Value Sphere

Realistic rendering is going to need an intuitive understanding of value upon a surface, so here's a sphere trying to use a continuous gradation of shading.

Value Sphere
(Graphite & Sketch, 5x6")

Class Drawing

Here's a drawing I did in class a couple months ago.

Fossil, Feather, & Wood
(Graphite & Sketch, 8x10")

Second Drawing & Values

Two days in a row! I'm in the zone...:)

Go Stones
(Graphite on Sketch, 5x6")

It also occurred to me to create a value range for the combination of graphite on sketch paper so that I have some comfort with this combination.

From top to bottom, the squares are: very light, normal, very hard. Any values appearing to be out of order are due to my inconsistency of technique.

Values: Graphite & Sketch
(Graphite on Sketch, 5x6")

One last thing for today...here's a list of the artists that I like the best, and plan to use as inspirations for the personal styles that I hope to acquire one day.

Standard Art
Norman Rockwell
Robert Bateman
Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Fantastic Art
James Gurney
Matt Dixon
Gerald Brom
Frank Frazetta
Justin Sweet
Daniel Horne
Scott Gustafson
Greg Staples
Michael Whelan

Comics Art
Stan Sakai
Mike Mignola

Asian Art
Japanese Shin Hanga (20th C. woodblock prints)

I suppose next time, I'll go into the aspects of what I consider good art...

Initial Post

Hello.

Well, I've finally succumbed to the narcissistic temptation to create a blog. I suspect that I'll update it for a few days, get distracted and forget about it...but we'll see how it goes.

My main purpose for this blog is going to be as a format to organize my progress (if any) as an artist.

I recently finished an art class at the Gage Academy (Seattle Academy of Fine Art). This class, Foundation Drawing, is the only art class I've ever had.

Since I know I'll just keep this knowledge in my head without putting it to practical use if left to my own devices, my hope is that updating this blog with new images will force me to practice and improve my drawing skills.

All that being said...here's my first personal drawing :)

Pawn
(Graphite on Sketch, 5x6")