30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 26- Free Draw

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 26- Free Draw

Day 26 of our 30 Day Drawing Challenge will be a chance to draw in your own way, with your own choice of tools.  I've given so many options over the course of this challenge.  Today you can try something again that you enjoyed, or take something that was difficult and practice it another time.  Perhaps you could combine ideas from a few different days...

©Rebecca Zdybel

For my example above, I again used the Tombow Marker 947 which I recommended you purchase.  (If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon)  I then formatted with a frame and added words for content.

For this example, I searched Google for a quote about orchids.  
Then I included it as part of  my sketch.
Contour Drawing with Tombow 947 Marker and Watercolor. ©Rebecca Zdybel 

Here are some more ideas:

• Bring Balance and Content to your sketch with words...as I have in some of these sketches. For some examples of great fonts you might use follow this link:  30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 13- Find a Favorite Font
• Create a vignette version of your image or soften the background around your image.  Here's the link that explains how to do it:  30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 17- How to Vignette
• Think about formatting your image after drawing it by creating a frame that contains or intersects your image in an interesting way. Part of learning how to draw, is learning how to present your drawings and compose your work. These little drawing tricks are very helpful, but they need practice!  
• Frames, words, and a little pop of color can add pizazz and lend composition to a solitary image.  Kind of like dressing it up or putting on makeup.  Your drawing may be inherently good looking, but it may look better with a little sumpthin' sumpthin' (that's how we say it down here in the South). I explain this concept more fully here: 30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 12- Draw, Format, Paint

Notice how the tape pattern on the brush handle is repeated in the background frame.
The curves of the lettering are also repeated in the curved edges of the frame.  This repetition brings harmony and improves the design of an otherwise simple sketch.  ©Rebecca Zdybel

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy the meditative and personally rewarding aspect of making time to draw.  When you do, you will really see what's in front of you.  My time spent on art is always enriching, and I hope your time spent on this challenge ends up making you feel the same.  I'll be back with another challenge for you tomorrow...

Don't forget to send me your drawings! rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

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Here are some photos of fellow challengers' sketches...

Elegant Writer markers in various colors.  Nice vignette in the background!  

Zentangle is addicting...and when they turn out this well you can see why! Here's a link to my lesson on How to Zentangle from Day 20: http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/2015/05/30-day-drawing-challenge-day-21_21.html

From Day 26- Draw a Teacup.  Beautifully done!

Happy Drawing!

I'll look forward to seeing what you do in your "free" time today. Don't forget to send me photos of your drawings =)

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 24- Tombow Marker Sketch

30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 24- Tombow Marker Sketch

©Rebecca Zdybel 

Today I'm breaking out my Tombow Markers and doing a sketch, and I'm encouraging you to give it a try as well.  If you have another water-soluble marker, then you can substitute it for this one, but my favorite is this Burnt Sienna color  #947.
 If you would like to get one, it's around $5-6. Here is a link to order it:  Tombow 947 Marker- Amazon

One of the things I love about this marker is it's ability to almost disappear once you bring water to the paper.  However, as with most ink applications, don't be too heavy with your lines at first.  Also, this is important...if you plan to use water on your sketch, make sure that your paper is watercolor paper or mixed media paper. 

Here are a few examples of sketches I've done with this marker.  All have been drawn in my favorite sketchbook, my Aquabee Super Deluxe sketchbook.  The paper holds up well for most media, and allows me to bring water to the page without it breaking down.  

I'm not going to tell you what to draw today...keeping it short  and hoping you feel inspired to continue sketching on this 24th Day of our 30 Day challenge.  The subject matter is open, but try using your Tombow pen or a water-soluble marker if you have one.  Otherwise, you could substitute your water-soluble crayons or watercolor pencils if desired.  

Tombow 947 marker, permanent marker and white gouache
©Rebecca Zdybel 

Note: These markers come in all colors, and the sketch below is an example of the many color varieties available. I'm just sharing my favorite with you, but you might experiment and find another color your like better.  Experimenting is the perfect thing to do during a sketch challenge!

©Rebecca Zdybel 
This is a page from my sketchbook.
There are many zentangle patterns recorded here.
All were drawn with various colors of Tombow Markers and Staedtler Mars Black permanent inkpen. 

This challenge is a huge commitment, but you are almost done!  Keep up the good work and send me photos of your finished drawings!  Fellow challengers are drawing their hearts out and are being so dedicated!  Here are some beauties that have been sent my way:

Above: What a lovely sketch of Shadows with Color and Drawing from still life using red and blue Elegant Writer markers on Day 21 of our 30 Day Drawing Challenge. Here's the link in case you missed it: 30 day Drawing Challenge Day 21- Shadows/Color

To the right: Illustrations of Letters give a chance to practice letter making as an art form, and picture making as a means of illustration.  It's fun! If you'd like to try it, here's the link to Day 22:   30 Day Drawing Challenge Day 22- Favorite Letter Illustration

And below:  I had to include this beautiful Zentangle as a reminder of how beautiful pattern making can be.  Obviously influenced by Klimt, this student created something the great master might envy!  In case you missed that lesson, here is the link to Day 20- 30 Day Drawing Challenge- Day 20

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 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 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 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+