Robot head sketch

Inspired by the incredible Anthony Jones! Didn't use a very good method, next one will be better. Here are a few images I saved along the way. Done in Photoshop CS5 on a Cintiq 21UX, about 2.5 hrs. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Photoshop Painting Demo from Class

I did a Photoshop painting class/demo showing a lot of the basic techniques I use to paint quickly. I started out with some reference collecting, then a quick layout and color key before I demonstrated creating the final painting in the class.

I made this custom brush shape to paint the mountains.

Reference gathered from internet sources.

Quick layout

Color key, working with as large a brush as possible.

Final painting done in Photoshop CS5 on an Intuos 3 tablet, about 2 hrs.

Sketch and color correction

Here's a quick iPad sketch I did of the wife at Chik-fil-A while the kids played. Sensu FTW!

 

Unsatisfied with the color, I did some color correction in Photoforge. I blame the bad lighting, but I need to work on it!

 

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Portrait Practice

I have been feeling the need to paint more people, particularly to study skin tones and proper color and lighting. I did this one from a reference photo, but I can't say that I like the color results...the skin feels too pale and chalky. Still, it was a good learning experience. I think next time I'll spend less time on the drawing!

30 min drawing in Procreate on iPad, Sensu brush stylus

1.5 hr painting in Procreate on iPad, Sensu brush stylus

iPad Sketch Practice

Fountain at Tiburon
2 hrs, Sensu brush and Procreate on iPad

Not the best composition, but a good exercise and I feel like I'm getting a better handle on the painting app Procreate. It started raining shortly after I started this one out in front of the office, so I did a quick block-in and finished it finally tonight.

A week into using my Portenzo custom case for the iPad, and I'm still loving it! It looks great and feels very sturdy. The IntelliStand feature is amazing, the magnets that hold it in place when upright and closed are sufficiently strong while not being overbearing. I love having the stylus holder for storing my Sensu brush, the one critique I could offer is perhaps making two elastic straps to hold the stylus in instead of just the one. The reason for this is the loop is fastened at an offset to the back of the maple plywood interior piece, which I'm assuming is because of the thickness (actually, thin-ness) of the piece. When the IntelliStand is being set up, the elastic loop twists under the weight of the stylus and it falls out of the holder, but can be replaced in it once the stand is stationary. This is a minor design improvement that I don't feel degrades the quality of this product, and I'm sure production costs could be a consideration.

I'm really glad I put the time into researching and discovering these great accessories to my iPad sketchbook! I find myself unable to paint on the iPad without my Sensu brush. Sometimes I want a normal stylus is for drawing, but painting is all Sensu! If you want to paint on your iPad, go check out this great product! I wrote more about using the Sensu here.

iPad Figure Sketch

Here is a figure sketch from today's figure drawing session, done in Procreate. Still learning the app, these were mostly default brushes with little tweaks. I also don't have a stylus yet, so these are finger paintings!

Turned to the Dark Side

Well, it's official. I have joined the brainwashed consumer masses chanting "Apple! Apple!". I'm going to use it primarily as a color sketchbook, I reasoned to myself. Never mind the Nintendo DS or ASUS netbook I've purchased in the last few years for the same purpose. A painting a day! I may have to get a plein air umbrella if I want to paint outside, as nearby shade can't be reliably found....or maybe I'll just paint at night?

I've been wanting more out of my Android devices. The lack of artist apps on Android is depressing! When I saw Artrage and Procreate on the iPad, I was sold. I am still learning the Procreate brush controls, hoping to be able to create near-replicas of my favorite Photoshop brushes! Here is a quick doodle I did while waiting at the doctor's office today.

In my search for accessories for my new device, I pored over the internet (mainly Amazon, because I have Amazon Prime) for a suitable, stylish stylus with which to create my future masterpieces. I came across many promising to be ergonomically perfect for note taking, or geared towards artists. Then I found the Sensu! It has two tips you can use, one standard tip for writing and the other with tight bristles for painting. The cap comes off to reveal the brush side, and extends the body of the stylus to around 7 inches! Intrigued, I emailed the company about placing a rush order (I'm leaving on a trip this Saturday), and they're mailing one out to me now! I was impressed with their customer service, and hopefully it will arrive before I leave on Saturday.

I've also been looking for cases, and there are seemingly millions of them out there. I've settled on a customized Portenzo case, and can't wait till it gets here!

I will keep my faithful readers updated with my adventures in iPad land, so stay tuned for more artwork, crazy adventures in foreign lands, and equipment reviews!

Prairie Sketch

A study I did today during some free time. Reminds me a little of TF2...

Game of Thrones Studies

Just a couple studies I did today. Feeling the urge to paint more...next time with more color!

A Study

A sketch I finally finished. Been awhile since I've painted...

Click to enlarge.