone fore some hours sketching...
thanks alot =D

[jester]

Hey MCM, I'm back (at least temporarily) and wanted to say "hello" to the hardest working man at CA. Good job, as usual. The arm studies look a bit too short to me but the value study (plein air) is great! Keep rockin'!

:D

Jester

[dakoscwash]

Man this is amazing stuff as usual man. I freakin love your figure work. When you shade do you hold the pencil like charcoal or as if you're writing? Keep up the awesome progress man I'll be watching. Thanks for the inspiration.

[MindCandyMan]

nmcleod - Hey bro...glad you stopped by! I'm glad I could help keep you going man definitely don't stop...that is the key just keep plugging away and you will succeed. Thanks for the kind words man ;)

endregan - Thanks bro...more of those comin up my man.

bwkeough - Thanks man yeah it's in oils. My next plein air (besides this one) will be in color...we'll see if I can pull it off hehe. Thanks man :D

jetpack - Hey bro...I think it means "open air" or something like that...I think it started out as en plein air ...which means in the open air. Who knows hehe... Yeah Hans knows about the anatomy hehe...he actually encourages me to learn it. He always says he wants to be able to draw from memory one day so that's pretty cool. Yeah I agree I need to do some more imaginative stuff...I need to fill all the in between moments I have during the day...like while I am eating lunch or something I could be sketching...good call bro.

Groover - Hey bro...oh sorry if I missed your post...sometimes conceptart does weird things too like the window closes or something to me sometimes...weird. Sorry if I missed your post though it wasn't intentional that's for sure ;) . Thanks for the kind words man...yeah those faces are digital...just trying to learn to control light...it's so dang difficult isn't it heheh. Thanks for stoppin by bro.

I.was.ink - Hey bro...good to hear from you again. Thanks for the encouragement...your stuff is killing dude...seriously. You are on the path to stardom man...keep it up! Thanks again.

oregano - Thanks man I'm glad you liked it...it's ok I guess I just see all the flaws in it and I want to get better...practice makes perfect right hehe. Thanks for stopping by!

draw - Thanks for that crit I love hearing specifics like that it helps so much...thanks a bundle man. Definitely not on purpose hehe...just crappy by error. Glad you liked the painting...thanks man

Nagasch - It's cool...no need to reply hehe but I'm glad you did! I'm glad I could inspire you to keep sketching...that is the highest compliment. If I can inspire other people to draw then I am at least doing something right!

jester - Good call I think you are right on about the arms...they are a little weird. Glad you liked the painting...it's good to hear from you again!

dakoscwash - Thanks! It depends on what type of stroke I need to make how I hold the pencil...I have an idea in my mind of the stroke that I need to emphasize the form...show the value, etc.... All these things have to be processed at the same time while (and before) putting the stroke down...that's the ideal situation at least. Some people say draw with your arm...some say your wrist...depends on what you are doing to me...if you need ultra straight lines...draw with your arm, etc... The important part is being conscious of what the stroke should actually do...what it's purpose is and what it needs to accomplish before and while you are putting it down. Work with purpose and the way you hold your pencil will evolve naturally...because if you need a certain type of line and you know you need it you will try different ways of holding it till you get it. Hope that helps.

________________________


Just trying to work on my proportion/drawing skills. I am struggling right now with just basic foundational drawing...I am starting to see how terribly wrong my "natural" eye is and it is frustrating...guess you can only go up from here hehe...

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Plein Air number 2...the next will be in color. Sorry for the bad picture.

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[steak-tron]

break the walls down John. Drawing from life is like collecting data, you keep a little piece of everything you draw, but it's important to keep it fresh, because one can forget it. If you a frustrated with what your drawing keep drawing it from life. I noticed you crossed out a wrinkled man's face. I'll use this as an example but if you don't like the way you drew something, research that thing and then come back to it. Drawing techniques are important but so is understanding what your drawing (you already knew this, i'm kind of typing with a lil' steam o' conciousness.) Keep it up man, those landscapes are killer, and it those anatomy sketches are looking good. You have the capacity for great rendering, now just do more experiments.

keep posting man o' the mind :chug:
-kemp

[MindCandyMan]

Steak - Thanks bro you are right on. I'm being lazy without realizing it...understanding is the most important thing...it all starts in the brain right. Even old masters with shaky hands could still paint something fantastic right...cause they knew where stuff went hehe. Thanks man I love these types of discussions. It hits the problem in the root...thanks so much for bringing it up. :)

___________________________

Movin some stuff around and workin on this

[bwkeough]

I am loving the landscapes. I want more, just waiting for the color!

steak's right about visual memory. That's what marko talks about, except that he can store the info without drawing it first. This also applies to costumes and surface qualities. The only problem is that it fades, I find that I need to keep doing regular reference studies to rebuild and freshen my visual encyclopedia.

[jook]

This sketchbook is one of many on this site that I get excited about updates when I see them. This whole community of CA is amazing, isnt it? so much talent and so many of these talented artists willing to share their knowledge. I am blown away everytime I come to this site.

you are coming along nicely. I love that cast drawing you are working on. about how long does it take you to get where you are on it and how big is it?

take it easy man,
jook

[endregan]

I cannot wait for the colour plein air.

Keep it up buddy!

[jetpack42]

cool, thanks for answering that. I too look forward to the color plein air. keep on keepin on. And the legs on your lifedrawing dude look short.

Oh, and SEARCH THE PERIMETER!

[liam.c]

man this is an amazing thread man !soo great progress !
im totaly and compleetly stuned )

[metaphysiks]

damn james brown, that plein air stuff is killin me, absolutely beautiful. i like those so much, i myself wish i could do that. the studies in anatomy are a good way to go, been doing them myself along with some reference work. its the best way to improve. continue doing those cast drawings, william whitaker personally talked to me about cast drawings for like 20 min, so you know they come highly recommended. you are a machine man, keep it up sp you can give me a job someday.
meta

[MindCandyMan]

bwkeough - Right on man...you are absolutely right...every night from now on I am copying these abstract shapes that are solid black. My teacher gave them to me to help my visual memory skills. I look at the shape and analyze it and then try to draw it in the same proportion that I viewed it in. The shapes on the sheets get harder and harder as you go along till the final one is a sillhouette of a person. I have noticed that even doing that for 5 minutes a day can really give my visual memory a kick start. Which reminds me I need to do another one tonight! Thanks for stoppin by man ;)

jook - Thanks for the kind words man. CA is absolutely a great community...loads of fun and inspiration. Cast drawings can vary based on their complexity but to be honest I am not sure how long it takes me...I struggled a bit with the method on this one...I'm still learning how to procede a bit. But it takes weeks of work (at this point) to get it to look exactly like the cast. I suppose once I know more I could get it done a lot quicker but I will have to wait and see if that is true...for now I just have to worry about getting it done right. So basically I guess "a long time" heheh.

endregan - Thanks man...I can't wait either! Woohoo wednesday!

jetpack42 - hahahahah dude you are hilarious. One time when I was younger I got up and walked behind the entertainment center and my mom thought I was confused and was going to pee...didn't pee...just standing there in a sleepy stupor...crazy heheheh (should I have just told everyone that?)

liam.c - Thanks man I appreciate it!

metaphysiks - Owwww...look out....sexy woman. Hey bro glad you liked the plein air stuff it has been loads of fun. I get to do color next time so we will see how that goes...not sure what will happen heheh. Yeah cast drawings are fantastic...you learn so much about how to render it's awesome. And you learn the human form at the same time it's great. Man you will have a job before me you can bet on that hehe...I will be in rags at your door..."please sir...give some bread to james brown....owwww"

______________________

Some more work on this...I ran into some trouble on how to approach this at a certain point...my method was kind of haphazard but I got some really good instruction from my teachers so hopefully I can do them proud with this one...I am gonna bust my butt to do this one well. I am salivating...I want to get back to it right now...I feel like staying up all night and doing it.

94005

The leg on the left was done with no pencil underdrawing...I think I am going to start doing all my sketches...anatomy and such...in pen. It forces me to think very carefully about the stroke before I put it down and I have a feeling if I do that I will force myself to think more about why I am putting everything down that I am...I need more purpose in all my work...more purpose in every stroke...so we will see how that works out...be prepared for some bad drawings hehe...

94006

[hito]

MCM you rock hardcore. the cast drawing is awsome!

[endregan]

Go jonny is your birthday.

That cast is looking mighty fine my friend. I love your enthusiasm towards it.

That pen idea sounds good :O. I dont think I have ever approached it like that. Keep us updated eh

[steak-tron]

You don't have to do it on this one but think about drawing in, then putting down an even ground and pulling out highlights with the ol' eraser. Good for understanding values and is a fast way to an even scale.

cheers bro :chug:

[jester]

The ink anatomy studies are just amazing.

Hopefully I'll get drawing at a botanic garden on Thursday (the only day with rather stable summer weather in this week, we're having a really shitty rainy summer here in Germany) - and I will update my sketchbook thread on Friday. Hope to see you dropping by!

Keep up the good work!

:chug:

Jester

[emilpaun]

I've only been gone for two weeks and now I find you doing pen studies with no pencil underdrawing :D (which btw turn out really nice, as well as the cast drwing, but hey that's no surprise :) ) man you never cease to amze me (or should i say us all)

[MindCandyMan]

hito - Thanks so much man...It's definitely not done yet though!

endregan - Thanks jack...yeah I am finding it interesting...working in pen. With pencil you can kind of fiddle around with things a bit and just waste a l :chug: :chug: ot of time but using a pen forces you to think about everything first before you put it down. It's a very different experience...I like it though...plus I don't have to sharpen anything!

steak - Yeah that's what I have been recently trying in pencil...sort of making that the middle value then finding the darkest darks and then the lightest lights and then you have your range right there...seems to be the most logical method (to me at least) that I have tried so far. Either way I definitely need a lot more control...I need to put more thought and purpose into each stroke that's for sure. :chug:

jester - Definitely it will be cool to see an update from you! A botanical garden should provide some great drawings!!! I will look for it! Thanks for stoppin by ;)

KR33P - Thanks glad to see that you are back! Thank you for the immensely kind words and encouragement you always give. Keep working I will be watching ;)

______________________________


Started on this portrait yesterday...I am still fiddling with the proportions...it doesn't like her yet...like a distant cousin MAYBE...but I'm having fun with this one. She is coming in for probably one more time today so I will finish it up then.

94007

plein air from yesterday...first time doing color it was very fun. My teacher gave me some very helpful hints....man you should have seen hers it was awesome. One day hehe...gotta start somewhere. Sorry for the bad picture. I really need to photograph these in proper light hehe.

94008

close ups for whoever cares hehe.

94009

94010

I'm off to the zoo to draw in 20 minutes...wooohoo! Haven't been for a while.

[NoUseFrAName]

solid work man!

Rock on! and keep inspiring us!

-Rob

[Blackhawk]

Jon, solid man, solid. I can't wait bro, 4 weeks, 4 WEEKS!! Can't wait.

Anyways, I love the plein air, good start. Remember when doing the leg muscle studies to worry as much about your stroke and form as well as what your actually studying. Try to make mental and visual notes of what your actually studying. Help yourself learn that anatomy. Keep rocking man.

[imglue]

AY MAMI.....

the lanscapes are really good, love the strokes and the flow. the drawing looks pretty good, but you would know better since you actually see her. im in LOVE with that cast....CASTS ARE THE SHIZZIZZZLE ...

keep drawin im digging your progess work.

[Crunch]

mindcandyman is living proof that if one is dillagent and passionate about drawing and painting that they can achieve anything with it. you are the freaking shizneiot! a year or two ago you couldnt draw 1/4 as good as you do now. its inspiring man. that painting rocks and the drawing of the face is nice but i have no clue what she looks like so...but the face reads well and i cant pick out any porportion flaws etc. everyone...look at mcm and be amazed because this man will go far...android said it long ago and he was all too right. be proud big man! you rock! :dance:

[MindCandyMan]

NoUseFrAName - Thanks so much man. I will definitely try to that's for sure.

Blackhawk - Thanks man...very good call...perhaps this was the problem I was having in Austin...or the root of it at least. Not paying enough attention to practice the quality of a stroke, etc... Thanks for bringing it up. Man I can't wait till you get here! So you have an idea about which apartment?

imglue - Thanks so much man glad you like the cast. They are definitely fun.

crunch - Thanks for the kind words man. I can only that I will go far...that remains to be seen at least hehe. But I'm having fun drawing in the process hehe. Thanks again man you are too kind. :chug: I have had tons of help along the way and that's why I definitely want to teach someday.

___________________

More work on this...a lot of things are wrong but specifically her nose looks funky that's for sure hehe

94011

More work on the cast...tried to smooth out the background a lot more and do some other things...gonna tighten it up soon

94012

Figure drawing I started...I added something after the pose was done for fun...it's not there in real life...I promise hehe...would make a cool painting though

94013

[Lynchpin]

wow man this is awsome! I looked at your first 3 pages and then your last and your improvement is fantastic! An inpiration to us all.

[MindCandyMan]

lynchpin - Thanks man :chug:

___________


forgot this little piece of crapola...definitely need to rethink the way I am doing these hehehe

[dadamafia]

i hope that drawing of the head turns out the way u want when ur finished. it looks lovely so far.

[endregan]

Jonnnnny

You are no longer a young grasshopper anymore. :)

Keep up the anatomy studies too buddy,. though I know you are probably doing them :o.

working on the values is gooood

[Yina]

i remember the 1st time i entered the daily sketchbk forums, i read through this thread, probably took me a few hours. but what kept me reading was the drive and motivation behind the drawings, paintings in the thread. its great to see how far you've gone.. really fantastic :rock: keep rocking!

[xia]

Love those oil! Keep them coming :)

[jester]

The plein air oils come out nicely. What happened to your zoo safari? Any booty to show us?

BTW I have updated my sketchbook at last. :)

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

dadamafia - Thanks man...I think I get to finish it up today.

endregan - Thanks man >:D

yina - Thanks so much...wow you read through the whole thread huh sheesh hehe...thanks! You have more patience than me! Thanks for the encouraging words

xia - Another one today for ya...man I can keep these oils coming but I can't sketch from imagination like you my man. I am having the toughest time doing that...your thread is an inspiration for me to keep going that's for sure.

jester - That stupid tree sketch is all I have to show for it :( ...But I am going back again on thursday so hopefully that will yield something more...we hope hehe...I'm gonna go check out your sketchbook right now.

_______________________


I did another plein air...I am going to do a bunch of these and then try to sell them I think. I have a plan that possibly could replace my part time job eventually so I would be doing art 24/7...we'll see if that works out but that's why I am doing so many of these.

94015

94017

My wife was with me when I did this one and she said, "Can I put in that fisherman's bobber...so that's what she did...I had to fix it a bit though because hers at first was bigger than his head heheh.

94018

94019

94020

[Fog_cartoons]

Nice, I love the reflections I never could properly do them but you seemed to have managed it.

From what I can tell your legs must hurt quite a bit from standing up whilst painting that.

[young paddy1]

Your work has progressed so far, the plein air stuff is great and the cast work is fantastic, I would say that you are on your way, but compared to me you already got there and spent some time window shopping.

[van]

Your plein airs are looking fantastic. :) I am going to try my hand at those soon. I have a few paintings I have to get out of my head first. Being new to oils I just have so many ideas and things that I want to paint.

Keep it up, MCM.

I posted my first oil over in my sketchbook. If you get a chance come on by...

[endregan]

WHOOOAA

That first one is like whoa Jon. That reflection is so good. It looks so realistic, the values are really good!! May I ask how large these are?

Super amazing painter you will be, yes?

:)

Oh and good luck with the job. You deserve it..

[MindCandyMan]

Fog - Thanks...you know I had trouble with the reflections at first as well and then my wife came over and said, "You aren't drawing what you are seeing"...she was absolutely right. I was kind of fading out the reflection, etc... but in reality the value was the same for the whole reflection...the water crossed it at certain points...but the value stayed consistent and it makes sense if you think about it...the water is like a mirror...a mirror doesn't change the value...just reflects something. I stored that up in my mind for future use hehe. I don't even remember I have legs when I am painting...time goes by so quick hehe. Thanks for the kind words ;)

young paddy - Thanks so much...sheesh I feel like I have so far to go. I get so frustrated often hehe. So it's good to hear from others that they think I have progressed. I can't really tell sometimes unless I look at the VERY first image hehehe...I don't look back there very often though it makes me want to cry.

van - Hey man glad to see you doing those oils. It's also really great that you are taking a class! That should be cool man. I can't wait to see what oils you produce...definitely post em up don't be scared to get hammered...that's why we're here hehe.

endregan - Hey bro...maybe an amazing painter someday...not for a long while though hehe. These are all pretty small 6 x 8 ...some 8 x 10. I bought some wood and cut it to those sizes and I gesso the wood and paint straight on...I like leaving some of the wood grain patterns and such when I gesso cause I think it gives an interesting effect...but having a smooth canvas is probably better in some circumstances...I'm experimenting at this point hehe. Plein air is generally smaller so you can cover the whole canvas quicker and plus...it's just easier to carry gear around that can hold a 6 x 8 study. Thanks bro ;)

______________


I've been spending some time in my sketchbook later on at night...just letting my brain unload and it's helped me sleep better I think.

94021

94022

94023

just did a really quick block in of this portrait I am going to do of my friend...he collects swords so I am going to do a large scale charcoal of him holding one like this...very very early stages....still deciding if the comp is right and all.

94024

We started this drawing of a model...we have her standing pretty high up on this thing so it will be interesting to finish out this drawing a little more...obviously I added the bizarre stuff in the background. Her feet were off so I erased them.

94025

This was the last day for this portrait...it looks more like her now than it did...but it still leaves something to be desired. But I think I am learning at least a little more about how charcoal acts.

94026

More work on this girlie girl

94027

This model moved SO MUCH...I couldn't believe how much she moved. I was standing there watching her leg shift back and forth...yes you guessed it specifically the left leg...it looks terrible. She kept asking to stop after every 5 minutes too and then of course when she got back up she wouldn't be in the same spot......annoying. But that's no excuse for a bad drawing...I should have been able to capture that leg better.

94028

[xia]

Just stoping by and say Your first oil and that Portrait kick asses. Great job on those man!

[jetpack42]

wow jon, that charcoal rocks!!!! When is nate dog gettin there? Man, that is exciting! You are always getting a little bit better. Your sketches are more consistant then Austin already.

I liked the pictures of you painting. good plan you've got. I did notice though, when I looked at it...something was missing. I figured out what it was...

http://www.mlentz.com/JONPAINTING.jpg

Just a thought to make you more painterly.

Keep up the good work, buddy!

[I.was.ink]

damn mcm. You are on a roll. Great job!

I have a suggestion on your plein air practice. Here's something Im going to try and do. Paint a plein air painting once a day, so that in a few months I can have tons of paintings. Some students at my school did this about 10 years ago and my teach told me it was really cool to see all the little paintings. :D

ink

[|NTeRN]

hey mcm,

your art keeps getting better and better. and your paintings at unbelieveable.

by the way how old are you. i saw how you mentioned your married but from what i remember you by from austion you didn't look that old. :blah:

[Beatnik]

Hey man it was good to meet you and hang out a bit in Austin. I still think of how cool that trip was and how many great people I met. Can't wait for the next workshop.

I love the work on that bust and the last portrait is awesome. They talked about drawing busts at the workshop and after seeing yours I want to draw one even more. Sweet work man. Good luck with selling the paintings too, that would sure beat any part time gig.

[endregan]

Someone has been busy and having a fun time :). Haha the berret hat pic is funny jetpack ;). That would be awesome if you did wear one :O

Keep pushing it to the maxoo

[I_am]

Went through your thread a bit earlier and man...Geez, how far you've come is amazing. Everybody else has already said it, but really really excellent job, man.

[pandawhipped]

GO GO GO! your plein airs are freaking AWESOME! I haven't tried any outdoor muck yet, but you got me all pumped about it.

Better watch out, I've got 11 pages now, I'm catching up to you! :zzz:

[cotron]

gahh those landscapes are killing me! nice composition and value control... keep it up man!

[van]

LMAO! MCM, you need a beret, man.

[dCepT]

The last castdrawing is unbelievable! I'm really impressed with your oils as well!

Keep 'em coming!

d-C

[bwkeough]

wow, that landscape is awesome. very very good. That's a gorgeous location you're at, too.

the trees on the left look a bit too opaque; was there no sky showing between the leaves?

[MindCandyMan]

xia - Thanks man!

jetpack - Dude.....Mike that is hilarious hahahah...I was seriously laughingout loud almost falling off my chair when I scrolled up and saw that. Absolutely hilarious man. Awesome. Nate's getting here on the 20th so that will be cool.

I.was.ink - That's exactly what I was thinking! It would be really cool to have a bunch of little paintings and hopefully I can sell some of them ;)

intern - Hey bro...thanks! I'm 24...got married when I was 21. I would never go back to being single...no way. ;)

Beatnik - Thanks man it was great to meet you too! You should definitely do a cast drawing man! They are hard but you learn so much by doing them. I hope I can sell those paintings...you are right it would DEFINITELY beat anything part time.

endregan - Maybe one day I will wear that hat...but if I do you have to.

I_am - Thanks so much! I feel like I have so far to go...actually I know I do heheh.

panda - Lets see some outdoor stuff my man! I'm sure it would be awesome if you did it. 11 pages huh...sheesh. You are a monster! :am: :ao: :an: :as: :at: :ae: :ar:

cotron - Thanks man...they are fun. Great practice with colors and control of paint as well...you should do some and post em up man!

van - I know man hahahahah...hilarious.

dcept - Thanks man...I will definitely keep em coming :)

bwkeough - Thanks so much...yeah my teachers know these people that own land near the studio...the studio is downtown but this place is only about 15 minutes from it which is weird. In 15 minutes you can be in a place with wild turkeys a beautiful river..etc...it's awesome.

____________________________

94029

94030

94031

94032

94033

94034

94036

94037

This is a preliminary ....REALLY preliminary composition sketch for a long term painting I am going to do with my teachers' help over the next year or so. I was just concerned with the composition...but the next sketch I do will be done a lot more careful. But you can kind of see what it will look like hopefully. Sorry for the bad picture.

94038

More work on this drawing...my teachers' gave me a bunch of help on this one cause I was getting stuck...my brain was being stupid I felt like. But I'm back on track now. I have been struggling a LOT with everything I have been doing lately but I also feel like I'm learning a lot so that's good.

94039

[hito]

God damn, I mean God Damn MCM, you are f'in :ar::ao::ac::ak::ai::an::ag::a!:

my honor to meet you in Austin and shake your hand. Living proof of what hard work will do to a person's art.

How do you get such dark values with charcoal? All I get is this medium gray mess that I keep pushing around on the paper.

[dakoscwash]

Amazing update mcm.. The venus cast blows my mind, its so perfectly rendered, looks almost like a photo. Good to see you working more on anatomy, I should be doing the same. Keep up good work man.

[Syrogen]

man your progress is astonishing, i cant get over that cast drawing... great work, keep it up!

[van]

More oils!

[jetpack42]

I'll be patiently waiting for the update of you painting with a beret

THis was a great update, that picture of the tree ROCKS. You should look into hanging your artwork someplace once you get 10-15 of these things.

I'm curious as to the rough of the painting. Whats the subject, and what are you going for? Could you explain it a little??

[antihero]

Now look at this... <3

Great Work MCM, I'm one to say that your progrss is doing quite well. No advice from me, expect maybe... keep at it, but that just sound ridiculous when looking at this thread... :)

bye, antihero

[Fimbulvinter]

MCM, dude, I can't beliveve that you manage to post reply to each and everyone!!! you are the most inspirational guy on this forum, just take a look at the first page of this thread..... well that wasn't very good, but look at you now!!! can't say how much you inspirate, it's awsome!

[Molly]

MCM,

What can I say that hasnt been said? Inspiring progress here man. I love the cast pic. I had to double take cos I thought it was a photo. Beautifully finished, you have such patients! Your dedication is amazing, and so is your honesty. Your life drawing and oils in my opinion, are your best pieces. More oils please, I like those more... :)

(obviously) Keep it up man!

Mollyx

[wi_2]

yeeess!!!

[endregan]

haha I would wear the hat as well. Only cool people wear hats!

Good progress on your stuff. I think that the aftermath of the struggle will be well worth it! Your studies are coming along.

Speaking of which I went to the zoo too. Geez is it hard drawing animals. They rarely sit still! :). Fun though!

Your paintings are Toit. I can't wait to see where you'll be in another year.


Oh and is that Goliath? Me likes. Do a couple comps to see what you want. You may find something even more you like

[metaphysiks]

nice jon, that cast drawing is DUUUUURRRRTTTYYYY!!! keep up the work man, it will always be hard but as long as you are learning.
peace out
meta

[RefrigeratorCo]

That last cast drawing is amazing. Seeing your progress makes me want to draw.

[jester]

Jon, your oil landscape studies are beautiful. I'm quite sure you'll manage to sell quite a lot of them. Just one hint: Don't make them too cheap! :D

Jester

[MindCandyMan]

hito - Thanks man! We mostly (almost exclusively) use hard charcoal at the studio and we sharpen each piece with fine grit sandpaper. When it's sharp you can really dig into the paper. I have found also...I'm not sure if this is true...but I think that charcoal sinks into the paper...it somehow seems easier to layer the next day but maybe that's just my mind playing tricks on me.

dakoscwash - thanks so much man...I will be trying this week to really bring the cast to the next level! Definitely good to work on anatomy as well...sheesh I need to do a ton more study on it that's for sure.

Syrogen - Thanks so much...hopefully the cast can be even better and finished by the end of this week!

van - comin up man hehehe...thanks.

jetpack - Thanks man glad you liked the tree. Actually I can't hang em up because I sold a bunch of them already hehe. Paying my way through school with my artwork...fun stuff. That large painting that I am going to do is about Goliath training. I was always curious and imagined what this giant would do on his day off when he wasn't getting his head cut off by David. I wondered how he trained, etc... The philistines don't have much archeological info available which is fantastic for an artist. Artistic license ;)

Fimbulvinter - Thanks so much man. You are too kind. I definitely want to respond to everybody that replies here because if they take the time to come to this crappy thread I at least need to respond! hehe. Glad I could help inspire...so many have done that for me. Thanks for stoppin by man!

Molly - More oils coming up! Glad you liked the cast too...they are really fun to do but they do definitely take patience. I need to learn patience so that's a good thing! Thanks for stoppin by.

wi_2 - heheheh...thanks!

endregan - Yeah it is goliath...nice...you know your stuff ;) Yeah I will be changing the composition up a bunch...I've already changed it a lot as well. Cool people definitely wear those type of hats hehee.

meta - Thanks man heheh...glad you like the cast drawing. Hopefully I can finish it up this week. Then it's on to another fun one! I am really starting to like charcoal as I am learning how to use it. Thanks for stoppin by man.

refrigeratorco - Thanks so much man. DEFINITELY draw! It's serious fun!

jester - Thanks...you are right on...can't let go for too cheap. But it's the balance of getting your name out there too...hard decisions hehehe.

_____________________


Obviously I need to work more on anatomy...sheesh look at that arm...terrible.

94040

more work on this

94041

[endregan]

Oh man! That cast is just dying to be finished....good stuff :).

I like the drawing. it is on its side though so I cant see it upright. It looks like gandalf? Neat stuff.. :)

How are your plein airs coming along ?

[Lauren Short]

great work

amazing cast drawing john :teeth:

[jester]

Superb cast drawing - have you counted the hours you've put into this?

Jester

[torus3d]

im very inspired by your journey and to see your progress its great!

im jumping through the pages but im gonna look thorugh it all.
really great

keep it up
Ben

[Sikkness]

I really like those paintings. Very inspiring stuff here. I like your work man

[jetpack42]

nice man. wtf are you still doing on that cast drawing? It boggles my mind that you're still chipping away...your patience (or Hans cracking a whip behind you) is amazing!


I'm going to throw some thought your way now...
about the goliath piece...some things you might want to think about...what exactly do you want to show? Right now, the movements and everything is very stiff, and the way its being shown appears very classical (not a bad thing). Do you want to actually show goliath fighting? maybe show him going to get a drink while 3 guys lay on the ground hurting? Showing him actually fighting could be powerful, especially if hes going against 3 or more guys, esp if one or 2 guys is laying on the ground/trying to get up after getting smashed with something. If they're training, they won't have actual weapons, right?

As it's being shown, I get the feeling like I've just walked over the hill to view the scene. All of the action (almost) is happening on the X axis. You might want to think about including others training around him, some closer, some further, to give the feeling of really stumbling upon the army training. There's army tents in the background, right? So other fellows would be around training too. Bring a few guys closer, bring some guys further away...maybe even have some guys training nearby stopping to watch him thwack some guy on the head? maybe some guys gathered around the water fountain (or whatever) pointing and laughing or in awe?

I feel like you can do alot more with this to tell a story, give us your own views on goliath...is he being mean by walking to get a drink while 4 guys lay hurting on the ground? does he just knock them over and stand proudly over them? his face will also tell alot about what he's thinking...is he always out for blood? is he winning easily? is it a struggle? are the other guys trying hard? do they almost run away peeing thier pants? there would probably be a few people around watching...i mean, he's the main man, right? He'd be putting on a show.

As it is, there's no reference for the viewer. I'm just out here viewing the scene on my own. Maybe add some guys closer that I can experience the picture through. maybe some guys drinking? maybe stopping fighting to watch? maybe just passing through? I feel like you should close in some, give us more of the meat. All the stuff you are zoomed out to see, right now, is just tents on the hillside and a guy dancing with a cactus (heh, i can't tell whats going on, but its a sketch, so no worries). In order to make it seem more lively, without adding 100 figures, bring us closer, and use the hills and tents in the background to lead our eyes around the picture as you desire.

Anyway, hope this helps, just some stuff i was thinking about your thing....i'll be awaiting the spectacular finish!!

how much did you sell those paintings for, if you dont mind me asking, and to whom and how? I'm going to look into doing that when i head down to watts....so any advice/info you could pass along would be swell...

take care, buddy. keep showin us the goods.

[Pichuerca]

Great stuff man! I don´t know how you are able to paint in such small square (I don´t know exactly the name of the paper that it´s used to paint with oils, acrylics etc.. in spanish is called "lienzo".). I like the reflections and colors.

The sculpture it´s really amazing too. I think it´s finished, isn´t it? looks very good.

Keep doing much of these...

[emilpaun]

Yeah, me too :)
( I mean great work MCM + all the praises that came from the other guys)