Colour Studies from Life

In my demo, I rather aggressively stated that I believe the best way to learn about colour is by studying directly from nature. So here are some crude plein air quick sketches. What I like about doing these is that drawing precision is really not important. Something as simple as a garbage can or a tree stump presents the same colour challenge as a human figure (maybe even more, because the light is moving away quickly). Not only will these add tremendously to your understanding of colour and light, but nothing's more fun than getting out there and splashing paint around!

Demo!

I've had a few requests for a demo on my digital painting process. Here's a 10 minute video demonstrating one of the ways that I like to sketch. I decided to blab over it, to clarify a few things that may not be apparent if it were just fast-forward video. Hope you'll enjoy it!

Portrait Sketches

Here's two recent oil sketches. The first is my cousin, who has always struck me as having a distinct 'Victorian' look. This is actually a prelim study for a much larger painting. (My new avatar is a sketch of her sister). The second painting is my friend John, who allowed me to paint him while he worked on his laptop. He actually moved far less than most professional models. Both paintings 10x12", on overpriced Linen.

Concept Speed Sketch

Started this sketch late last night, and finished it off this morning. Different subject matter for me. Probably a bit of a cliche though. Oh well. I even threw a lens flare in there for extra cliche power.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Big fan of that movie! I recently got some really well made sculptures of the characters Jack and Sally. They're so cool that I had to do a painting of one. This is 8x10", oil on masonite.

More from the Nintendo DS

My DS has found its permanent residence alongside my computer at work. Whenever I feel like a break from my regular work, I break out that sucker and start sketching stuff. Last week for some reason I was sketching a lot of weird towns. And here they are.