Wednesday, March 21, 2007

The Value of Teaching Pt. 1

A few weeks back, the girlfriend and I volunteered to help with an art class for disenfranchised youth on the east side of Indianapolis. I've had very little experience with teaching but that was fine because we would not be by ourselves. we were two of about six volunteers, not including the instructor, that would work with the children that early Saturday morning.

I was very surprised to see the enthusiasm and vigor that these kids displayed using their pastels and paints, making works that even I, as an adult professional artist, was taken aback by. I've read that children have a wonderfully inherent sense of design and composition till around the age of eight or nine, then a stage of brain development kicks in and "POOF", its gone. Its up to that child to find it, reactivate it and nurture it later down the road. Now I was seeing this first hand.

I left feeling very fulfilled even though I hadn't much time to work with the Children. Seeing the potential and the excitement these kids had, I thought; what could I offer a youngster who had artistic inclination and a real enjoyment for it? Could I teach him/her the tools to choose art as a career? Could I teach them how to be better than me?

This weekend I have been offered another unique opportunity: Teaching the class how to draw cartoons and caricatures by myself. I will post pictures and continue this post in part 2.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

The Hillside

I just started this one this morning. I haven't took a crack at digital painting in a while so it was fun getting back up to speed. The key to doing one of these babies is to use layers... lots and lots of layers. Not only do I place my sketches in layers as under drawings, I even put my photo reference in layers as well. I'm no master at digital painting, but one of these days I'll have to post a "how-to" on attempting one of these my way... maybe when I'm all grown up! Click image to enlarge.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Keith Richards

Keith Richards, man what a talent. Its hard to believe they still tour. Keith has a lot of character in his face which makes for fun drawing. I find drawing subjects with distinct features is a lot more fun and actually easier than drawing beautiful, flawless people. Click on the image to enlarge.

Drew Barrymore


This was a great exercise in woman's hair. Female features must be smooth and curvy with no unnecessary lines or wrinkles in the face. Stick to these rules and you will draw beautiful girls. Click image to enlarge.

Clint Eastwood




One of my favorite actors (and no, he never sat for me). I use this one in my portfolio because everyone knows who he is and no photo referal is needed. Click image to enlarge.