Just a start

[KayMartha12]

So to get back into drawing, I have started with some of my favorite cartoon characters.

I basically drew circles, made light marks, and erased whatever did not satisfy me. Belle did not take long, and I was talking on the phone while I drew her (for some reason, she reminded me of Anastasia), but Danny and Sawyer (from Cats Don't Dance) took almost 2 hours!

How do you attach drawings so that they automatically appear?

[Seth]

If you want pictures to show up automatically you'll need to upload them through a picture sharing site like http://photobucket.com/
That's what most members here use. Hope this works for you. Looking forward to seeing your art. :)

[BookLover]

Those look amazing!! I especially love Belle. Personally I don't see any Anastasia in her. Perhaps it was just the shape of the eye on the right. But I immediately knew it was Belle when I saw her, even without you saying it! Same thing for Danny and Sawyer. I love Cats Don't Dance! It was such a fun movie to watch. :D Keep up the good work!

[akkushisu]

I'd say you're off to a pretty strong start with these drawings. :) Very smooth, solid line work and attention to detail. I'm really hoping you share more of your art with us. Keep it up!:D

[arif]

Hi Martha........

Nice start...i mean it is excellent start......do more...

you can use photobucket website and then upload your pictures there ..then post the `image link` here..so, we could all see in your thread....
www.photobucket.com

Regards,
Arif

[KayMartha12]

Thanks for the prompt feedback! My work is on photobucket now, but I am not sure how to attach it. I clicked on the "insert image" icon and pasted the photobucket link. That didn't seem right, what do I do?

http://s1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/

I have two attachments in the meantime. The first is a rough sketch of the All Dogs Go to Heaven poster, and the second is the finished drawing (I had to move Itchy a little higher). Anyway, to make this drawing happen, I made A LOT of erasures! Should I try to avoid that? Is it better to practice drawing faster, even if the drawing does not match the picture?

[arif]

post the `image code ` here....that`s all...

[lavallelee]

very nice work Kay for a start! keep it up, make sure you join the seminars and show Don Bluth himself your work!

[akkushisu]

Okay, since you have your work on Photobucket, you're halfway there. What you do is this:

1. Get the "direct link" from your image on Photobucket, all you need to do is click on it and it will copy that link to your clipboard.
2. In your post, type followed directly by your image link. Since Photobucket copied it to your clipboard, just hit CTRL+V to paste it in and immediately follow it with
3. Submit your post and your images should show up! You may want to preview your post before your submit it, just to ensure that you've done it right.

If you need a visual reference, your image link should look like this (ignore the periods in the img tags):

[.img]yourimagelinkgoeshere.png[./img]

I hope this helps! :D Why two forum moderators posted in your and didn't bother to explain this process to you is seriously a mystery to me. C'mon, guys! Seriously!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks for the help! Here is my work from photobucket. Oh, its huge!


[IMG]http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/MaidMarian.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/SnowWhite.jpg

[KayMartha12]

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Thumbelina.jpg

[Ben Sword]

Your drawings look good so far, oh and welcome to the forum!

[akkushisu]

Looks like you've got the hang of using the image tag. Awesome! :) Again, some very good drawings here! Excellent pencil shading and some good variation in the line weight, especially in the background of your Snow White picture. My favorite of this lot is Maid Marian though. Really lovely work! :D

[KayMartha12]

Thank you for the encouraging words! Looking at everyone else's gallery has really put fire underneath me. I have not seriously drawn in 18 years, and I think the enthusiasm on this site, more so than dormant ability has helped!

So today I decided to take a stab at rendering Renoir's "Dance at Bougival"
(1883), and later, I'll show you a copy of a picture. I'm open for critique.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Renoir.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Here's the photo "copy" I mentioned earlier...

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/girlinthenewspaper.jpg

[lavallelee]

great! you are using reference! :)

[KayMartha12]

Malaysian protestor

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Malaysianprotestor.jpg

[arif]

The most important thing is that you have added more tension on the face which is lost in the original picture..that's so nice..i would not stare at the original....but, i will be looking your sketch for long...nice expressions you put there.

Regards,
Arif

[frankenart]

for 18 years your catching up pretty fast.great line work/rendering with the pencil.

[akkushisu]

I'm probably going to sound like a broken record, but again, I really love how you shade with a pencil, Martha. Your line work is steady and you've got a firm grasp on varying line weight, too. The renders you did of those photographs are amazing! You've certainly captured the mood in both of them. Thanks again for sharing with us! :D

[KayMartha12]

Again, thanks to all for taking your time to look at my work and make comments.

To Arif, I totally had a dilemma when drawing the protestor. On one hand, I was trying to practice realistic renditions, but on the other, I was tempted to exaggerate the picture's emotional thrust. I'm glad you liked how it turned out!

Below is my figure drawing practice. I copied Renoir's Sleeping Bather (1897).

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/SleepingBather1897.jpg

[andrew sharp]

Very pretty drawing reminds me of Loomis's style lots of straights, Keep posting they look great.

[KayMartha12]

Thank you, Andrew...

I had to Wikipedia Andrew Loomis, ha ha, learned something new!

From looking at your gallery, I admire how you have mastered both anatomy and caricature (my favorite is the tatoo shop!). That's my goal: learn the rules first and then break them!

[OwenWelsh]

These are excellent studies. You should show them to Don during this weeks seminar!

[KayMartha12]

Here's another attempt at Mrs. Brisby...this time I got the body in.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/moreMrsBrisby.jpg

[KayMartha12]

In homage to Robin Hood...and to Don Bluth, who was a character animator for the film!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/RobinHoodandMaidMarian.jpg

[akkushisu]

I was wondering when you were going to show us the Brisby pic where your avatar comes from. Lovely work, Martha! I'm really digging these drawings. You've got a perfect balance of details, not too many and not too little. Great work! :)

[KayMartha12]

My Brisby drawings come from this picture...the Avatar is my first attempt at Brisby. I drew the eyes so big, I couldn't fit the rest of her on the page!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/secret-of-ncxcmh_l.jpg

[chrisd]

You've done a good job with the expressions in these last couple drawings, especially Mrs. Brisby. I can feel the concern in her face.

[OwenWelsh]

That drawing you did of Brisby is great. And I agree her expression there and you can feel the worry.

[Ben Sword]

Your drawings keep looking better! :)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks! I'm starting to notice improvement myself!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/AliceinWonderland.jpg

[KayMartha12]

This is my interpretation of a recent news article about the longest underwater kiss.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/underwaterkiss.jpg

[akkushisu]

Your skill with a pencil never ceases to amaze me, Martha. Very impressive work! I really like what you added to your version of the underwater kiss. :D

[KayMartha12]

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm trying to draw more from live reference, and in homage to Winnie the Pooh, here's my take on a beanie baby I got of Tigger when I graduated high school in 1999. It's a little rougher because I am trying not to rely on my eraser so much.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/stuffedtigger.jpg

[chrisd]

Hi, Martha. I am curious about your drawing process as well--I'd like to start drawing more from real life. How did you approach the Tigger beanie? (It's adorable!)

[KayMartha12]

Hi Chris,

Well, in my earlier copies of cartoons, I started with shapes and light sketches, and I made lots of erasures if I tied down lines too soon. I tend to shade a lot just to cover up sketches and erasure smudges.

With Tigger, I tried to get away from erasing and train my hand to coordinate with what I see immediately. I drew a circle for Tigger's head and eye-balled how many heads make up his body, making three circles like a snowman. Then I sketched on his nose in proportion to his face and his apendages in proportion to his head and tummy. Filling in the details was easy because of the simplicity of his design, and I made very few erasures. When I darkened his cap and gown, I got pencil dust all over my pinky. With that, I discovered I could use my finger to smudge the parts of his body that were supposed to be orange, and I'm glad you like it!

[KayMartha12]

I went on the lovecastle website and tried to draw male figures in 60 seconds. It was hit and miss, but here are a few that I thought were okay:

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/malenude1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/malenude2.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/malenude3.jpg

[KayMartha12]

I have a question: when starting life drawing, how much time is best to give yourself? I'm afraid the longer I linger at a picture, the worse it turns out! But getting it quickly is messy, too.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude2.jpg

[Ben Sword]

I have a question: when starting life drawing, how much time is best to give yourself? I'm afraid the longer I linger at a picture, the worse it turns out! But getting it quickly is messy, too.

Well I would say however long your comfortable with, work long enough to get down what you want, but don't rush yourself otherwise it will most likely tern out a mess of lines.
Maybe ask Lavalle to give you some tips on life drawing, he seems to have a good grasp on it.

[lavallelee]

Very good start Martha! Make sure you show these to Don on the next seminar and get his advice too.

I usually start with the head, and then figure out the line of action.

I really like the line of action on this one.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/malenude2.jpg

The head, hair and arm/shoulder is really nice. If you keep at it you will make beautiful life drawings.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude2.jpg

What we do in life drawing classes is start with quick gestures, 60 seconds to 2 minutes. Maybe like 10-15 poses, then increase the time to 4-5 minutes.

[KayMartha12]

Thank you, I am trying your suggestions, but I can't wrap my finger around the idea of me showing my work to Don Bluth. Who am I, a random person on the internet, to ask for feedback from the director of Secret of NIMH? I don't feel ready!

[lavallelee]

You are not a random person on the internet anymore. You are a member of Don Bluth's club! You get exclusive privileges to attend his seminars and view all his tips.

You should look in my gallery at my first few pages, I showed Don everything. Don't be shy, don't be afraid. He is here to help us, at whatever level in artistic skill we are at he can help us improve.

Post your drawings here; http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1764

It's the next class/seminar.

[jeremyhopkins]

I have a question: when starting life drawing, how much time is best to give yourself? I'm afraid the longer I linger at a picture, the worse it turns out! But getting it quickly is messy, too.

For an animation life drawing portfolio there's usually two different styles of work required. One is sustained or long form poses and the other is quick gestures. Both are usually done from a live model since photographs tend to flatten and take away the vitality of pose. Karl Gnass (http://spirit-of-the-pose.com/) and Glen Villpu (http://vilppustudio.com/) both have some very nice sustained poses. Walt Stanchfield's work is helpful to study for interpreting the figure for gestures and storytelling: http://www.floobynooby.com/pdfs/gesturedrawingforanimation.pdf
(His book) (http://www.amazon.com/Drawn-Life-Classes-Stanchfield-Lectures/dp/0240810961/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312087509&sr=8-1)

Hope that gives you a place to start for your work.

[andrew sharp]

I agree with Jeremy the Karl Gnass and Villpu are great get as much life drawing in as you can and learn perspective as well it will help give solidity to all your drawings its the key to understanding form:D keep it up post your drawings for Don in the weekly seminars if you can attend they helped me big time.

[KayMartha12]

Really good resources, thanks! Here are 2 min sketches of female nudes. Please tell me what you think!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude3.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude4.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude5.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude6.jpg

[chrisd]

I don't have much experience with the human figure but I think these are done well, especially for two minutes each. You've captured the shapes and poses with very few lines. I think #2 is my favourite.

[lavallelee]

Keep it up! I saw you didn't put these in the next seminar, don't forget! :cool:

[KayMartha12]

A few of these I posted to Don last week...

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude9.jpg

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/?action=view&amp;current=femalenude10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude8.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Life%20sketches/femalenude11.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Fatigued of drawing human forms and inspired by Suzanne's recent post, here's a good old familiar face!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Fievel.jpg

[chrisd]

Nice job with the goofy Fievel--and well done for doing both the hat and the clothes. They gave me nightmares when I tried them.

I like how you put time in to do a more detailed face in this new set of figure drawings. Even with 4 minutes, they are an improvement over the last few, I think. (4 minutes still isn't much time!)

[chrisd]

Also... I'm a bit embarrassed to ask this now... but do you prefer Kay or Martha?
I've been using Martha but I'm not sure if that's what you typically go by.
Sorry! :o

[KayMartha12]

Hi Chris,

I go by Martha! My email starts with KayMartha because I had to put my middle name first!

Thanks for asking, Martha

[KayMartha12]

My posts are becoming less recent since the school year has started (I am a teacher), but I am trying to stay with it, and I enjoy everybody's drawings and comments! Without any art instruction, I am getting a bit discouraged with figure drawing. I find it easier to construct a cartoon, and I think I'm in the "copy for now" stage that Don Bluth mentions in one of his videos.

Drawing this, I realized how easy it is to make Charlie look like the Big Bad Wolf. In avoiding such, I realized how Don Bluth manages to capture the relationship between characters with just the direction of the eyeballs and the subtlety of the smiles. Please let me know what you think!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/AnneMarieandCharlie.jpg

[OwenWelsh]

Great sketch of Fievel. I really like some of your figure drawings. In some you were able to capture the figure with just a minimum of lines. Very impressive stuff. :-)

Notice on the drawing you did for All Dogs, that the neck line of charlie flows all the way to his left ear pointing directly at Ann Marie.

[KayMartha12]

Hi Owen, thanks! About Charlie's neckline - I noticed in the original how it curved all the way up to his left ear, pointing to Anne Marie - I thought that was so brilliant!

Anyway, today was my first time viewing the live seminar - so glad I caught it before Don Bluth's vacation! What he said about the difference between figure drawing and (character study, I think?) was really helpful. Makes me realize why I find the former more challenging.

It was also interesting how he asked us where we stand as artists and what our goals are. I can't quite articulate any goals...so far, I'm drawing to learn, and I like the feedback!

Martha

[KayMartha12]

This scene is from Google images, and clearly was not in the film (Timothy should be in bed!). Like the All Dogs sketch, drawing it before sleeping put me in a cheery mood. What inspired me is looking at some of Don's quick sketches of Mrs. Brisby...you can see construction lines and broad shapes, yet the heart of the character is there. So I did this with minimal erasures and aimed for emotional impact. The picture I got was cropped at the sides, so the feet of Auntie Shrew and Brisby are imagined by me. Nonetheless, anyone is welcome to point out errors!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/MrsBrisbyandfamily.jpg

[chrisd]

I have to say that the All Dogs drawing is one of your best yet. Charlie feels loose and alive, the lines are strong, and the eyes of both characters convey emotion.

Good job with the NIMH drawing as well. The way Auntie Shrew leans toward the others in your drawing makes her feel more included in the scene than she did in the original. (not sure if that was deliberate or not...) Anyway you did well making four characters come together. If emotional impact was your goal I think you succeeded.

[KayMartha12]

Hi Chirs, yes, I noticed that in the original picture, Auntie Shrew is leaning back a bit, but I had already drew the head in too close, so I leaned her in to make up for it! I'm glad you like how it turned out!

So, this must be Don Bluth week for me or something, because here's another screen grab from one of his films. I don't think this one looks as loose as the other two because I pushed down on the 2B a lot to make the lines difinitive. My plan was to trace over my construction, but when I placed a paper over it, I didn't have enough light to see through the thick paper! I also had to erase a lot because I drew too many circles in getting the heads in place! I am open for any more critique.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/CorneliusandThumbelina.jpg

[KayMartha12]

As Don Bluth week continues...

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Bartok.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/anastasia1.gif

Aaaah...the more I look at the original, the more I see what's off in my drawing!

[Rodney]

Martha,

The fun factor in your drawings alone is worth paying attention to here. I can tell how your study (such as recognizing how Don's use of the characters eyes to draw focus and attention into and around a scene) is paying off.

Keep this up!

[KayMartha12]

Although I don't post on everyone's gallery, I want to say that I enjoy seeing others' work and others' comments. And of course, I appreciate all comments here.

I have an unrelated question: what do the titles under our screen names mean? Some say "professional," like under Don Bluth's name; I understand that. But I'm wondering why I started out as a "pencil sharpener" and then became "clean up artist." I don't work in animation, so is the latter title misleading?

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Theresa.jpg

[chrisd]

Your drawings seem to have an emotional quality to them, Martha. The way you place and direct the eyes (as Rodney mentioned) really adds a lot to the look and feel of your characters.

Also... about the titles under our usernames... I believe they are related to the number of posts we've made? (Like we are 'upgraded' every time we reach a certain number of posts...)
Somehow I am a 'clean-up artist' now, although I think 'pencil sharpener' is a much better name for me...

[KayMartha12]

Thanks, Chris!

I like your character studies, so I started trying my own...why, of all characters, did I choose a human? And why, of all characters, did I choose the one who Mr. Bluth found hardest to animate? And why did I choose awkward poses? Because I think the frames are too brilliant to resist!

"Where did you get this?"

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/AnneMarie1.jpg

"Soon, you'll come home..."

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/AnneMarie2.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Yawn!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/AnneMarie.jpg

I'm open for any suggestions as to how I can improve!

[dentitov]

The first two drawing are very good, but on the third Anne-Marie's face looks a bit flat for me. Do you have any refernce for that drawing?

[lavallelee]

Although I don't post on everyone's gallery, I want to say that I enjoy seeing others' work and others' comments. And of course, I appreciate all comments here.

I have an unrelated question: what do the titles under our screen names mean? Some say "professional," like under Don Bluth's name; I understand that. But I'm wondering why I started out as a "pencil sharpener" and then became "clean up artist." I don't work in animation, so is the latter title misleading?

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Theresa.jpg

you're improving Kay! great job!

[Rodney]

The first two drawing are very good, but on the third Anne-Marie's face looks a bit flat for me. Do you have any refernce for that drawing?

Here is an echo of Denitov's commentary as I agree with the assessment.
The third drawing (the yawn) looks rather rushed in comparison to the first two to me.

If you can post the image you used as reference I'm sure you'll get some more specific targeted commentary.

As for suggestions:
Keep up your current pace.
Find the line and place it down with confidence.
Trust yourself. Learn from the successes as well as the mistakes.
Most importantly... Keep drawing!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Dentitov, Lavalle, and Rodney!

Yes, the third picture was rushed! In the scene where Anne Marie goes to sleep after dreaming of having parents, the camera "trucks out" (is that the word?) as we see Anne Marie through the tower window. Anne Marie yawns before laying her head down. I like how her face stretches for the yawn, but the camera is so far back, that its hard to see the picture clearly, at least on my average size TV.

Yeah, I totally drew that 3rd picture for the sake of having 3, so I guess the rush shows!

I really like all your comments, so I will keep it up!

Martha

[KayMartha12]

So I haven't posted this week. Part of it is because I haven't been drawing as much AND because my scanner is now hooked up to my classroom printer (our school is low on resources). But when I come back to school Monday, I should be able to post some work...hold me to that commitment, please!

[andrew sharp]

Keep up the good work. A digital camera or a quick cam on a homemade stand can replace a scanner it is much faster too:)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks, Andrew, I took your advice! I miss the lighting consistency of my scanner, though.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Justinstudy001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Justin_slick.jpg

[Ben Sword]

Wow that last one of Justin looks really great, it almost looks like you traced it. Nice Job!

[chrisd]

Well done. I like the expression you picked here. It kind of sums up Justin's personality.
Did you use that smudging/blending technique you mentioned before for the darker part of his fur? It has a nice effect.

[KayMartha12]

Hi Ben,

When I initially sketched Justin, it was so sketchy that the lines I wanted to tie down were so dark that Justin looked evil (like Jenner!) So I ended up tracing over my sketch to get a good sillhouette.

And Chris, yes, I did smudge the pencil for Justin's fur.

Thanks for your feedback!

Martha

P.S. Happy Birthday Don Bluth!

[Ben Sword]

Oh, I just meant that it looked very accurate to the image you were drawing from. :)

[KayMartha12]

Hi Ben! I never got the impression that you thought I traced over the drawing, but thank you!

There is something I feel I missed: Justin's sleeves are more squashed toward his waist in the original, giving his posture a more laid back look. Anyone know how could capture that?

[KayMartha12]

Feels good to finally post again! So in my attempt to do a quick sketch of that iconic scene in Sword in the Stone, I couldn't figure out how to construct Wart's head! So I played my VHS tape and sketched some frames here...

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy002.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy003.jpg

And here's my attempt at the important scene. If you see the original, you'll notice the angle of the arms are off. My sword is also shorter. If you notice the erasure at the top of the handle, you can see I probably got it right the first time! Given the length of the sword and the tilt of Wart's head, my Wart is looking farther up at the light. I would appreciate any other feedback on Wart's facial construction and expression.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/The20Sword20In20The20Stone-03.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Here I tried to study Wart's expressions from my VHS of The Sword in the Stone. My VHS player won't allow me to pause more than 5 minutes, so these are quick.

I tried to get the emotions Wart had when he stood up to Sir Ector.

"He's not an old devil! He...he's good! Ah - and his magic is good, too! If you would just listen!"

...

"Just because you can't understand something...it - it doesn't mean its wrong!"

...

"You make all the rules, a - and nobody can say ANYTHING!"

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy004.jpg

A note on construction: I notice my sketches don't quite look like Wart. I am wondering what any of you animators reading this would recommend for me, a beginner. Should I focus on accurate construction or feeling first when I copy an animated character?

[KayMartha12]

"I shouldn't have popped off."

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy005.jpg

[dentitov]

I like your "The Sword In a Stone" studies, especially Wart's face expressions

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Dentitov. Here is another pose of Wart I like:

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheSwordintheStone.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/C2359.jpg

[lavallelee]

are you scanning or taking pictures with a camera? the image is a tiny bit fuzzy, if you plan to draw a lot, invest in a scanner!

and i really like this one, good job!



http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wartstudy005.jpg

[chrisd]

I like how you added light beams using your eraser. Your lines of action are also looking good, both in the straight "reaching" poses and the more curved, despondent pose.

In regards to Wart's heads, I don't think I can offer advice but I will say that the second set you posted looks better than the first so keep at it!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Lavalle! You're right about the picture quality. My scanner is at school, unfortunately, so here are some photos I have for now. And thanks, Chris, for comparing my drawings of Wart! I'm afraid my Wart study would be boring by now.

I got a used DVD of Sword in the Stone because my VHS is scratched from all the rewinding, forwarding, and pausing (not to mention how many times I saw this movie as a kid!) What's interesting is that the Gold Collection edition shows the concept art from story man Bill Peet, and Wart's facial expression consists of 2 evocative dots for his eyes. It helped give me the "feeling" of the character.

If anyone looks at my next 3 sketches, I would like to know which one is the most "readable" in terms of emotion?

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wart1001.jpg

Somebody in this week's seminar asked about Fievel's design. I totally saw Fievel in Wart's oversized robe and the crown that keeps falling on his head! Also, the flopping of Wart's hand in his big sleeve seemed to have inspired Fievel.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheSwordintheStone002.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheSwordintheStone003.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Here are some poses of Wart that I invented myself. I imagined the scene where he turns into a fish and drew what it would be like if he transformed back into a human before reaching the surface. Can't wait to get to my scanner Monday and send Mr. Bluth a better copy!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Sequence1.jpg

I realized, unfortunately after the fact, that the scenery of #2 is flat; Wart looks like he's in a fish tank!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Sequence2.jpg

[andrew sharp]

Good work Kay your drawings of Wart are good story telling drawings your drawing no 2 is my favorite you show his expression and good action maybe try using a little more overlapping shapes and foreshortening on limbs, Keep up the great work Kay.

[KayMartha12]

Thanks, Andrew! Here are the remaining two:

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Sequence3.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Sequence4.jpg

[Rodney]

I'm really enjoying these drawings of Arthur.

I confess that when I first saw 'Sword in the Stone' I was disappointed (except for a couple of choice scenes such as the starving wolf chasing Arthur... and the Madame Mim sequences). I was expecting a story with a more mature... sword and fantasy. You see I was a bit older, late teens early twenties, and had been playing Dungeons and Dragons and that had influenced my way of seeing things. I no longer see it that way and really enjoy the movie for what it is.

I will say that I've long thought the film would be a great one to make a sequel or series out of. These characters captured the imagination and I found myself wanting to extend the adventure... maybe see Wart learn more as he took on the impossible task of being King. After all isn't this the same Arthur that is the stuff of legends? Of course he is. I must admit... I also wanted to see a rematch between Merlin and Mim! She's a great character and we barely even got to see her.

Sometimes I wish I'd seen this film as a kid but mostly I'm just happy to have seen it. :)

[andrew sharp]

Like your asymetry in drawing no 3 :)

[KayMartha12]

Hi all,

Lately, I have been studying anatomy and drawing from real life. Attached are crude sketches of break dancing boys at my school. I numbered them so anybody commenting could tell me which one is most believable.

Many of the details I just made up because the boys move too fast. Got me thinking: what is the value of drawing life that is in motion? Does it help train the subconscious? Is it wise for beginners? Or should I draw something still and get anatomy down first?

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/SchoolActivities2011.jpg

[lavallelee]

Or should I draw something still and get anatomy down first?


Best to know what goes where. :)

[andrew sharp]

These are awesome #2 is my favorite there is some twinning in 4 but you could foreshorten a leg to get rid of that good work.
these are some of the reasons i think life drawing is important
- by drawing people live we build up a pose bank in our minds
- it is easier to understand anatomy in 3d
- it builds up our drawing speed
- helps to understand where the movement is going or where the weight is
- it is easier to relate to a person then a photo
- it is more challenging then drawing form a photo there is no rewind in life :)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Lavalle and Andrew.

By "twinning," you mean making the legs too symetrical, right?

[andrew sharp]

Hello Kay yaa arms are symetrical and doing the same thing on either side. I read recently in a book when a hand is extended the other arm will react to keep us in balance and when ever you draw a hand or a leg it is a good idea to be thinking of how the oposite limb will react. Keep up the good work these were good drawings and from life too.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc396/andrew_sharp1/SchoolActivities2011.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Hi Andrew,

Whoa, that was helpful! Thank you so much! I'm inspired to keep it up!

Martha

[arif]

If `gesture `drawing is all about, you have captured very good gesture in each and every drawings..Good observation and do it regularly even though it takes some minutes from you...

and What Andrew wrote....wow...nice explanation about the `Other hand and feet` activities.It opens my thought also.Thank you Andrew.

[Vonzent]

Hey Kaymartha12


I really enjoy seeing the recent sketch the 1-8 poses. Really good that your exploring and expanding your poses, very important when it comes to drawing characters in expressive pose.

Keep up the good work!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Vonzent! Below is something I tried to sneak into today's seminar. I'm trying to do 10-15 second gestures, and below are 4 attempts at a "Dancing with the Stars" picture. I drew over number 4 with some details.

Again, anyone looking is welcome to tell me which sketch is the strongest. Have a safe Thanksgiving all of you!

Martha

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures004.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures002.jpg

[KayMartha12]

I think I did the guys arms wrong; they're too symetrical!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures003.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Dancinggestures005.jpg

[OwenWelsh]

To me, your strongest drawing is #1, the right drawing.

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Owen. When you said you liked my first drawing, I thought about trusting myself and only attempting a gesture once. Below are drawings of various people at Starbucks today. What was going through my head was: what is the body doing? Where is the weight distributed? It was hard to think in terms of skeletons because often the clothes or the hair would jump out at me. But, I gave it a shot!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures2.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures3.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures4.jpg

[KayMartha12]

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures5.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Gestures6.jpg

[andrew sharp]

Good Drawings Kay 15,19,20,5 ,8 and 13 are my favorites lots of expression :)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Andrew! Trying to get better at drawing fast and not erasing.

[KayMartha12]

My students (born in the mid '90s) thought it was so cool that I met Don Bluth. They're not familiar with the name, but they recognized all the characters of his I drew. I never drew from The Land Before Time, but that was the title that rang a bell for most of my students. So below are 2 quick drawings I made for their amusement.

I know these are flat compared to what I've drawn before (picture was too blurry to detail Ducky and Petrie), but doesn't the sight of them just make you smile? Just drawing the second one made me choke up. Very well designed characters - no wonder LBT holds the record for most sequels!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/LandBeforeTime.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/LandBeforeTime001.jpg

[lavallelee]

your improving again! keep showing them to Don, these are great!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Lavalle! Below are my attempts at drawing the rabbit today. No. 1 is my first impression of the rabbit, and in No. 2 and 3, I copied Don.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/todaysseminar.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/todaysseminar001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/todaysseminar002.jpg

[KayMartha12]

I was at the laundermat and observed children. As they moved, I was only able to sketch an outline of their frame; the tied down lines are more from memory. I didn't post no. 2; the rough sketches by 7, 8, and 9 show the process I went through in trying to copy the girl pushing the laundry basket. If you notice on no. 5, the boy was wearing a shirt and shoes with Mater from Cars 2!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawings.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawings001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawings002.jpg

[andrew sharp]

Good work Kay you are improving fast. You really captured the energy of the kids.

[andrew sharp]

Good work Kay you are improving fast. You really captured the energy of the kids. :)

[KayMartha12]

Here is my way of saying Merry Christmas and THANK YOU to ALL who have shared their work and have commented on others'.

Your posts have emboldened me to share more work that is in progress and less finalized! Below is my practice of what we're learning from Mr. Bluth. Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/todaysseminar-1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/todaysseminar001-1.jpg

[andrew sharp]

Very sweet drawing Kay #4 has a lot of life and made me smile a warm smile:)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Andrew! Hope you had a good holiday!

Here are some figure studies I did. More to come.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/gestures003.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/gestures004.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/gestures005.jpg

[KayMartha12]

These figure studies are from the website http://lovecastle.org

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/figurestudies.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/figurestudies1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/figurestudies2.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Here's some silly work I did based on a cute picture I found in a magazine. My process is not nearly as smooth as Don's, so I edited out a lot of bad drawings. More to come.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Pedigreedog3.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Pedigreedog.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Pedigreedog1.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Pedigreedog2.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Andreas Deja's website posted Sword in the Stone pictures for Christmas! Yay! Had to draw another one.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/moreSwordintheStone.jpg

[KayMartha12]

More boring 1 min. drawings. (Well, maybe not for the guys - some of these poses are too sexy for this site. Good thing I'm not that good at drawing them!)

Anyway, they're all in charcoal, and each tablet is labeled by letter.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawing001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawing002.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawing003.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/lifedrawing004.jpg

[KayMartha12]

This drawing is problematic: it looks like Sir Ector is saying, "Come on, son, give me the sword!"


http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/moreSwordintheStone.jpg

Anyway, below is another attempt at Milt Kahl's drawings. I cheated on the third one (far right) and used an eraser.


http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Wart.jpg

[Tanya]

Wow, what a great load of work! Someone's been putting in their extra hours of drawing, and I think it's wonderful! You always draw really nice studies from The Sword in the Stone. I like the expressions on Wart drinking the cup of tea. I also liked your figure studies. It's good that you're drawing them quickly and capturing the whole figure in that brief time with a few lines.

Loved your Christmas pup, too; he's adorable!

[OwenWelsh]

You have some very nice body lines on your figure drawings. I really need to try experimenting with charcoal... Your 1 mins are very clear, strong poses!

[andrew sharp]

Your Drawings are looking good Kay. Keep up the good work :)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Tanya, Owen, and Andrew! More are to come.

I have some time off of work this holiday, so I've been able to draw more and explore the forum a bit!

[Ben Sword]

This drawing is problematic: it looks like Sir Ector is saying, "Come on, son, give me the sword!"
I thought it looked really good, until you said that I didn't notice. Of course I have prior knowledge of "Sword And The Stone". Maybe I would have thought that if I new nothing about the subject matter.

[KayMartha12]

Ha ha, thanks Ben!

[KayMartha12]

Here are 5 min. charcoal drawings. I am open for critique on construciton, technique, and anything else. WARNING: LOTS OF NUDITY!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes002.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes003and004.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes005.jpg

[KayMartha12]

More 5 min. drawings. Again, LARGE IMAGES OF NUDITY.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes006.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes007.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes008.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes009.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Some more 5 min. drawings. AGAIN, LARGE IMAGES OF NUDITY.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes010.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes011.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes012.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/femalenudes013and014.jpg

[andrew sharp]

These are awesome Kay you are improving so fast. No 11 is my favorite :)

[KayMartha12]

Thanks Andrew! Happy New Year! Odd choice of mine to start the year with grumpy Mr. Ages.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/MrAges.jpg

[ashek]

Hai kay, I see your study is going .. really good .Specially like your figure drawings curve and poses .....keep it up.

[frankenart]

coming along really well,nice work.

[KayMartha12]

Looks like some of my posts got deleted! Anyway, here's my attempt to draw along with Don in some of his "Monkey See, Monkey Do" clips. Mrs. Brisby is not well constructed - kind of hard keeping up with Don!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/Theowl.jpg

[KayMartha12]

Here is a copy of the cover art for a local art program I'm involved in. I tried to reconstruct the superhero because the male figure is harder for me. He's supposed to be bursting through the ceilings of a classroom; as a teacher, I feel that way sometimes!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/superhero.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/superhero001.jpg

[KayMartha12]

I think it was Jeremy Hopkins who sent me a link to Walt Stanchfield's Gesture Drawing, so I've been slowly going through it, and I have this ambition to practice one principle from it every day.

On page 35, it says, "find the abstract shape first before drawing the gesture," so here is my practice of that today:

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheArtist.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheArtist001.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/TheArtist002.jpg

The faces came out a bit flat, and it was hard to foreshorten the fingers, but I'm hoping with experience, I can improve.

[KayMartha12]

Ugh, I'm already cringing at my The Artist fan art! But anyway, since its Passover/Good Friday, I wanted to start off a Prince of Egypt study. This is from the cover of my VHS tape; not very expressive, so I hope to do more!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt.jpg

[KayMartha12]

More Prince of Egypt studies...Moses is so skinny, I'm jealous!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt02.jpg

[lavallelee]

good job, keep up the study!

[KayMartha12]

Thanks, Lavalle!

Happy Easter to all. Here are more drawings I was able to make by pausing my Prince of Egypt VHS:

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt03.jpg

"You know I am a Hebrew..."

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt04.jpg

[KayMartha12]

My VHS can only pause for so long, but its enough for me to block in the shapes. I thought I would show the process for the first drawing below. This is when Moses reaches out to Rameses after Rameses loses his son to the last plague. I use a generic pencil at first, and then I detail with a 6B. For the last one, I had difficulty figuring out the foreshortening on Moses' face, so I shaded the eyes (I think there's a shadow in the film, too). Then I added cheesy wind lines; I don't know if that helps the drawing, though; I just enjoyed the scene so much!

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt05.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt06.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/KayMartha12/PrinceofEgypt07.jpg