30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 22- Favorite Letter Illustration

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 22- Favorite Letter Illustration

Injecting content in our drawings can be done in many ways.  Words can add meaning, but illustration has long been a means of telling a story with pictures.   I've been getting asking a lot of you over the last few days, so in order to get right to the drawing I'm going to keep today's instructions simple.

Today's challenge:  Pick your favorite letter and then illustrate it somehow.  You could Zentangle the letter like we did in yesterday's challenge, or practice a new font style, but you have creative license today.  An easy way to do it might be to pick a picture of something that begins with your favorite letter...here's mine:

Z is for Zebra ©Rebecca Zdybel
My sketch is done with permanent archival ink (micron o4 black) and watercolor

Have fun with your illustrations!  When ur done, please share the photo with me.

Keep up the great work...you're almost finished with 30 Days of Drawing!

Here are drawings from a fellow challenger's sketchbooks:

Great perspective and shadow on both of these sketches!  For more on  light and shadow and how to make a cube look 3-D you can check out Day 19 of the 30 Day Drawing Challenge.  Just follow this link: http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/2015/05/30-day-drawing-challenge-day-19-cube.html 

Beautiful Zentangle butterfly from 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 20 Zentangle- If you missed this lesson, here is the link: 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 20- Zentangle 

Definitely Cool! and Cloudy with a Chance of Zentangle ;-)

It's so fun seeing what you guys are coming up with!  Thanks for taking the time to send them my way. =)

I will be using my Tombow marker in burnt sienna color -947 for a sketch or two during the final couple of weeks of this challenge.  If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link to order:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons: Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylic, Collage, Mixed Media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 21- Shadows/Color

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 21- Shadows/Color

A couple of days ago we explored the values and form of shadows by drawing a 3-D cube.  Value or light and shadow is definitely the key to making a cube look 3-D.  However, for me the beauty of imagery is often found in the exploration of color!  I love color!

Shadows have COLOR.  We may think of them as gray, but as artists, we need to see what others may not see and appreciate the fact that color lives in those shadows!  This is a phenomenon that is attributable to bouncing light.  As light hits, it bounces and carries with it the inherent color of the object reflecting the light into the shadow.  This means that there is an exchange of color between surrounding objects which can be found in the shadows.  Check out these photos as examples:

Do you see the green color being bounced into the form shadow of the pear? The green of the surface turns this red pomegranate almost black as the colors mix to form a neutral dark (red+green=black or gray). 

Do you see that this house has different color shadows in relation to the surrounding surfaces?  The reverse would be true if the surface was white and the house had color.  

Today's Challenge:  

Materials: 

Pen (permanent marker) +watercolor, pencil+water-soluble markers, or colored pencils could all work for this exercise.  

Paper

Objects to draw

I experimented with the Brown Elegant Writer marker and watercolor here.  I asked myself, "What if?" and this is what happened.  Note the warm shadows under the radishes (yes, that's what they are! lol) and the warm bounced red into the blue glass bottle. This is an example of how color can be found in shadows and exchanged between objects.  No dull gray shadows here...instead lots of vibrant color!

Step 1: Do a contour drawing of an object(s) from life with a pen.  No photos today, practice drawing something in front of you.  Make it a contour drawing, but with this special instruction:  leave some gaps in the contour.  Don't enclose the outside entirely with lines.  As you explore some of the edges and follow them in from the outside edge, don't worry about sealing that edge up with a line.  Let it breathe here and there!  Open edges will be helpful in creating some color exchange between our objects and their shadows.

Step 2: Bring color to your drawing and think about showing the following:  

• color exchange taking place between objects and their shadows
• color exchange taking place between objects via bounced light
• bounced light effects from the surface back onto the form of your objects

Have fun with this drawing and use it as an opportunity for incidental color...colors which may or may not be there, but which you take the liberty of injecting.  You're the artist, so add your personal touch!

Congratulations on being more than ⅔ of the way to the finish line  in our 30 Day Drawing Challenge!  Those of you who have been participating can look forward to a real sense of accomplishment and progress at the end of your 30 days.  I'm so excited for you!  

Examples of drawings of cubes from our previous challenge on Day 18 of the 30 Day Drawing Challenge
In case you want to learn this process here is a link http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/2015/05/30-day-drawing-challenge-day-18-draw.html



This great sketch of an owl uses Zentangle as a patterning technique.  The sketch below is another example of how patterns can make for interesting drawings.  For more on this method see the instructions for Day 20 of the 30 Day Drawing Challenge- http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/2015/05/30-day-drawing-challenge-day-21_21.html

I'm looking ahead to later this week.  I will be breaking out my Tombow marker in burnt sienna color -947 for a sketch or two during the final couple of weeks of this challenge.  If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons: Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylic, Collage, Mixed Media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 20: Zentangle Doodling

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 20:  Zentangle Doodling

Tangled Turtle © Rebecca Zdybel and page from my sketchbook
Tombow markers and black permanent Staedtler Mars Pen.
You can use this drawing as a reference for pattern possibilities =)

Zentangle is kind of a fad these days.  It's a trademarked method which is essentially doodling with an organized pattern.  It's fun, and I like the intent, which is to show that drawing can be for everyone.  If you know me, you know that I'm passionate about the idea that art is teachable and enriching for anyone willing to spend the time.  So, I love zentangle and think it's worth trying.  There are so many different ways to draw, that I'd like to introduce you to as many as I can during our 30 Day Drawing Challenge.

Taking patterns and using them to fill in shapes is not new.  It's a method many famous artists have used with great result...Gustav Klimt and Picasso come immediately to mind.  Check out these examples of patterns being used within shapes for visual interest.  Patterns that are used repeatedly can be referred to as "motifs".  Repetition can provide harmony in design, and that's a good thing.

Claude son of Picasso- Picasso

Dora Maar in an Armchair- Picasso

Girl Before a Mirror- Picasso

The Kiss- Gustav Klimt

So with this in mind, we are going to make some patterns using dots, squiggles, circles, squares...any little thing you'd like to use to fill in your drawing.  It's going to be fun!

Materials for this lesson: 

any drawing tool you'd like to use

paper

Step 1: Draw a contour drawing of a silhouette shape...it can be anything but here are some ideas. 

Tangled Turtle-©Rebecca Zdybel

Step 2:   Draw a string or multiple string lines within your big shapes...a loopy loop, a squiggle, a "z" (my favorite! ;-).  It's basically a way to break up the big shape into a few odd shapes.  

Step 3: Begin to Tangle within the shapes created by your "string" lines.  

The following is excerpted from wikihow: 

Start creating a tangle. A "tangle" is a pattern drawn in pen along the contours of a string. One Zentangle may have just one tangle, or a combination of different tangles. Use your pen to begin drawing whatever pattern comes to you - again, there's no right or wrong move inside a Zentangle. As you work, keep the following in mind:

• Tangles should be composed of very simple shapes. A line, a dot, a circle, a squiggle, or an oval are all acceptable.
• Penciled shading can be added to the tangles to create more depth and visual interest. This is not mandatory, but you're free to do so if you'd like.

Step 4: Continue to fill in your patterns within each section, changing them as you come to a new section.  Have fun with this, there is no wrong way to do it.  

Step 5: You can shade the patterns, or add color as you wish.  
Step 6:  Send me a photo so we can all enjoy your efforts!

Deb Thoden's beautiful example of zentangle. 

Here is another challenger's drawing sent to me yesterday...

Lovely! The Elegant writer has yet another fan in this artist...

Happy Zentangling!  I hope you enjoy it and find your zen...
(if you want more detailed zentangle instructions, here's a website http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Zentangle)

 I will be breaking out my Tombow marker in burnt sienna color -947 for a sketch or two during the final couple of weeks of this challenge.  If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons: Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylic, Collage, Mixed Media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 19- Cube with Shadows/Value

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 19- Shadows

How did you do with your perspective drawing of a cube yesterday?  I hope it felt as if you were enlightened with a simple way to digest 2-point perspective.  Today we will build on that concept a bit, and bring life to our cubes with shadows.  

In today's free drawing lesson, I will challenge you to think about shadows.  Shadows are definitely what brings a line drawing to life.  They add dimension and form.  They give a sense of light, and depth.  They bring mood to our subject matter.  It's important to understand them, and once you do, you'll find it will help you with all kinds of artwork.  Whether you draw or paint, these concepts are really important!

There are some simple ideas surrounding shadow, which we should all know about.  First of all, there are two kinds of shadows: 

• Form shadows are found on the surface of objects in areas where the object turns away from the light source. 
• Cast Shadows- are shadows created when an object blocks the light from hitting an adjacent surface.  Every object that blocks light has a cast shadow associated with it.  

Cast shadows are always opposite the source of light.  So, they change.  As the source of light changes, so does it's cast shadow.  The closer to the horizon the light source is, the longer the shadow.  

Cast Shadows also vary in intensity or darkness.  As artists, we could also say that they vary in VALUE.

The general rule of thumb is: shadows are darkest in value closer to the object casting the shadow.  

If the object is a reflective object, then things change, but for most objects, you can assume that the shadow will be darkest closer to whatever is casting the shadow.  

Form shadows are found on the surface of objects and are determined by the shape of the object which is turning away from the light.  Generally, the more steeply the object turns away from light, the quicker the value shift or change in value will be.  
(For more on how to draw a rounded shape you can follow this link - Link to 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 11- Drawing Rounded Forms.) 

To show an Angled corner, create a dramatic value shift, and this will tell us that a drastic change in direction of the surface has occurred. 

Today we will build on the knowledge gained yesterday in learning how to draw a cube. We will add shadows to make our cube look 3-D.  
(In Case you missed yesterday's challenge, here is a link: 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 18- How to Draw a Cube)

Note:

• The darkest cast shadows are found closest to the object and where there is the least amount of bounced light.  
• The shadows become lighter as they move away from the object. 
• Drastic changes of value tell us that a dramatic change in direction of the surface has occurred. 

Today's Challenge How to Draw a Cube with Shadows 

(Make it Look 3-D)

Materials:

Graphite pencil

Eraser

Paper

Step 1: Draw a Cube in Perspective. You could draw a box from life, or you could make one up.  Your cube can be solid as in the first reference photo above, or it can be an open box as in my drawing above. (In Case you missed yesterday's challenge, here is a link: 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 18- How to Draw a Cube)

Step 2: Determine your light source and add light and add form shadows to the surfaces of your cube.  The lightest areas will be those getting hit by sun at a 90 degree angle.  Less Direct light will be slightly darker.  Those surfaces away from the light entirely will be darkest. (You may need to adjust your values as you go along, because all values are relative to one another.  Your pencil may not be able to get as dark as what you see.)

Step 3: Now draw the CAST SHADOWS. Remember that the shadow will get lighter as it moves away from the object casting the shadow.  

A Couple of hints for you: 

•  Pay attention to the edge quality of the shadow.  Sometimes shadows are hard or crisp edged (usually in areas of dramatic shadow), and other times they are softer(as the shadow fades, sometimes the edges will get softer or more "smudged" in appearance).  
• Sometimes it's helpful to leave a little gap of light between the base of object and the deepest part of the cast shadow.  

I hope this challenge allows you to work through the problem of creating a sense of light and shadow.  Adjusting values can be necessary...making sure that the areas receiving less light are darker than those getting more light, and accounting for "bounced light" can be tricky.  Practice is always a good thing, so have fun and send me photos of your finished work so we can share.  


I'm already looking ahead to later this week.  I will be breaking out my Tombow marker in burnt sienna color -947 for a sketch or two during the final couple of weeks of this challenge.  If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

Here are a few of the dedicated 30 Day Drawing Challengers who are steadfastly chipping away at this challenge.  I'm so proud and happy that you are doing this with me!  I know you'll be so glad you did it...maybe you already are ;-)

Day 16- Draw Your Drink
Don't you love the drippy letters?!

Day 17- Vignette background

Day 17- Vignette
Nice use of water and spatters to create an obscure background vignette!
Watercolor in combination with the Elegant writer.

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons: Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylic, Collage, Mixed Media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 17- Vignette

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 17- How to draw a Vignette Sketch

I like to sketch with watercolor sometimes, so after drawing with an elegant writer here and there over a pencil sketch, I then added color with watercolor.  To make the letters, I used an archival permanent marker- Staedtler Mars Dark brown

vi·gnette

vinˈyet

noun

1. 1. 

   a brief evocative description, account, or episode.
2. 2. 

   a small illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border.

verb

1. 1. 

   portray (someone) in the style of a vignette.

Today's challenge will be to take some of what we've been learning and use it to create a vignette.  As you can tell from the definition above and my example in the photo, these images fade into the background and don't really have a definite border.  This is a style where WATER is your friend.  A drawing stump or tortillion (or your trusty finger) can also accomplish the smudgy edges that would be typical of a vignette.  Lots of subjects can be treated as vignettes, and I will leave the subject for you to choose.  


Here are some photo ideas that might inspire your drawing today:  

In this photo, everything but the forward elements of the rose are softened away.
©Rebecca Zdybel

https://s3.amazonaws.com/red_3/uploads/asset_image/image/52053af826465a7948000b48/central-subject_with-vignette.jpg

This is a more subtle vignette.  The background is much less developed and only the subject is treated fully.
Soft edges in the background are key to this type of vignette.

Hint:  What the dictionary says is true, but what they don't tell you is that the smudged edges of a vignette can become a border of sorts, almost framing the image.  Your vignette can be gradual as in my image above, but it can also be dramatic as in the photo ideas below. 

http://www.gemmiev.com/uploads/5/3/6/9/5369688/3402950_orig.jpg

Haha!  I couldn't resist including this one!  Note how the light untouched background is darkened at the corners and softly contains the light field behind the head forming a frame of sorts.

http://www.photoshop-dragon.com/Tutorials/Photography/Images/vignettes/final.jpg

So cute!  Note the background just fades away into a light area which becomes a frame or a mat for the image...

With these ideas in mind, have fun taking a subject and softening edges to create a vignette.  =)

Your photos are continuing to flow in, though I'm afraid that only the stalwart few are sticking with it.  If you missed a day, don't despair, just pick it up again wherever you'd like...If you are out there and haven't shared anything yet, don't be scared!  I'll keep everything anonymous, and your contributions will add to everyone's experience.  I look forward to seeing what you guys do with your vignettes.  

Day 15- Draw with something you haven't drawn before...Charcoal!

Day 15- Elegant Writer- This is the Blue Ink version? FYI the Elegant Writer comes in Black, Red, Brown, and Blue

I'm already looking ahead to later this week.  I will be breaking out my Tombow marker in burnt sienna color -947 for a sketch or two during the final couple of weeks of this challenge.  If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

Happy Drawing!!

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons in all media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 14- Pen and Wash with Elegant Writer Calligraphy Marker

Cool Tool for Pen and Wash- Elegant Writer Calligraphy Marker

Drawing is not what one sees but what one can make others see.


Edgar Degas

The day has arrived to officially try the Elegant Writer brand marker!  If you haven't already experimented with this little gem, then you're in for a pleasant surprise.  I love sketching with this marker...it lays down values and gradations of value very quickly, and is archival and permanent once it's set with water.

My sketches using black Elegant writer calligraphy pen animated with water and brush.
Additional Black water soluble Stabilo Woody crayon was washed into the background of the wine glass.
To get the highlight on the rim and along the stem, I painted around that area of paper to leave it white.
This is a classic watercolor technique called negative painting...

Materials for today's Challenge:

If you haven't purchased your black Elegant Writer pen yet, then run out and get one.  
Here's a link to Amazon.com:    Elegant writer- Black extra fine point

• Elegant writer calligraphy marker in Black (Extra Fine Nib) or other water soluble writing tool (Staedtler Mars Graphic 3000 marker in black is also good for this exercise)
• Paper that can withstand water application- watercolor paper or multimedia paper
• brush (small/medium with a pointed tip will do)
• paper  towel or kleenex
• water container
• something you'd like to draw from around your house...something from your shelf or an item which you think looks interesting (you can try something you did before using this pen, or draw something new)   

Step 1- Do a contour drawing of your item with elegant writer pen.  If you are very nervous about this, you have permission to use a pencil and then trace the lines with elegant writer. 
You don't need much ink for this challenge, so be sparing with the amount you put on the paper
Step 2- Look for shadows.  If you have light edges around the outside of your subject, then think about making up a shadow outside the edge to make the edge appear lighter.  
Step 3- Gather a brush and container of clean water and a kleenex or paper towel.  Bring the wet brush to the ink and watch it move!  Use your kleenex to control the flow.  Wherever there is water, the ink will be able to spread, so if you don't want it to be darker, keep it dry!
Step 4- Once finished, take a photo and send it to me before the end of this challenge and I will try to include it in a future Drawing Challenge blog.  

It's so fun to get these photos from all of you!  Just so you know you're not alone...Here are a few of your fellow challenger's sketches: 

Day 11

Day 12

Keep up the good work...we are almost half way through our 30 days of Drawing!  I'll be back tomorrow with another challenge. If you're enjoying this challenge, please share it with your friends =)

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons in all media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ 

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 9- Upside Down Drawing

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 9- Upside Down Drawing

Drawing is not the same as form, it is a way of seeing form.


Edgar Degas

I know, I know...you're thinking what in the world? But trust me, this is a great technique for getting your mind out of things and learning to trust your eyes. I constantly amaze myself with my ability to make things up as I draw.  I think I'm looking, but so often I don't really see, and my hand keeps going, and then....things get all muddled up. Relationships of objects aren't right, and proportions get skewed.  I'm guessing that maybe you can relate...

What's the answer?  It may surprise you that my answer is often to turn my subject upside down.  Crazy as that sounds, it works, and it's way easier than drawing on my head!



Materials you'll need:
Pen of your choice (yes, I'm feeling demanding again)
Paper
The drawing below:
Draw using  this image or
Print it out and turn it upside down from this site http://www.gramilano.com/2011/10/two-quirky-ballerinas-strike-a-pose-at-the-frick-collection/

Draw the ballerinas by Picasso by looking carefully at the drawing and the relationship of lines to one another, and to the edge.  Try to not label anatomical features as anything but shapes and lines with direction.  You can talk to yourself, and you can look at your paper (see how nice I am?).

Hint:  for the outer contours of the figures, think about the "negative shapes" that are formed by the edges of the figures and the edge of the paper.  See how far you've come?  You actually know what I'm talking about when I discuss negative shapes now. =) Draw those shapes and you'll be on your way to correct placement and proportions.

Have fun with it...it's upside down and it's a wacky image anyway, so there' s no big risk in tackling today's challenge.  When you're done it'll look something like this:

Thanks for sending in some of your drawings from your arduous efforts at drawing over the last week.  Think about it, we are almost ⅓ of the way to completion already!  Are you feeling any dawning awareness?  Are you gaining insight?  Feel free to share it here or via email.

For those of you who are participating, look at these examples of real work from previous days of the challenge, sent in by real people just like you.  I especially love the recorded "thoughts while drawing" of the shoe! lol  If you send me your images prior to the end of the challenge, I'll include them in future blogs. 

Keep drawing and I'll see you with another challenge to keep you on the path toward 30 days of Drawing and improving!!!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons in all media

Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+