Recent studies

Not sure what it is, but somethings changed since my trip during the break. Probably got something to do with what I ate... *smile*

Stay pretty muted in terms of color. Perhaps has to do with the color in the original picture I painted over.

Time to do another Mr. Blue.

Ran out of time when I got to the hands. Maybe I should do the hands first in the future?

Change of pace

Something went wrong in my brain and I end up painting in the drawing workshop tonight. Kind of make me wonder how much time I have been wasting when painting in my usual small size studies.

18x25 inch, Acrylic on cardboard. 20 minutes each

Long be hold... here comes skeleton

We had a no show for the weekly painting workshop. Our resident model, who had been waiting in the corner forever, finally made it big time. Other than being a bit on the skinny side, she is actually a pretty good model and very easy to work with.

Acylic on board, 12x16 inch

Gesture drawings with pen and ink

It has been a while since I posted any pen drawings, thought it might be a good time to do so. Never been confident drawing with pen and ink for some reason, not the same feeling as charcoal on paper anyway. Maybe it is practice, or simply a personal thing. I guess I have to practice some more to find out which one it is though.(not much of a choice it is? *smile*)

These are 1 minute gestures done with Lamy fountain pen.

Location studies

Yep, it is that time again. The thought of updating the blog actually made it into my task list.(it was a tough fight) Couple of quick studies on scrap wood. Been working on improving my DIY paint box as well.

Quick sketch around the dock. 5.5x2 inch Acrylic, about 20 minutes

Twilight study of the office buildings near home. 7x2.5 inch Acrylic, about 20 minutes.

Home made frames

After couple visit to Home Depot, hand sawing, a bit of gluing and painting, 4 home made frames was born. The best part is that it cost only a fraction of the price compare to the framing shop. Although I would still leave proper framing job to the pros, these might be alright for small painting studies.(Keeping my fingers crossed and hope I don't see them again.)

The materials, glue, saw, and paint end up to be about $20 per frame.(The more I make the lower the overhead cost for each frame as well.)

Back to painting

Few recent studies, around 1.5 to 2 hour working time. Been focusing on the brush work and still stuck in the muddy place. They are 6x12 inches since I tend to like longer formats. A nightmare to frame them though...

Apologies for the lack of reply for the previous postings. Somehow I am not able to post comment even when logged in.(Still trying to figure it out.)

Weekly chore

Drawing workshop at the end of the month

Will be conducting a drawing workshop in Vancouver at the end of the month. Time to visit the basics...(and my Draw123 Book. *smile*)

Recent studies

It's been a while since the previous update, and many white hair later.(assuming no significant hair loss. :P ) Here are some of the recent studies. Been working on adjusting my schedule and hopefully I will be able to update more often.

Another study while I still have time...

Did another test to see if it is possible to have similar approach consistently. Well, it turned out to be more than I can chew on. About 5 minutes into it, I had one of those "What the hell were you thinking?!" moment. End up taking around two hour for this head. Now I really want a pony... I will clean and draw it every day!

PS. I will leave out the artist who's work I copied from. It is easy enough to guess. *smile*

Late night study

Can't sleep. Decided to do a study using a Loomis piece. Took a little over an hour or so. Hum... now I am really awake...

DIY compact watercolor brush

Compact brushes are often super expensive in the art store, and often very small in size. Being the cheap guy I am, I got some lipstick form dollar store and turned them into my compact watercolor brush.(those are number 12 brush in the photo.) It is not only compact, one would never have to worry about messing up the hair when the brush is retracted and capped. Total cost of the brush is about $15.(Brush is about $12, the lipstick was $2.25, plus the cost of glue and cleaning supplies.)

I think anyone who love to sketch on location should totally do this too!!!

Watercolor watercolor

Still trying to be loose with watercolor. Strangely, the more I try to be loose, the tighter it looks. (I am sure something is going on in my head.) Anyway, here are the latest attempts in the local workshop. About 90 minutes to 2 hours each.

Kenneth Paul Block, passed away at age of 84

Fashion illustrator Kenneth Paul Block, one of my hero in the field of fashion illustration, have just passed away, at age of 84. A very sad day indeed.

More water color stuff

Finally completed the location/object sketchbook. A whole new sketchbook is waiting to be started now...

Hard not wanting to do one of the air plane interior after seeing Jame Jean's sketchbook.

Was having tea that day...

Sketch of the famous steam clock as I waited for the rest of the people to show up.

In a food court downtown Vancouver around lunch hour.

Near the entrance to the public library.

A quick one.

A slow one...

Watercolor stuff

Still trying to use up all those tubes of watercolors that everyone gave me. It is seriously ridiculous how many tubes of paint I have. I am still very timid with watercolor compare to how I would use acrylic. Practice, practice, and practice!