Where to begin

This is where I began as a young artist just learning how to describe the world around me with a pencil. When I was in ninth or tenth grade it was rather obvious I was an artist. I was so lucky to have a teacher who was interested in helping me develop and I have to credit Mr. Cauvel with introducing me to this book. I have pretty much every iteration of this book and I still come back to it from time to time to refresh what it is I learned in it. 

I can honestly say if it hadn't been for Mr. Cauvel (and all my other art teachers) I wouldn't have made it at all. This book was the first big step and personally I feel every artist should have it in their library - which most do. I know this isn't really news for most artists that this book is pivotal in learning but at least for me it is one of the most important - as in if I only had ten books on a desert island important.

If you are just starting out learning how to draw - this is the best place to start for anyone.

SmArt School assignments

SmArt School with Greg Manchess has been - what you dream art school would be. Starting with thumb nailing, then final sketch to final drawing, each step of the way he pushed us to design EVERYTHING, to love every bit of the image - teaching us how ALL of it needs attention and purpose - and how exhausting it can be to do it. 

You do need to develop stamina to do this! If anyone says art is all fun - well okay they are right - but it is hard mental work, it's concentration beyond what you normally use to get through your day, it's chewing on glass while sitting on poison ivy...

Best of all I am learning to love the PROCESS...

What I am learning from

I wanted to add some of my favorite books that have inspired and educated me over the years. Andrew Loomis has one of the most amazing series of books that are thankfully being reprinted in lovely editions. This one is a great one to start with:

Figure Drawing for All It's Worth

I have found that there are a LOT of art books out there but filtering through them does take judgement and an awareness of your needs and tastes. Having said that rather pompous statement, I have to admit I buy just about everything that is on the market. Before the internet it was hard to know what was out there unless it was printed and on a shelf in a bookstore or library. These days the bar is so much higher and there is so much more great stuff out there both old and new that it's hard to know where to start.

Start with the BEST. Start with what you love and what intimidates you. Don't buy an art book because it feels safe and you feel confident you can handle it. Buy it because it scares you and excites you.

I'll be sprinkling listings for books on this blog that have done this for me. I will try to add ones that aren't as obvious as the Loomis books (so many great blogs have these listed already).

One more word of advice on art book avarice - find a really good used book store. You can find AMAZING art books for FABULOUS prices at these national treasures. Often better than what you can find on Amazon (and usually close to a coffee shop too - can't get java while shopping on Amazon... unless you walk into the kitchen.)

More in progress...

Here are more in progress shots: I decided to redo the Snow White and Rose Red painting (the one with the bear!) and here is a new one of one of my favorite characters...who has nine fire lizards, hmmmm?

Tarzan Redux

I decided I had to do my Tarzan painting over again...

Works in Progress

I have been participating in the Smarter Art School this fall - and these are some of my in progress pieces. The comparison between learning how to drive a manual transmission and learning how to paint is very apt - but the painting is FAR more painful! and FUN!!!

IMC 2012 painting

This year we did Tarzan...

What a huge leap!