Basics 101:Class 10 - Still Life

[Judi1957]

Mary!
This is beautiful!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
You did your own C & C, I see nothing else, unless someone else does.

For the CP circle question, yes it does get darker. To get darker I generally apply layers upon layers.
JayD may have more to say on this.

[mhimeswc]

Thanks, JayD and Mary.

You are right, Judi, the cup is a little misshapen, as well as the coffee pot. I could see the pot as soon as it came up on the screen, but I didn't notice the cup. I don't know whether I sketched it that way, or whether I did it with the shading. It's funny that we can't see these things on our own drawing, but someone else picks it up right away.

Michelle

[JayD]

Mary, t will work but you have to work lightly and slowly with colored pencils and gently build up the layers(by the way, I am not famous for working slowly and methodically). That being said..I would try it--Look a the artist maggie Toole--her entire paintings are nothing but circles of different sizes. If you do use the little circles remember to sharpen frequently. It should work. One of the techniques of building color in colored pencils is to scribble in a circular motion so I cannot see why it would not work.

By the way, I love this odd little textural world in which you exist--your art is very unique. I am fast becoming a fan. :)

[Mary Woodul]

Thank you JayD and Judi, I'll work on those little circles. :D

[Judi1957]

Mary,
Marilyn posted some flowers in a basket in the CP forum she did entirely w/ colored pencils. :) I do not know the name of the post bu you'll see it. :)

[JayD]

Mary for some inspiration-check out the artist, Ann James Massey. She is an american artist who lives in France. She uses only black colored pencils. Here is her website:

http://www.annjamesmassey.com/

It will astound you.

[Cathie Jones]

Went there, and I am truly astounded!!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Jan-2005/23460-smiley_faint.gif

Been working all weekend, no drawing or painting. Now I'm so frazzled I can't do much of anything . . . no concentration left. I'll try to at least finish the painting next week, and should be able to start the next lesson.

Looked at all the homework turned in so far, everyone is doing a fabulous job!

'Bye :wave:

[mhimeswc]

Interesting technique on your 2nd still life, Mary. I like the texture. I sometimes paint watercolors on crinkled paper that's adhered to watercolor paper. It has a similar effect.

Michelle

[Judi1957]

Mary,
What I meant to say was Marilyn did this all with the circles. LOL
The thread is called 'A tisket a basket'

Mary,
Marilyn posted some flowers in a basket in the CP forum she did entirely w/ colored pencils. :) I do not know the name of the post bu you'll see it. :)

[sultry]

Hi everyone :wave:
Metier and Michelle it looks like you were already C&C by Jay and Judi so I have nothing to add but good job. :clap: :clap:
Mary I love the colors your starting with and the technique your using (this is looking so interesting already). Its beautiful :clap: :clap: :clap:
Jay, thanks for letting me post the question thread regarding my ViO5, I did get a few responses and I am weighing Yours & theirs along with others (from other art sites I posted it in) and I think I will be able to finish it soon.

[Fireman's kid]

Hey Jay, I went to check out Ann James Massey's work and all I can say is wow! So will we all be able to do that when this class is over?!? :evil: :D :angel:

Here is my still life (#1). I finished the objects - unless you fine folks say otherwise - but still have to add the background and the table.

Speaking of backgrounds...I would also vote for a class on backgrounds. It is something I struggle with in watercolors and I am sure I will face the same challenge with drawing.

Cathie, several pages back you asked for C&C on your watercolor. I see Jay and Dave gave you some good advice. I'm glad you didn't have to wait for me. :o Your fruit is very good, nice color and highlights. I think the problem with the "dented" bowl might be that it curves too sharply right behind the plum. If you see less of that curve it might correct the dented look. Can't wait to see your next update!

And speaking of updates, here is mine since it is time for me to get on with my day.

Edit: Meant to add that I know the top ellipse of the creamer is off, but I decided I liked it that way. It reminds me of pottery that is hand thrown (I think that is the right word), and it is my first step away from being soo tight and such a slave to the reference. :D

[mothsailor]

Hi Stacy. This looks good! Are the white specks caused by the scanner/camera or the texture of the paper? The only problem I can see at this stage is the cast shadow of the pot handle. The folds in the cloth look great!

[cleo99]

Stacey - Your shading looks great! :clap:

JayD - Fabulous field trip, I was awed and inspired! May we all get closed to that as a goal (each in our own way!)

Here is my first attempt at colored pencils, the grapes are not quite so electric in real life.

[Mary Woodul]

Mary for some inspiration-check out the artist, Ann James Massey. She is an american artist who lives in France. She uses only black colored pencils. Here is her website:

http://www.annjamesmassey.com/

It will astound you.

Thank you JayD, her work is astounding. The background of the elderly lady is exactly what I would like to achieve in the chiaroscuro project. It looks so smooth. I'll put that site in my favorites.

Judi, I went to see Marylin's flowers and basket and it is also fantastic. She did do them all in little circles.......wow!.

Thank you for your comments. :wave:

Stacy your drawing is beautiful, it looks almost perfect to me, so smooth.

Cleo, very nice and colorful.

[jmfletch]

First off, it would take forever to comment on all the beautiful work that is in this thread. Cudos to all!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

I fell behind again because I have been substitute teaching full time since the holidays for an 8th grade science class. Lesson plans and grading papers seemed to eat up every available minute. This leads me to again offer praises to JayD and all the subs for what they are doing here and the time they are donating! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Here's my first project. Hopefully I can finish the 3 projects this week and not fall further behind.

Joe

[mhimeswc]

Nice job, Joe. You have a since, smooth touch with a pencil.

Michelle

[mhimeswc]

Here is my second still life. I used pastel on black paper. (It seemed like a good idea at the time). :) I'm a rank beginner with pastels and it shows. Actually, the plums came out better than I would have expected. I had a lot of trouble with the background and the tablecloth 1. because they were so big, and 2. because my medium gray was too light for the background, and my light gray comes out looking like white. I also had trouble with the large shadow - I used everything on it - blue, red, green, gray and black trying to get it to look like that grayish blue in the photo. It was fun and I am covered with pastel dust.

Michelle

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Jan-2005/20035-PastelStillLifeSm.jpg

[cleo99]

Michelle - I think it looks terrific!!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

The bowl is chrome! That all by itself is a major accomplishment. (For me it would have been a miracle!)

Maybe I will try pastel, messy is usually fun!

[mhimeswc]

Thanks, cleo99. Getting the reflections in the shiny bowl with the colors I had on hand was a real challenge.

Michelle

[Judi1957]

Hey Joe :music: :wave:
Been wondering where you have been. Glad you are back with us all! :clap:
I think you have a brighter light source than the ref but that is ok as you made those adjustments thruout. The cup and saucer also look great. The only crit I see is the creamer seems to have a slight bulge on its left side.Your coffee pot looks fabulous, great job on the shape, handle, reflectiveness, etc, etc! :clap: :clap:

Hey Michelle :wave: ,
Fabulous job as well. CHROME it is! :clap: :clap: WOW, impressive!
Quote: "I'm a rank beginner with pastels and it shows"....don't agree with you here :D.
I see the trouble with the color with the shadow, but it pales in comparison the great piece! :clap:

[Judi1957]

Evening All :wave:
Almost done with the fruit in the box. For now here's the 90 percent progress. C & C please.

[Mary Woodul]

Judi, I just love everything about it. :D

Michelle, your work on the fruit bowl is just lovely. It is ready to frame.

Joe, It is beyond me how you manage that perfect smoothness in your work. It is really striking.

[sultry]

Hi everyone I am back home (whew 3 year old twins can be a handful lol)
Stacy, Cleo, Michelle, Joe & Judi wow all well done and very nice. :clap:
Stacy I like the shading of light and shade you can really see it.

Cleo your color is looking great.

Michelle wow I love the dark fruit. :) beautiful colors and contrast.

Joe your stage one is perfect and I like how you shaded it in stage 2.

Judi this looks soft and delicate, very pretty.

[JayD]

Joe, I really like these--especially the coffe pot and the wood grain on the conter. Nice work--the reflections are superb! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Judi--what can I say--I LOVE your piece--I am glad yo decided to do this instead of the original piece. Otherwise we would have missed something special! :clap: :clap: :clap: :


Michelle--rank beginner?--I just made a fool of myself for the sake of the class in charcoal. In my eyes this proves you are no rank beginner. I like the way that you have handled the apples and the metal--it is wonderful. I applaud you :clap: :clap:

[mhimeswc]

Thanks Judi, Mary, and Sults. And JayD - I'm so glad that "Teach" liked it. I really am a beginner in pastels - I've done maybe four pieces in my whole life. I picked it up last year when I got bored with watercolor. I find layering or mixing colors really difficult, and then there are backgrounds. I finally am comfortable doing backgrounds in watercolor and I run into backgrounds in pastel. When I get time, I will work on the background and the tablecloth on this a little more.

Michelle

[mhimeswc]

Judi, I really like your apple in tissue paper. Doing the tissue paper seems like it would be a nightmare, but you evidently did a great job because it looks just like tissue. Good job on the wood grain too. This class is so much fun!

Michelle

[rosebard]

HI, it seens like I skipped lessons but I didnt. :o

I really enjoying each class I am taking and appreciating all the help around. Each sub contribuites a lot and thanks, thanks, thanks JayD for the classes.

Today I and my son bought a bunch of coloured pencil. And I did something I like to show you guys. :D :D :D

I enjoyed a lot doing it.

Kiss to all from Brazil, :wave:

Rose Bard

[Judi1957]

Gee Rose, You are sure multi-classing! :D
This looks beautiful! I love all the colors you used. :clap: :clap: :clap:
What brand of colored pencils did you by? and what paper did you use? If you are interested in colored pencil, check out all the great stuff in the CP forum, if you already haven't. CP is a lot of fun!

[Judi1957]

Thanks JayD, Mary, Sults and Michelle. :)
I plan on re-doing it on good paper (after I finish Luke, my perspective, Class 11......) :eek:

[JayD]

Rose, cp is the way to my heart for sure--it is a long learning journey for me but I love cp--try looking into a paper called Stonehenge. It takes cp very well and is a favorite among amateur and professional alike. I like your still llife and I am glad that you are still living with us. :) Hello to you Brazillians from the great state of North Carolina! :wave: :wave: :wave:

[Metier]

I found some colored pencils in my daughter's stuff and tried them out. Now my wife can really tell people I'm downstairs coloring. I think that it is a "whole new ballgame," adding color.

[rosebard]

Hi judy. Actually not multi-classing. I just bought some faber castel coloured pencil for fun with my son. And the paper I used was a commom one for drawing. It was just for fun really. I had this pic of a still life and couldn't resist doing it. I am still on class 3. hopely I wil get class 3,4 and 5 by the end of the week done. I just wanted to share this with you guys.

JayD, thanks for the tip about the paper, but cant find that in brazil. And if I could it probably would cost a lot.
Surely you will have me more around for 19 Classes time. :wink2:
I will check out the Cp sometime. for the time been I keep in the drawing.
It is already a lot to do.

Kiss from Brazil

Rose

[bjcpaints]

Hi! Everyone is doing so great here with those colors! Just beautiful and I can't wait to try. I was too lazy to go out to my car last night and get my box of pencils so I used what I had in the house and this morning.... I found my good white charcoal pencil and a good pen completely chewed up on the giant collie puppy's blanket. I wonder who did that? :mad: Anyway here is what I am calling step 2 1/2 - still needs a background and someone who can use a kneadable eraser effectively.
Barbara

[mothsailor]

Hi Barbara, that's looking good. Do you think the coffee pot could be a bit darker in places? Might make the highlights stand out even more? Just a thought. Everything looks great! :clap: I'm glad I'm not the only one that finds it hard to use an eraser!! I find that either it does nothing or it produces a huge white gash...hard to get anything in between, for me anyway. :(

[mhimeswc]

That looks very good so far, Barbara.

So the dog ate your homework, huh? I've used that excuse a few times. Actually, the last dog we had would leave half eaten pens, pencils, plastic green army men, and crayons. She also ate the snaps off of any jeans or jackets the kids left on the floor.

Michelle

[bjcpaints]

Thank you Dave and Michelle. Now I have forbidden myself to touch this or any other art projects until I finish and deliver the commission due on Saturday. So, It looks like I will fall behind here a bit. :crying:

[sultry]

Rose & Metier you both have done great jobs with color.
Barbara that is well porportioned and shaded.

[sultry]

Turning in part one & starting on new subject for color to complete all assignments for class 10.

[Judi1957]

Metier :wave: , So this is your first adventure into the world of color? :D Looking good! :clap: :clap:

Barb :wave: , Real nice! All your ellipses look great! I do agree with Dave on evening out/adding some more darks, Maybe straighten out the sides of the creamer. Good luck on finishing your commission!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
PS: I told you I would be posting Luke tonite but not sure now, I got company tonight for a couple of hours and lost time :( .

Sults, Yeh! Looking 3D and you have got some great highlights there! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[nancy_ellen56]

Hi everyone, In my attempt to play catchup guess Im guilty of some multi-classing...I get tired or stumped on one for a bit and work on another....so anyhow here are my attempts for this class...jay said make it your own so in the first one, I added a change purse tossed on the counter as I would more than likely do and I added stripes to the carafe and the linen..I have no idea where my inital sketch for this one went..I guess to join all the other lost files on my computer...
On the second one Jay said to use any media we wanted so I chose to draw it in painter 9 with colored pencils...the tools used were colored pencil, sharp blending stump, and eraser,it was freehanded using a mouse and pad.. I still have one to go for this class and will try a different medium...

[Judi1957]

Hey Nancy Ellen, :wave:
I like your drawing a lot, the personal touches you have added. Nice addition with the change purse and the strips on the creamer. :clap: :clap: I am having a hard time seeing as the post is a little small,. Recommendation on posts is 600pixels high X 500 pixels wide (or is it the other way around?). Just a couple of things. Did you do your line drawing first? It is good to do that first and post. The ellipse at the bottom of the pot is not quiet an ellipse. I cannot see any shadowing of the objects on the table, cup/saucer or the pot. Can you resize this and repost. I am sorry.

Edited add:

I like your fruit bowl and it looks great, I just am not sure if digital is an approved medium for the class.
JayD?

[JayD]

Hi, Nancy_Ellen--technically we are going non-digital so this is sort a nudist camp in that respect! :D

HOWEVER--I have a digital program called Art Dabble--NO BODY makes it or supports it anymore it came with, of all things, Walter Foster plugins. I think Painter evolved from Art Dabbler as I recall.

I was intrigued that you freehanded with a Mouse--our other digital media Maestro (and I say that with leagues of admiration) is Jet. He is a true master of this technique.

I am a colored pencil FREAK as a lot of people already know--not that good with it but I will be one day so I am very interest in the bowl of fruit.

I was wondering if you would be up to an experiment?

Would you be willing to redo the fruit bowl--a non digital version--this time use a paper like stonehenge and colored pencils. I suspect this might be your cup of tea.

WHAT I SEE IS A REALLY COOL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE IN THE CLASS:

Redo the fruit and then post them side by side--I would like for you to give us insight on how the two differed--the feeling in your hands, patience, everything you can think of that would compare and contrast the two:

You can do it as n independent study and then present it to whatever our newest class is. Are you up to the challenge? :evil: :)

[nancy_ellen56]

Hi Jay, Well I had the feeling the digital probably wasn't really included but thought I would give it a shot...I enjoy freehand drawing in my painter as it is where I have gotten most of my practice in drawing and painting...No I don't mind redoing the exercise and will do it the way you suggested...I am here to learn...I would like to invite you and anyone interested to check out post that I have started ...It might be interesting for some to know that all digital art is not the same...I have always been a freehander in the digital media and never mastered the skill of manipulations which is an art within itself...my first pictures were very first gradish and over the last 4 yrs I have come a long way in developing my freehand skills in digital media...anyhow will get the other drawings in soon...

[JayD]

Hey, I WILL check out your post--I am a big fan of digital art--the basics course though is straight basics--remember in our first class I banned everything but the number 2 pencil. :D

[jmfletch]

Michelle, Judy, Mary and JayD Thanks for commenting on my first exercise.

Michelle - Thanks. Great pastel. The bowl is AWESOME!! :clap: :clap:

Judy - The "bulge" does not appear as prominently in the original. It is a straight line. I think it is the shadow from the cup that is causing that effect. Also I love the tissue paper in your apple picture. You captured the folds and the texture! :clap: :clap:

Mary - Smooth = Lots and lots of blending using one or more of the the following: stumps, tortillions, chamois, felt, tissue, paper towel, terry cloth, etc.

Metier - I like your composition, by putting it in a corner it totally changes the focus.

Sultry - I can now say something I never thought I would say to a woman....Great Back Hoe!!

Nancy - nice work adapting the picture and making it you!

Here is my Exercise 2. It is on a quarter sheet of Stonehenge (11"x15") using Prismacolor pencils. Because of the size I had to use a photo vice scanning and it appears a bit blotchy in spots which it isn't in RL.

Joe

Off to Exercise 3 and if I am lucky I will get to Lesson 11 this week!! :angel:

[Judi1957]

HEY JOE!! :music: :music:
That is absolutley wonderful! :clap: :clap: How long have you been using CP? Everything is great. Nice bold colors, Great texture to the backdrop, reflectiveness of the bowl, Color variations in the fruit, folds....WOW! :clap: :D :clap: :D :clap:

[mhimeswc]

Nice job on that bowl of fruit, Joe. I've never used colored pencils, although I bought a small set of Prismas for two of my grandchildren this Christmas. Their homeschool group recommended getting them the good stuff because the kids would be more likely to use them if they really worked.

Nancy Ellen, super job on your digital drawing. I have tried, but I just can't draw with a mouse. Anything I did sort of resembles a cross between a 4-year old's drawing and a cartoon.

Michelle

[jmfletch]

Judy Seriously for about year. First thing I did was my truck. I knew very little about colored pencils and used a mix of watercolor pencils, wax based and oil based. :( I have learned a lot in the last year, if only about materials, especially lurking in the CP forum! Arlene is a terrific teacher!!! and like here in D&S there are a lot of truly helpful talented folks.

Michelle From personal experience... good pencils and quality paper do make a huge difference.

Joe

[sultry]

Sultry - I can now say something I never thought I would say to a woman....Great Back Hoe!!

ROFL, Hey Joe, Nice BALLS of fruit LOL.

[jmfletch]

Sultry - Touche!

[Fireman's kid]

Cr*p Jim - is there anything you can't do well?!? :confused: :)

That is a great CP drawing! The colors are so vivid! Very well done. :clap:

[bjcpaints]

Cr*p Jim - is there anything you can't do well?!? :confused: :)

That is a great CP drawing! The colors are so vivid! Very well done. :clap:

Stacy said it for me. This is one of those drawings that makes me think I am in the wrong place because I am sure I could not come close to this quality.
Barbara

[Blah]

Jay, Sultry and the rest of the class :wave:

I fear I am way behind in this class. Last week, and most of this week so far have been very hectic, and I have found hardly any time to draw or even look at the posts on this thread. I checked today and found that we have gone past 300. Will try to work my way through them after this post.

Meanwhile I am posting stage 3 of the first assignment.

Blah

[bjcpaints]

Hi Blah :wave: Looks great - I especially like the wood.
Barbara

[Judi1957]

Looking great Blah, no critic here!
:clap: :clap:

[JayD]

Blah, I dont know if you have notice this but your old tight way of drawing is beginning to meld with your new free way of rendering and it is developing into a style.

I like your use of line and direction--you don't notice it too much because your application is very subtle. Your pots almost have a grain much like the wood on the table--it creates a unique unity. An exquisite drawing. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[jmfletch]

Stacy and Barbara - Thanks for the kind words.

Barbara Let's see you are working on a commission :clap: ...I can't even get in a juried show :rolleyes: --Yeah I think you are defintely in the right place. :cool:

Blah - Gotta ditto Judy..."Looking great Blah, no critic here!" :clap:

Joe

[idcrisis55]

Hi Everyone :wave:

I just got through four pages of posts with more still yet to read. Have to say that everyone's work is so expressive and enjoyed it all. Bravo for such beautiful work :clap: :clap: :clap:

Now, to get busy drawing the first part.

Ann

[sultry]

Heyy Ann :wave: good to see ya and can't wait to see your work. :)

Blah I must say your coffee pot looks brand new and your creamer looks like an ebony black ceramic one I have wanted for so long. Oh and I see the table was polished before it was set. :) Very detailed and wonderful values in this piece. :clap:

[idcrisis55]

Good Morning Sultry! Haven't begun to sketch yet but I will :)

Blah, that really is a wondering drawing. I especially like the shadow work on the cup and the gleam of the pot.

Ann

[Blah]

Barbara, Judi, Jay, Joe, Sultry and Ann...thank you very much for your nice comments :o

Jay, ever since you suggested it I have been making a very conscious effort to draw loose, but old habits die hard. However I am quite pleased with my progress :)

Sultry, thank you for your c&c when I posted my stage 1 & 2 drawings. It helped.

Ann, I am so glad you are back, that you are well and that your sister is better. I saw your book report and it is very good (as though it could be anything else).

Blah

I forgot to add....I have a lot of catching up to do on this thread. Will go back as soon as I can and look at all the posts that I have missed.

B

[idcrisis55]

Hi Blah, thanks for the welcome back and believe me, I would rather have been drawing than what I was doing lol. I was happy to see that you and the others are all still here and doing great.

Ann

[bjcpaints]

[QUOTE=jmfletch]
Barbara Let's see you are working on a commission :clap: ...I can't even get in a juried show :rolleyes: --Yeah I think you are defintely in the right place. :cool:

Oh you must be in the wrong place then! Come to NYS! :D

I need another day on the dog commission no matter whtat SO I did finish my final of the coffe pot still life last night and will post it on the weekend.

Ann, We missed you. Hope you will be hanging back here with me while we try to catch up.

I have a very rough sketch of the fruit bowl going and I am looking around for the 3rd practice project as I am not big on all this fruit! I am thinking flowers and books or a small assemblage of a lovely Japanese tea set I have. As long as I have to do still life I will try to make it interesting. :cat:

Sultry, I like your new avatar - is that the portrait of your daughter?

Hi JayD Glad to see you are keeping tabs on all of us.

[sultry]

Sultry, thank you for your c&c when I posted my stage 1 & 2 drawings. It helped.
Blah, I am glad you could use it, I can always use your expertise C&C too. :)

Sultry, I like your new avatar - is that the portrait of your daughter?
Wow, I sure want to give you a hug (lol) no its just lil ole me. Last August I took this pic on my digital for my BF. lol You can see the full face on my prfl pic. See the grey hairs coming thru???? rofl I have to dye my hair every 2 weeks. :(
Hey Barbara I am still working on the other class coffee pot & kitties, so don't feel your so behind. I may be the one wayyyyyyyyy behind. I still have to turn in a color one for this class too.

[idcrisis55]

Hi Barbara :wave:

It is good to see you posting and I missed all of you too! Not to worry, as slow as I am moving, I'll be hanging around with you in this class for awhile.

We had a light dusting of snow last night, our 2nd of the winter season. Expect it to be gone by this afternoon though. I certainly don't envy the Northeast or Canada with your cold, snowy weather.

Ann

[bjcpaints]

Its Saturday! I finished my doggie commission and am waiting for DH to wake up and take pics before I clear coat it SO here is my final of Exercise 1 for this lesson! Now to the fruit bowl next.
Oh, I forgot - the wood is colored pencil and the wall is a light wash of acrylic - yellow ochre. Hope it scanned OK - I used a piece of clear acetate this time.
Barbara

[bjcpaints]

Sorry for the multiple posts BUT JayD, can you point me to the original IRL for the fruit bowl - project 2 here? I don't have those nice color pencils you used and fear I need to see the original ref pic to do it in acrylics. Could not find this in the IRL.

[JayD]

Here you go--Enjoy! :)

[bjcpaints]

Thanks JayD - I'm so sorry to bother you. I checked ahead in class 11 and heard you are sick. Feel better soon! :)

[sultry]

Wow, Barbara your piece looks good :clap: Nice shading and reflections. I do see the ochre but the other colors do not show on my computer. :(
Ok, since you completed the commission, may we see it? Did you post it in the W/A fora?

[bjcpaints]

Wow, Barbara your piece looks good :clap: Nice shading and reflections. I do see the ochre but the other colors do not show on my computer. :(
Ok, since you completed the commission, may we see it? Did you post it in the W/A fora?

HaHa You can't fool me! Its the A/W forum. LOL He took the pics but left to do errands and they are not in the computer yet. I know - its just sad that I have no interest in learning to use the digi camera. Maybe tomorrow - thanks for asking.

[sultry]

geesh did I do that again???? This old dislexic broad lol will never get those 2 letters right, but will try to, even if it kills me. lol Waiting on pins & needles here Barbara, I get first peek :) :angel: :D

[jmfletch]

Wow, Barbara your piece looks good :clap: Nice shading and reflections. I do see the ochre but the other colors do not show on my computer. :(
Ok, since you completed the commission, may we see it?

DITTO!!
Joe

[jmfletch]

Here's the final exercise for this lesson. I used Nupastels and Rembrandts on the smooth side of Mi-Teintes (9"x12") paper.

Joe

[Judi1957]

Hey Joe :music: ,
Love your bowl of cherries! I love the reds and reflections and how you dulled the blue under the shadow of the cherry. Lovely! (Again :D )
:clap: :clap:

Quote: Nupastels and Rembrandts on the smooth side of Mi-Teintes (9"x12") paper.

Dummy here asking: Are Rembrandts pastels as well and what is special about the paper, please?

[idcrisis55]

Barbara, I throughly enjoyed your painting/drawing. My favorite part was the light and the gleam on that pot. All nicely done!

Joe, fantastic piece! No other words needed!

Here is my initial line drawing for the first subject. Good thing this isn't a race as just getting the dimensions has taken me all afternoon lol. Hope you let me know anything that is out of kilter that I missed :D Thanks!

Ann

[Judi1957]

Barb,
Sorry I missed your post.
Yes it is Saturday! AND you got your commission done. :clap: :clap: :clap: Congratulations!!! I will look forward to seeing it where?... W/A forum...no,no,no,no...that can't be right...that's the wild goose chase forum. LOL.

This is really lovely, Barb. :clap: :clap: The only thing I see is you have dark-dark on the inside of the creamer and nowhere else and the edge of the table is not apparent. You mention colors which I do not see, so I think it is all just the scan. Maybe you can repost?

Ann, I forgot to mention I loved your book reposrt drawings, the building and train track dwg especially. :clap: :clap:

[idcrisis55]

Hi Judi, thank you for the comment on the book report as well as the train depot drawing. The tracks were incorrect. They sloped downhill lol but it was a good learning experience :)

Ann

[bjcpaints]

Joe and Ann - Great work! Here is my 2nd exercise. I am embarassed. I had transferred to drawing paper instead of painting paper SO I decided to try the old Crayola cps on it. Mixed with some charcoal and graphite - the result - yucky. I cropped the still life and set it against a piece of Mi Tientes and here it is. I can't wait to move on - I don't know if I can bear another still life. Its like practicing the scales on the piano for me. Necessary but BORING.
BTW I decided to hold off on posting Rory in A/W until I have his partner Lizzie done - the ref pic is of the 2 together.

[idcrisis55]

Hi Barbara :wave:

Isn't it funny how everyone has preferences for certain types of settings. I like still life because of the light control and the contrasts one can achieve lol. But my favorite is still landscapes.

I like how you have done everything. It is beautifully drawn, but would like to see some shadow work in the fruit to bring out the translucent quality of the grape and the variety of colors in the plums.

I am painting today and hope to do some drawing this evening!

Ann

[jmfletch]

Hey Joe :music: ,
Love your bowl of cherries! I love the reds and reflections and how you dulled the blue under the shadow of the cherry. Lovely! (Again :D )
:clap: :clap:

Quote: Nupastels and Rembrandts on the smooth side of Mi-Teintes (9"x12") paper.

Dummy here asking: Are Rembrandts pastels as well and what is special about the paper, please?


Yes. Rembrandt's are a brand of soft pastel. Nupastels are much harder. Mi-Tientes is a brand of pastel paper. It has different surfaces on each side. I usually prefer the smooth side.


Ann - Very neat and precise line drawing. The coffee cup appears a bit tilted.

Barbara - I use to hate still lifes. Now I find I concentrate on working out the light and shadow and they are no so bad.

Joe

[idcrisis55]

Thanks for the critique Joe. I'll check out that "tilt" before I do more work on it :)

Ann

[Blah]

SO here is my final of Exercise 1 for this lesson! Now to the fruit bowl next.
Barbara


Barbara....I think your drawing has everything in place to be a terrific one....but to take it there you need to add more layers.

If you don't feel like doing it right away (which is the way I feel quite often) you could still come back to it later and do it.

Blah

[bjcpaints]

Thanks Blah. I feel like tossing it in the garbage to tell you the truth. Its one of those things I just want to get past. I suppose I could darken the wood a bit. It came out better than the fruit bowl exercise and I have been dreading the 3rd practice exercise and putting it off since Saturday. I did drag out my Japanese tea set and try to "set it up" for a still life but just can't get motivated to paint it.
Barbara

[bjcpaints]

OK, Sorry about the bad attitude. :angel: I went back to the book that I did my book report on and am doing a still life featuring textures from it.
Barbara

[Judi1957]

Hey Joe :music: ,
Can you give me a recommended manufacturer for pastels? I had at least 3 sets in my hands at the store and thought I had best ask you for your opinion. They had the Rembrandt's, a brand named someting like Loew-Castell and some that were priced much less than the Rembrants, unfortunatley I cannot remember the name. Is there a brand you would give a definate no to? Also, what size of a set would be good, a 15 piece set seems like you would be very limited, I was thinking of going 36. I did not see the Nupastels.
:confused: :confused: :confused:
BTW, Luke decided he was going to most likely do the Officer's School :D
.

[mothsailor]

There's a thread in the Pastels forum about this: here is the link. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12814) Rembrandts were the most popular brand, as I recall.

[jmfletch]

Hey Joe :music: ,
Can you give me a recommended manufacturer for pastels? I had at least 3 sets in my hands at the store and thought I had best ask you for your opinion. They had the Rembrandt's, a brand named someting like Loew-Castell and some that were priced much less than the Rembrants, unfortunatley I cannot remember the name. Is there a brand you would give a definate no to? Also, what size of a set would be good, a 15 piece set seems like you would be very limited, I was thinking of going 36. I did not see the Nupastels.
:confused: :confused: :confused:
BTW, Luke decided he was going to most likely do the Officer's School :D
.
Like most things related to art there is a lot of personal preference. Rembrandts are a good quality soft pastel and they are reasonably priced. If you look at the link Dave posted it is the top pick. Schmincke, Unison and Sennelier all have strong followings and get rave reviews but are expensive. I was surprised in the survey how low Nupastels were listed. The majority of pastelists I know in RL use Nupastels to block in color and finish up with some brand of soft pastels. If you are just trying them out I would go with a set of Rembrandt half sticks (30 or 60). You get more colors to play with for the least outlay. I would also try a 12 stick pack of Nupastels.

The only brand I would absolutely steer away from is Yarka. They are very scratchy!!!!

Hope that helps.
Joe

[Judi1957]

Hey Joe :music: ,
Thanks for the info and advice! :D

[Celia]

Hi...... I'm seeing some wonderful things coming out of this class....... I will find the time one of these days to start from the beginning...... I need the basics drilled into me time and time again.........

Jay has graciously invited me to cross post my version of one of the still life images here......... Thank you, Jay........

this is Prismacolor on Stonehenge, 5"x7", and took me approximately 9 hours..... I love the image, and had to try it.........

celia

[bjcpaints]

I guess that means you aren't going to let me borrow it as I asked in the other forum. :( 9 hours! No wonder my stuff looks like garbage! You are dedicated.
Barbara

[JayD]

Colored pencils, barb, can be exasperating in terms of the amount of time that it takes to successfully build a drawing. Note I said build. You have to constantly keep your pencils, sharp,use decent paper (stonehenge is excellent) and keep a very deep box of patience sitting next to you--you have to build the drawing layer by layer by excruciating layer. I love colored pencil! :)

[sultry]

Hi Celia and beautiful job you have done. :) I will someday manage these primas that sit so still on my shelf. lol I have had them for a year.

Barbara, who you kidding? Your rock animal portraits are beautiful. You just need to apply the love you have for animals to fruit. lol
I am in the same boat, I do not have much desire to paint fruit but maybe chiles and garlic will excite me. lol
I am trying to expand my appreciation to still life, just recently I have started to really like landscapes.

I think what helps an artist also, is to explore other artist's techniques and paintings and see what it is that catches the viewers eye. I used to do it with portraits of people and animals, now I am looking at landscapes and still life. It may surprise you Barbara but it has me inspired to paint with my cps some still life and landscape paintings.

[cleo99]

Celia - it is a lovely drawing :clap: :clap: I especially love the reflections in the glass. I was also drawn to the image, I tried it (to no avail) in the next class in charcoal. But, thanks, you have given me hope and perhaps I will try a corner of it in CP.

JayD - Glad you are feeling better (sorry you got it Sults) I know you have recommended a beginner colored pencil book before, but I cannot find the reference, if you get chance could you please repeat it here . Thanks.

[cleo99]

Nevermind...found it.

[rosebard]

Hey JayD, sorry to hear you your not well. I didnt have much time to read all the post. But I got this post and stopped to read, and just found it out. I did miss you on Class 5, But Sultry and Dave helped out there. Hope you get better to keep yourself with us. I am not sure, but I believe you are a guide now! congratulations by the way in your new position at WC. YOu deserve it.

Rose Bard :wave:

[Judi1957]

Hey Rose! :wave:
You have been doing a great job!
:clap: :clap: :clap:

[bjcpaints]

keep a very deep box of patience sitting next to you)

Hi everyone! I was short changed when they were passing out patience! I don't think I will be attempting anymore cp. Here is a still life drawing done in HB and 2B and then again with some watercolor pencils I had kicking around.
I am calling it "Done with Lesson 10". :wink2:
Barbara

[Fireman's kid]

Here is a watercolor painting I have been working on for a while. I decided to post it here way back when we were working on this lesson, but just tonight finished it. Well, I think it's done...I may darken the bottom of the bowl a bit or noodle around with some other small changes, but it's 99% done. :D

Anyway, the story behind the still life is this - my uncle grows a huge garden every year and is very generous with sharing his fresh veggies. A couple years ago he gave me 6 or 7 red peppers, even though I knew we'd never eat them all before they went bad. So rather than waste them I decided to make a still life of them. I took a whole bunch of photos and this is the one I liked best. Then we ate as many as we could!

Here is the reference and the painting of Uncle John's Peppers. C&C welcome. (The painting is actually too large for my scanner, but I like this crop, so I might keep it this way.)

[rosebard]

Kid I could eat those peppers!!!

It is beautiful!

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Fireman's kid]

Thanks Rose! I needed to hear that. :)

[JayD]

Hi, Staci--was just passing through and I saw your post. As Rose said--beautiful--I really like the work that you did on the peppers themselves. :)

[rosebard]

Hi again. Lost of post for one day.

This is my favorite class. I love still life. Specially fruits. I did the first exercise today.

Now there is the CP exercise. Dont remember now what else.

Took a lot of picture from a still life setup. Maybe I hundread of them. Going to take a while to look at all and choose the best ones. Hope they are good enough to share couple them in the Reference Library.


:wave: :wave: :wave:

[Judi1957]

Hey Rose :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:
Four classes in a day, that must be a record. :D

The coffee pot shape looks great. :clap: :clap: I think the cup is a tad mis-shapen and maybe recheck your ellipse's.
I think you could vary your values more, go back and check out the original at the start of the thread. The cloth needs value too. Don't be afraid of the dark :D .
Good work! :clap:

Let us know when you add your still lifes to the RIL, I would love to see them!

[rosebard]

Actually 2 days!! Just posted in one day. :D

Thanks for your kind words on the GB. At first the tsunami was suppose to get pieces inspired from the tragedy. Then when was near the dead line, someone asked a member what that painting had to do with the tsnami. I went back to check and them they decided to allow anywork to be donated. I wish I did. It is also true that at that time I said that I didnt know much about what I was doing. IN 2 months I have learned more than in almost an year. Unbelievable. With all this help around, information, and dedication things starting to get right for me. And If it continues like that I will by the end of the year.... Who knows?? But I know much better than now.

Thanks for all the help you and the others have beeing giving away so generously. For people like me it is all the sharing and support that makes the big difference.

Going back to class 10. I cant redo that one because I used charcoal pencil in some places. Already used a spray. But that one will be good for future reference I will right on the back your comments.

But I will keep in mind what you said for the future ones.

I wont forget about the RIL! :wave: :wave:

[rosebard]

Hi JayD, Judy, Sultry and others subies.

Here is the second exercise. I do the next ref pic today.

Kiss from Brazil :wave:

[sultry]

Hi Rose , I am not able to C&C today with a monster headache but I did notice this is very beautiful.

[mothsailor]

Rose,

Your picture is a bit difficult to see clearly, but it is looking good. The one thing that caught my eye was the reflection of the fruit that's on the table in the bowl. Do you think it looks like a smaller fruit suspended in space, rather than a reflection? Have a closer look at how Jay has done this reflection, including the reflection of the shadow. The colours are really good, and I like the texture in the background. :clap: :clap:

[rosebard]

Sultry sorry to hear that. Hope you get better soon.

Yeah, Dave. Now that you mentioned I can see that. Thanks. I will look at it again.

[StancyMcKatt]

Here's my bowl of cherries, I did this wile I was on a trip a couple of weekends ago. I ment to post it sooner, but :rolleyes: you know how that can be :wink2:

Anyway, Here it is. :)

[Judi1957]

Hi Crys- :wave:
Thought we lost ya! Nice job!
Try to add come shadowing and values to the bowl as well. Look at this greyscale and see if you can get the values. Try out just one or two cherries for practice. See all the values in just one cherry?

[StancyMcKatt]

Hi Judi!

I got so deep in the cherries I forgot about the shadows on the bowl!.. LOL! :wink2: I'll try to do a couple of cherries with some more values, but theres only so much you can do with No. 2 pencils. *Needs to dig out her "art" pencils.*

Schools been eating alot of my time, as has procrastination/perfectionism. The latter more so than the former. Now that I finally have my desk cleaned off I hopefully can get some artwork done! :D Cluttered desk = cluttered mind. Which eats a lot of my creativity and work ethic for some reason. :confused:

*HUGS*

[Fracray]

I am submitting the first stage of exercise 1 for this class. I plan on cleaning up the lines and then transfer it to a better paper.

Ray

[sultry]

Ray I see no errors and I think your perspective & positions are great. Remember to transfer the objects very lightly so no outline will show and your contour shading will be the only thing that the viewer sees.

[Judi1957]

Hi Ray,
Looks great :clap: -love the background! :D
Re-check your base ellipses of your cup.
Impressive!

[dragonfruit]

Hello there

My first outline...

:)

Ren

[dragonfruit]

Hi -
I've finished the first one now...
The final scanned picture looks a little fuzzy around the edges. The real thing is not like that.
I think it may be because the original is quite small and I enlarged it a bit.

:)
Ren

[Judi1957]

Hi Ren,

This looks really nice! I really like how the tabletop turned out. :clap:
My comments would be to
1. check the cups shape, it is more round on the drawings left side and the cup need to be symmetrical-the same on both sides.
2. The left side of the coffee pot needs to be straight-look near the handle for the area that needs to fall in line.
3. The right side of the creamer is a little wobbly.
4. The saucer's right side looks like it tips up too much. Check your ellipse there.

The reflectances on the coffee pot have a great start. See if you can add some more dark-darks and midtones to make it even more so. You caught the reflectance of the sauce in the coffee pot-great! :)

[dragonfruit]

Hi JayD/Subbies/friends :wave:

I started doing this one with CP and think I've ruined it with the Black. Any hints on getting really dark darks without resorting to black, before I try again?

:)
Ren

[Judi1957]

Hi Ren :wave:
Ohhh-you work in cp too! Nice! That'll get you points w/ the Boss man. :D

This looks really nice, only it is so light I cannot see the pencil outlines. Next post can you darken your image a bit with photoshop so we can see your shapes?

For darks you can use tuscan red, grape and indigo blue to name a few. Blacks and greys are not real popular w/ cp artists, thy like using the ones previously named. Practice on the side to experiment with your colors to see what you get with layering certain colors. To lift a color you put on that you are not happy with - place scotch tape carefully over the area you want to lift and use a pencil over the tape. The cp will stick to the tape and lift off. It'll never go back to the color of the paper, but you can do the tape trick several times till you lift as much as you want.

Looking really nice!!! :clap: :clap:-can't wait to see your next post!

[dragonfruit]

Hiya Judi :wave:

Thank You SO much for this helpful response. I have tried the scotch tape and got most of the black off. Now at least I don't have to start all over again. I am very inexperienced with CP, so didn't know about this one.
I have posted the drawing with the black off, but won't be able to do any more to it until next week when I can get to the art shop to buy the colours I need.
So then I tried to darken the outline so you could see it. I when into Photoed and the only way I could find to do this was by adjusting the 'gamma' - and so now it looks WILD! Nowhere near the real colours. But at least you can see my rough outline.

Will carry on with this one as soon as I have what I need.

:) :)
Ren

[Judi1957]

Hi Ren,
Glad it was helpful. I am pretty much a novice in cp to but I have some basics. I enjoy cp lot.
I can see your lines now, thanks for darkening them. :) This is coming along very well!
See you later :wave:

[Africanart]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2005/69011-les10stage1.jpg

Hi Guy's

Here is my first stage of the first demonstration.

Mary :wave:

[Judi1957]

Hi Mary! :wave:
-Fantastic draft!! :clap:
My only comment would be the cup is off center of the saucer. Smooth out the sides of the creamer and check it's ellipses.

[Africanart]

Hi Judi

Thanks and I will try and rectify the problem - I thought my cup looked a bit like it was going to fall over any moment. Some of my objects always seem to be leaning to one side - not quite sure how to fix that any suggestions on that?

thanks

Mary

[Judi1957]

Yes-I do see your creamer seems to be leaning a tad and the symmetry is a bit off in the coffee pot. Sorry-I was working when I was looking at this and should have looked harder. Bogged down at work these days. :( The only thing really is to be really careful in drawing your verticals and horizontals and measure carefully. Measure from the sides and bottom of the paper.

[Africanart]

Hi There

Here is my second attempt at lesson 10 stage 1. Was not to happy with the first one and after following your good advice Judy I decided to do it over, I think I got it now. Though after I scanned it in and what not I realised that the creamer above the cup is a bit wobbly and that I forgot to add the table - so we are hanging a bit in the air, but I promise I will add that in when I do stage 2 :D


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Nov-2005/69011-les10stage1.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hi Mary-It is better-never hurts to do it over if you feel you need to.
On the creamer and cup saucer-I don't think it is physically possible for them to be this close. The cup base seems a bit tall and thin. Check your pm's I have something to show you there. :)

[Africanart]

Hi Judi

Thanks for the help, will try it again and see if I can improve, your message certainly does help to see it better :D here goes for trying again. I had a nice holiday - I am decorating my daughter's room for her as a birthday present, so where everybody else was busy cooking I was busy painting. I hope that you had a wonderfull Thanksgiving as well.

Mary

[Africanart]

ok here we go again :( demonstration 1 - stage 1 - third attempt :D

I am much happier with it, I know it looks like my creamer is a bit of symetry, but I have measured it, I think it is more the case of the artist who can not draw a straight line :o :eek: even with a ruler. The cup seemed to be the one that kept throwing me off, so I decided that this time around I am going to start with the cup first then add the rest and what do you know some moderate succes :D

Anyway here is hoping ...

Thanks Mary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/69011-les10stage1.jpg

[Africanart]

:eek:

ok so after I scanned it I noticed that the tea cup was a bit long on the one side (the side on the tea pot), I fixed that afterwards :wink2:

thanks
Mary

[Judi1957]

Hi Mary-
I don't know what to say about the creamer. LOL-you need a T-square. :D
Yes fix the cup a bit.
I do think the bottom of the saucer needs to actually go across the nearer to the full width of the saucer-getting closer to the ellipse as you transition out to the edge.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/37258-mary.jpg

[Africanart]

Hi :wave:

Here is demonstration 1 - second stage - try 1.

I am not sure how to start the approach on the fold of the material - being out of my head does not make it easier either. Any suggestions on where to get started on this.

Thanks

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Nov-2005/69011-leson10stage2.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hi Mary,
First I think you need to straighten out the sides of the creamer a tad and the coffee lid knob looks a lil out of kilter as in vertical.
Fot the folds-study the ref and see where the darkest parts are and start there-graduate to lighter values as you transition away from the area. Skip ahead and peek at Class 16 as well.
I have a large article on it. If you have an e-mail and would like it-send me your e-mail address via pm.

[Africanart]

Hi Judi

Thanks for your reply - I know the creamer is a bit off - noticed it after I did this scan, fixed it before I started with my third stage, will double check it when it is scanned in, it is much easier for me to notice these things when I see it on the scan/photo. I will send e-mail address on pm.

thanks

Mary

[Africanart]

:wave:

I am done with the final stage of demonstration 1 :clap:


Fire away with the C&C

Thanks
Mary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2005/69011-lesson10.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hi Mary!:wave:

Looks really good. I really like the pot shading!

It appears you have the light source in the left rear? I think you may want to add the shadows on the objects areas that are away from the light source and add the cast shadows from the objects, and in doing this eliminate the linage on the cup, saucer, fabric and wood edges. Check the symmetry on the pots lid. Revisit the saucer ellipse.
Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't.:) Keep going-you are doing well!
See ya next time.:wave:

[Africanart]

Hi :wave:

Here is my fruit bowl in cp. This is the first time that I really tried anything in cp - and enjoyed it a lot. I did not have the exact same colors as what JD had, but gave it a shot with what I had.

So it will be on to lesson 11 for me know. Judi thanks for the comments on the pencil sketch I see what you mean and will work on it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Dec-2005/69011-lesson10fruit.jpg

[Judi1957]

Very pretty Mary!!! I love the color selection.:) My only comment here would revisit the table line on the right. I think it needs to be further back, as it appears the pot may be over the edge of the table.
Is that the hint of fabric on the left?

[Africanart]

Hey Judi

Thanks ... yip that is the fabric in the left, see what you mean with the front, it would make sence to move it back.

thanks again
mary

[Africanart]

How's this Judi? :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Dec-2005/69011-fruitbowl.jpg

[Judi1957]

Better Mary!:) I would round off the peaks of the fabric and add some values for some FOLDS :D to finish it off.

[Africanart]

:eek:


FOLDS !!!!!!! :crying:

Thanks

Mary

[Judi1957]

:evil:

[Africanart]

oh man you are whicked - :D

[karstenbuch]

Seems like a long time since anyone posted in this class, so I better post my hunting nature morte. :)

305840

[Fireman's kid]

Karsten, this is a very nice still life you have here! Nice shadows and shading and I like the different textures (feathers, wood, metal). The only bit I'm not sure about is the back edge of the board. It seems a little off to me, but that might just be a result of the picture/scan. Or maybe the box on top is throwing me off. Either way, it's a minor point so I'll give you three of these guys... :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Anita Murphy]

Karsten - this straight out of my childhood!!! I think Stacy is right - the line doesn't match up from the side of the board on the left side of the picture to the top corner - could be you are taking a leaf out of Cezanne's book though :wink2:

[frieda L]

It would be nice to focus on still lifes for a bit.
When we were in Brussels last summer, visiting lots of museums, the kids hated the still lifes with dead fish or hunting spoils... They thougt still life was a misnomer for still dead!
No dead meat in this one... Even though I am pleasantly surprised with the result, I would love the critique, so I can improve on it.
I think I will do the cherry plate next.
frieda
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Sep-2006/22676-101_lesson10_005.jpg

[frieda L]

here is my slightly improved version (I hope), thanks to some tips I got in the cp forum... any mistakes? I will get started on the cherry plate next, I think.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Sep-2006/22676-101_lesson_10_008.jpg
frieda

[Judi1957]

Hi Freida!:wave:

Lovely-and I love the improvement! I think the shadow under the grapes really sets it off and defines the bowl and shadow better! Looks like you added some more layers too-which really make it pop!

[drawingfun]

Frieda that is really beautiful, Lidia

[frieda L]

:wave: Hi Lidia, thank you... are you planning to work on a few still lifes?
see you around...
frieda

[drawingfun]

Hi Frieda, I am working on the first assignment from the De Reyna book, so as soon as I post it and finish with that I will work on the one that you just did. By the way did you found the reference photo for that still life? I have been searching for it but couldn't find it and I always like to look at the actual photo itself. Ah! the only color pencils I had were my daughter's crayola and roseart school pencils so I am waiting for my 120 prismacolor pencils I got last week from ebay ,and then I can start practicing color pencil too, take care, Lidia

[frieda L]

Lidia,
you'll find the picture on page 15, post#215, by Cathie Jones. also somewhere else, JayD posted a link when someone asked...
have fun with your new box of pencils...enjoy!
frieda

[JayD]

Karsten, you're a hoot! Great still life!

Hi Frida!!

Hello, Masked Avenger (Anita)!

[drawingfun]

Thanks Frieda ,I hope my pencils come real soon.Lidia

[drawingfun]

Hi everybody, I got my colored pencils and I think a better drawing paper . I worked on the two first assignments JayD gave us and here they are. Please C&c really welcome. Lidia

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Oct-2006/87248-IMG_0372_edited.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Oct-2006/87248-IMG_0374.jpg

[Judi1957]

Beautiful work Lidia!:clap: :clap:

Love the coffepot still life! One suggestion there-The shadow of the creamer-maybe make the shadow fade more smooth and gradual.
On the cp still life-maybe add some more to the pot to give it some more shape/roundness. Perhaps fill in the fruit some more and more shadow under the pot. You are near there!:thumbsup:

[drawingfun]

Thanks Judy , I will work on your suggestions and come back, Lidia

[frieda L]

Oh, Hi JayD :wave:
Lidia, I just love the shinyness of your coffee/tea pot! Your grape stilllife turned out very nice as well. I especially love the plums!
I managed to finish (probably not) a new stillife. Does this count as a stillife? It is a cactus flower. In real life it was a whole crown of cactus flowers, but I could only bear the thought of doing three...
I am hoping to slowly work my way through the classes... might have to skip the charcoal ones until I find charcoal... but when this one is really finished, I will do the plate of cherries.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Oct-2006/22676-cactus_barrel,_cp_on_Stonehenge_008.jpg
thank you, Judi, for your advice,
and Lidia, good job, keep it up
frieda

[drawingfun]

Frieda it looks beautiful, I worked on my still lifes a little bit more but forgot totally to post them. I went to class 11 on charcoal, but nobody has checked it yet, I think the class is a little dead. If you want and can please check my drawing and give me an opinion , I'd really appreciate it. I am now on class 12, trying to do everything with the q-tip, kind of difficult but fun. I really enjoyed the color pencils, I'll try to do anothe still life soon, Lidia

[Judi1957]

Freida! That is beautiful! I would count it as a still life.:clap: :clap:
Love the colors and the brightness-are you using pastel or colored pencil?

Looking forward to the bowl of cherries.
You and Lidia are doing so wonderful!!!!

[drawingfun]

Thanks Judi , you are really nice and encouraging, I really can see the difference now on how my drawing have changed, I am not so afraid of putting darks on my drawings. I can't wait to get to the portrait class so I can redo my daughters portraits with the right lights and darks,and proportions of course, Lidia

[frieda L]

thank you, Judi...
The cactus flower is done in colored pencil, prismacolors, on stonehenge, size 7 1/5 x 8,
I am struggling with the cherries... unbelievable mistakes, made the cherries too small, so instead of sitting in this gorgeous deep shadow, which I cannot replicate, they look like they are sitting in a puddle of mud. I think I will start by adding more cherries...I will try to post my disaster WIP a little later...
frieda

[drawingfun]

Judi , I worked on what you told me a little bit more, I think the pictures are not really good but let me know your opinion, thanks, lidia

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Oct-2006/87248-IMG_0413_edited.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Oct-2006/87248-IMG_0411_edited.jpg

[Mary Woodul]

Lidia these are beautiful! I would just intensify the highlights erasing a little with a kneeded eraser or a clickable one on the coffee pot and maybe just push your darks a little.

Frieda I agree with Judi, you cactus flowers are lovely.

[eyepaint]

Hi again,

I'm chugging through the classes (but I've temporarily skipped the book report.) I've started exercise 1 with the diagram of the still life objects. I'd appreciate feedback on what I've got so far. No sense plunging forward if the skeleton structure needs a tweak.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Jan-2007/96240-IMGP5990.JPG

Thanks so much for any feedback,
EP

[Judi1957]

Hi EP!
Great job!

The pot is fantastic!:clap: :clap: Only thing there would be the ellipses for the topper on the lid.

On the cup and saucer-recheck your ellipses. Same for the bottom of the creamer. Remember-the ellipses turn the corners smoothly.
Check your pm's too please:)

[eyepaint]

Hi Judi,

Thanks for your feedback. I've worked more on this drawing and I'd like to ask for another quick glance from you, if you don't mind.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Feb-2007/96240-IMGP6262.JPG

I couldn't find the still life photo in the RIL that was used earlier in this class (silver bowl with some green grapes and some red cherries?) so I selected another still life. http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=38254&cat=63

I'm having a hard time with the handle on the mug and I wonder if you have some handy tips that I could try? (The drawing is square on the page, but I couldn't get a a straight-on photo without blur).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Feb-2007/96240-IMGP6264.JPG


Thank you for your time.
Cheers,
EP

[Judi1957]

Hi EP!:wave:

I think the teapot and creamer look good. :clap:
I do think the cup and saucer are looking a bit like they are floating. I believe the problem there is it seems like they are drawn as being viewed at a different angle than the pot and creamer. Look at this cup I found in the RIL-I think this view--studying the ellipses is more what you need here.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Feb-2007/37258-tea_cup_for_EP.JPG

I'll check back here later-or give me a hollar-whichever comes first:D

[eyepaint]

Hi Judi,

Here goes my attempt at your new ref photo. I'm assuming you would like to see just a line drawing of the cup and saucer (no shading, no other objects included).
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2007/96240-IMGP6355.JPG


I think it looks a bit shaky, and I zoomed in when I took the photo so it reallly magnifies my jiggly hand :)

Fingers crossed,

[Judi1957]

Hi Ep!:wave:

I think the cup looks better.:thumbsup: :) When you are doing objects like this-one side of the centerline should mirror the other side.
Look again at the cup's handle curves and thicknesses.
Now try adding some values to make the cup sit down 'in' the saucer as the saucer is concave. See ya later!:wave:

[eyepaint]

Hi Judi,

I redrew the cup and saucer and added values. Does the saucer look concave?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2007/96240-IMGP6926.JPG

Cheers,

[Alison2]

Hi everyone,

It looks concave to me EP, but I'm sure someone will be along soon to help!

I've just been working on this exercise. Not finished the first one yet, but here are the progress pics so far and I hope to finish this first exercise over the weekend.

All comments/criticisms are very welcome!

Thanks,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jul-2007/43103-wc10a.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jul-2007/43103-wc10b.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jul-2007/43103-wc10c.jpg








Alison2:wave:

[cmwynn]

EP - you really brought that along with good elipses and it definitely is concave. I think the base of the cup should be wider, but then I only use mugs since such delicate china is too fragile for my hands.
Alison - good to see your first sketches with the center lines in place. The finished drawing is good but I am not sure whether the cup is in front of the kettle or not. It seems to be but then the bottom is higher than the bottom of the kettle.

[Alison2]

Hi Connie,

Thanks for your comments! I really appreciate the feedback we get in these classes. You're right, I think the cup is in front of the kettle but a little raised as it's on the cloth. I've done a bit more work on this and think it looks a bit clearer in this one - hope so!

Alison2:wave:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Aug-2007/43103-101CLASS10.jpg

[Dougwas]

Hello.

I decided to move ahead and post my line drawing for Exercise 1. The scan is a little darker than RL.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Line_Drawing.jpg
Doug

[Judi1957]

Hi Doug! Looking good!:clap: :thumbsup:
My only C & C would be to take a look at
1. the creamer's shape and symmetry
2.round out the coffee pot's base ellipse.
3. the cup's base within the saucer.

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi.:wave:

I made the corrections you listed as well as reshaping the cup on the right hand side. I noticed it didn't look right when I held it up to the mirror. I did a book report in Class 9 if you care to have a look. I really appreciate your time and help. I am learning so much.

Thank you,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Line_Drawing_2.jpg

Doug

[Dougwas]

Hi Again Judi.:wave:

You can see I really have a life. (hehe) I went ahead and started shading as per Jay's instructions at the beginning of the class. I am trying a different paper this time and I am not happy with the scan. If it's not one thing it's another.:confused: Jay's instructions were to start to build up the objects and then the next step is when the actual shading is done (I think). So here is what I have done as of 10:12pm PST.

Thanks for looking,
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Basic_Shading.jpg

Doug

[Judi1957]

Looking wonderful Doug!:clap: :clap:
The only thing is I think the tall creamer shape is not quite symmetrical yet.

What paper are you using?
Here is a great thread you may want to browse:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280018
:thumbsup:

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi.

Well, the snow has stopped and the rain has started. It was a good day to stay inside and draw.:) I think the creamer is fixed. I was just going to erase it because I drink my coffee black anyway.:lol: It would have been an easy fix. I just wanted you to check my shading and the creamer before I went any further. I know the saucer needs more shading but I'm a little stumped on it. I think it will come to me when the counter is started.

The paper I am using is just copy paper because all my drawing paper seemed too rough. I went down to our Electronics/Stationary/Book/Art store today and to my amazement they had cartridge paper and bristol. I bought both:D . Can't wait to try it. Thank you for the thread. It has some great info in it.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Basic_Shading_2.jpg

Doug

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi.

I just went ahead because I have lots of time on my hands and felt like doing more drawing. I figured if I make any mistakes I have erasers.:evil: I have never shaded fabric before so I'm not too happy with it but I am happy with everything else. I did the wall like that because I wanted to add some texture to make the drawing pop. Maybe I have to make it a little darker. Let me know what you think.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Basic_Shading_3.jpg

Doug

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi. Again.

As soon as I posted my last post I knew it needed more shading. I always do that.:mad: Anyway, here is what I came up with. It's a little darker in RL.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Basic_Shading_4.jpg

Doug

[cmwynn]

Doug - we are seeing this drawing grow step by step. You seem fairly comfortable now with the shapes and some shading. I would suggest that you study the reference again to notice the darkness under some objects, particularly the saucer. I don't have a problem with the darker background, but objects will show up more if they contrast a lot with the background.
If you consistently get scans that are lighter than the image you have drawn, look up the software for your scanner. It is usually simple. I almost always have to adjust the scan of a drawing before I accept it, though photographs come out just about right. That works better for me than adjusting it in Photoshop later.

[Dougwas]

Hi Connie.

Thanks for your comments. I am really getting more comfortable drawing shapes and shading. Those darn shadows still get me sometimes though. I touched up under the saucer and hardened the line under the pot and creamer.

Also, thanks for the tip on the scanner setup. I think I might have it figured out now.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_1_Basic_Shading_5.jpg

Doug

[Dougwas]

Hello.

Here is my outline drawing of my still life for Exercise 2. I cropped a photo from the RL. I will be doing this in soft pastels.:eek: ( I hope) It is about 7.5 x 10 on AS Colourfix white paper using a charcoal pencil. A bowl of cherries.

Thanks,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_2_Outline_Drawing.jpg

Doug

[Judi1957]

Hi Doug!:wave:
I have been away for quite a while--my apologies! Connie hit it on the head on the darks-
try this exercise HERE (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194265). I think making the value scale and using it is indispensable!

I would love to see the RIL photo you are using for your still life---come on - share:D

[cmwynn]

Doug - you really improved that drawing. I took a minute to look up mine when I took this class, a little embarassing. But I am still learning, too. And the value scale is invaluable. (pun) You can use a commercial one or make one to fit the paper and medium you are currently using, but either way, it does help to compare the value of any spot on your drawing to the reference.
The line work for the cherries looks good. They are maybe not as round as they should be, I don't see the reference. I checked that in the beginning of this lesson Jay said to draw each element totally, then go on to using just the lines you need when there is overlap, by tracing or by erasing. Is that what you did? That's the sort of thing that you can slip by on for some drawings but it shows later on when you don't do it.

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi and Connie.

Thanks for looking. I will work on my value scale tonight. It is a very good idea.

Connie, you busted me!!! I forgot to draw the whole cherries.:o I will make sure they look round. I promise. :angel: Here is an update of the still life and the ref photo. There is still lots to do. I still have to add highlights and details and soften the edges. Did you know that red pastel is hard to get off you hands and out of your pores?:lol:

Thanks for looking,

Doug

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_2_Start_of_Painting.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2007/102199-9879dsc01888cherries_cropped.jpg

[Dougwas]

Hello again Judi and Connie.

Here is my value scale. I did it on cartridge paper which I have now. I can sure tell the difference from my sketch book paper. I kept on putting more and more graphite on. This scale will really help me with shading.

Thanks for your help,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Shade_Value_Chart.jpg
Doug

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi and Connie.

Well, here is my still life. Soft pastels on white AS Colourfix paper. I am still seeing red:eek: . I think they look round. What do you think?

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_2_Still_Life_1.jpg

Doug

[Judi1957]

Great work Doug!:clap: :clap: :clap: Just beautiful!!!!
I would only suggest you look at those darks a lil. I think they need to be darker in the recesses. Try---on a scrap paper on what color you can add over the red to deepen it---perhaps a dark blue or purple?

Great job on the value scale.:clap: :clap: I think you could have had a lil more variation between adjacent shades--but it could be the scan/pic you posted.
I have the WC copy printed out and use that for comparisons when doing a drawing. I have it sealed in laminate. You can also buy them--but what the heck---it is free here.:D :thumbsup: . Though nothing is better than learning the needed touch/layers for the desired shade because it affects your work. You can make a different value scale for each drawing as perhaps there are not always 10 different values. (or more:eek: :D )

[Dougwas]

Hi Judi.

Thanks for your comments. I darkened the stem indents and the deep shadow areas. I think it makes the cherries stand out more. It's funny, it doesn't seem to matter if it's pastels or graphite, I seem to have a fear of the darks.

Regarding the value scale, it was a great exercise for my fear of darks. I thought I was finished a couple of times, put it down for a while, picked it back up and made it even darker.:eek: I am going to follow your idea of copying the WC scale.

Thanks for looking,

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Nov-2007/102199-Class_10_Ex_2_Still_Life_2.jpg

Doug

[cmwynn]

Doug - those are delicious looking cherries. I just can't do pastels, have enough mess with charcoal, don't like the feel and dust, though pastels have such luscious colors. The highlights and the dark spaces between make these look real. One way to check a colored drawing is to put it in Photoshop or whatever you are using (The Gimp is a free downloadable program, with many of the features of Photoshop.) Go to mode and make your scan or photo greyscale. Then check it against that value scale you just made.

[Willemien]

here is the first assignment of this lesson.
I forgot to scan the first line drawing :wink2:
Also I am nog completly saitisfied with the bottom of the pitcher. It should be more round.
I decided to not do the background, not because I am lazy:smug: but I wanted the attention to stay on the objects.

Tips and comment more than welcome

best regards, Willy

[cmwynn]

Willy - you did a fine job with this part of the assignment. Th only problem area is the place where the saucer and coffee pot intersect. Because the values are so similar in each, the saucer seems in front of the pot. But it is higher, so that it must sit farther back on the table. You got the shapes very symmetrical, each item has a definite texture, the shading is good with a strong differential between the lightest and darkest values, with the highlights giving a very realistic finish.

[Willemien]

Hi
today I have been busy with the second assignement. I had to make it twice.
When I finished the first time, I saw that the dish wasn't right (my own fault because I did not draw the (construction) lines.
So I did it again, drew all the neccesary line, ellipses and so on, but still it does'n't look right.

Ofcourse at Christmas time, you can expect something weird in your fruitbowl.

I wish you all a

Merry Christmas

[cmwynn]

Willy - the second bowl is better, but still looks as though someone sat on one side of it. Some of the elipse is hidden by the grapes, but it is wider on our right than the left. The shadows are fine. The plums look good, the grapes could use more shading to make them round. They will have to be connected by a stem, which is not showing at all.

[Willemien]

thanks Connie for your comment.
I am going to try to work on this some more.
The mistake I probablu made, wat that I have drawn the opening of the bowl to wide. I hope I can erase it a bit.
Seem that I have more problems with colors. Yesterday evening I worked on the cherries (with oil pastel) and they ended up in the waste bin.
It really was terrible.
But I will move on.
Best regards, Willy

[Willemien]

I worked on the fruitbowl some more.
I tried to correct the bowl itself, which was not easy because colorpencil is difficult to erase, but I think it is better now :rolleyes: What do you think.
I did some more shading on the grapes and connected them with some stems.

I would appreciate your tips and comments. :heart:

Best regards, Willy:wave:

[Willemien]

As I was struggling with the oil pastels I did the cherries, with which I tried not to forget the assignement tones and shadow.
All tips and comment welcome

Best regards, Willy

[cmwynn]

Willy - the bowl is definitely better. The grapes are improved as well. You are good at getting the corrected pictures up. When we were taking the class it was almost too fast for us to do the needed corrections so taking it at your own pace is better.
About the cherries: they seem to be spread out more than I would expect in a bowl. They do crowd on top of each other, overlapping the edges, with some dark space between but not as much as you show. If this is a plate rather than a bowl, the spaces would be lighter in places. Is that clear?

[Alison2]

Willy your work is great, I hope you're enjoying these classes! I'm doing them too but very sloooowly...

Here's my still life in pastels. It's not a brilliant scan, I put an acetate in front of it to protect the glass and it's made it look fuzzier than it actually is, and I've got a bit muddy on some of the grapes but I've learned a lot in the process!

Alison2:wave: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Dec-2007/43103-wc10bowl.jpg

[Willemien]

Hi Allison,
This is really beautiful, specially the grapes, they ahve the fuzzy chalky look that grapes can have. Great work :clap:

[Willemien]

Hi,

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Last work in this class is a vegetable still life.
I found the mushrooms a little bit difficult, not because of their form, but the color - white - and the toning.
I hope you would like to comment.

Best regards, Willy

[cmwynn]

Willy - I like everything about the vegetable bowl, but I still am having trouble seeing all the details. Have you tried using the scanner sofware to get realistic darks and lights? In this case, there would probably be a dark shadow under the lip of the bowl, but I am not sure.
Allison - very good still life. The bowl has a tendency to be shorter on the one side (our right) but almost everyone has done it that way so the reference might be off. The fruit is delicious looking, the shadows very convinicing and the reflections are especially good. We all know the problems of scanning but the chalky look here is not a problem.

[Alison2]

Thanks Connie, I appreciate it! I'm working on the final exercise now so will be back...eventually!

Willy, love the bowl, the ellipsis looks great and I love the shine on the aubergine!

Alison:wave:

[Willemien]

oh ellipsis, they really drive me crazy.... :evil:
although I followed all the lessons, I still have problems with them.
I really is a struggle every time and I am happy if things work in one session, meaning I have a good ellipse on the first time :(

[cmwynn]

I still have trouble with an elipse, after countless tries. You just have to keep at them, practice, practice.

[Alison2]

Hi everyone,

I did the cherries for my second still life and chose to do them in acrylic. I loved doing this and so took my time...didn't want it to end. It actually looks much better than it does in the pic, honest! I'm pleased with it and think I'll definitely do more like this!

Love these classes - and the fact that I'm so behind it doesn't matter how slow I am!

Thanks!
Alison2:wave: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Mar-2008/43103-cherriescrop.jpet

[Judibelle]

Hi...Here is my attempt at the first still life. It looked better on my paper than it does in the scan...oh, well...
comments welcome..
JBhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Apr-2008/103700-scan0002.jpg_______class_10_still_life.jpg

[cmwynn]

Alison - those cherries shine. Good shapes, good lights and darks. Are these patel pencils? They usually give this precise shaping and toning but are torture to me since I erase almost more than I color.
Judibelle - You have very good shapes, even the dreaded ellipse of the bowl top. I am wondering which medium you are using? The colors are not blending well but that could be a problem of the scanner. You might check out the forum of colored pencils or pastels, which ever you used to get some tips on blending colors.

[Judibelle]

thanks, Connie. I actually used pastel pencils on this, and it didnt work too well. I am trying the sketch threads in each of those forums now, so maybe will be able to improve with practice...
JB

[Alison2]

Hi Connie, thanks for your comments! I've gone the whole hog and used acrylics for the cherries this time. I do like pastel pencils though. Torture for me is charcoal, but I did have a go at exercise 11 - got more on me than I did on the paper! :eek:

Alison:wave:

[EdieB]

Hi, The last weeks have been busy, Dentist emergency, eyes surgery for my husband but at last here is my 1st still life. Hope Connie health is getting better. Have a good day Edie B

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=395270&stc=1&d=1211330582

[EdieB]

PS -Connie I downloaded your frog it was go pretty and I will try to draw it, I know I can't make the weekly draw. DDeirdre, the frog was a good pick. Have a great day EdieB

[*Deirdre*]

Hi, The last weeks have been busy, Dentist emergency, eyes surgery for my husband but at last here is my 1st still life. Hope Connie health is getting better. Have a good day Edie B


Gosh...you have been busy! Hope all is well now?
Regarding your still life...good line drawing, just a tad too flat on the bottom edge of the lid of the coffee pot. Easily fixed!. I feel you could benefit from going further on the the tones and textures which is what rounds it out.:wink2:
Have you got the book this course is based on? It shows the various stages of this drawing graphically...starting with the line drawing, then filling in the element using dark mid and light tones in blocks of tone within the objects.
I hope you don't mind me using your drawing to save me time...it would look like this..
1
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-May-2008/33616-edie1.jpg

Then he adds some more darks and even takes out some lights (not easy in places on a printed drawing!:evil: :D )
2
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-May-2008/33616-edie2.jpg


Finally...he plays about with lights and darks and shadows....and it begins to look more real...again...difficult on the printed drawing!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-May-2008/33616-edie3.jpg

I hope you appreciate that my scribble is due to lack of time...but I hope you get the gist of what I've tried to show you too!:D I should have cleaned off my mucky finger prints...but de Renya actually hides those by drawing wallpaper...I ran out of time!:evil: :lol:

[EdieB]

Deirdre, Thank you I only read Chapter 9 but haven't try the Figure E coffee pot or the blocks - Well do these this weekend if things go well. My other half is doing good and eye surgery will be Tuesday and again on June 10th -:clap: :heart: I loved your editing. Lets see what I can do. Thanks for the help Have a great day

[EdieB]

Deirdre, Had to go our dinner was starting to burning:o the other day, but I did have time today to work in my picture and add a quick drawing of the half bowl of cherries. I think I'm still off on doing the real dark areas. :( For the cherries I used pencil & watercolor pencil. Now the timer is going off I got to get the chicken out of the oven. Have a great day Thanks again for all your help. http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=395703&stc=1&d=1211757589http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=395704&stc=1&d=1211757589

[EdieB]

:wave: I try Demonstration 2 - I used a small watercolor pencil set I bought to see if I like it,:o it was on sale, 8 pencils, bush, how-to-book, and paper pad. It was fun, but I didn't have all the colors mention in the instructions. Not even close to the colors.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=396126&stc=1&d=1212115966

Have a good day

[*Deirdre*]

These are better Edie! It takes a while to be confident using darker tones...but when you do it takes your art on in leaps and bounds.... always remember that you need the dark/light contrast to make your picture pop.

If you're not confident of what it will look like, you can always print out the line drawing...then try various tones on the printout, before committing to the original.

The other way to check is to use a spare copy of the ref...and punch pencil sized holes in the areas in question...lay it over your drawing...and see if you've matched the tone!

[svoby]

well this is the sketch of the still life ......i'm finding this a bit difficult as i dont have the book (ordered it a while ago but it has to come from america) and when i printed it , it came out really light anyway hope this is what it is meant to look like
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jun-2008/129187-still2.jpg (http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/Uploader/upload_image_save2.php#)
i think im finally learniong to see the shapes not just the picture

[svoby]

well this finished:crying: i ruined it doing the background...i had an idea and :eek: yuk....i used machanical pencil on sketch book....background is graphitint pencil cloud grey cool grey and dark indigo:o then i went over it with a damp paint brush......dont think i'll try that again:crying: (wrong sort of paper to start with) oh well if we dont make mistakes we will never learn.........
anyway let me know what you think...i'm going to try another still life now
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jun-2008/129187-still3.jpg (http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/Uploader/upload_image_save2.php#)

[*Deirdre*]

Lindee...ok...so the bg didn't work out...but the objects are great:thumbsup: really good rendering and shapes...the cloth needs a bit more...but then, you haven't done drapes yet...and we haven't had a lesson on BGs have we? Be proud of this one too! If you want to get rid of the BG...just go dark:wink2:

On to the next lesson!:D

[svoby]

thanks Deidre...i've got no idea how to do a background as you can see lol...i was going to leave this one blank and then thought no give it a go, i think i'll just leave it alone now....the cloth was a bother too and a first (actually second the first was the background in class 7) and i'd never done still life or objects until i came here..i always just liked to draw people and not very well lol.....thanks for being here...i hope you know my progress is due to your encouragement...i'm off to do some fruit and yet another first lol

[svoby]

here is my fruit....plums dont look like plums and the grapes look like olives lol:lol: .....i dont think fruit is my thing:o
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jun-2008/129187-fruit.jpg
fabriano sketch paper...machanical pencil and my new graphitint pencils ivy, port and cold grey

[svoby]

here are the cherries on the same paper with machanical pencil
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jun-2008/129187-cherries.jpg

[*Deirdre*]

Hi Connie, thanks for your comments! I've gone the whole hog and used acrylics for the cherries this time. I do like pastel pencils though. Torture for me is charcoal, but I did have a go at exercise 11 - got more on me than I did on the paper! :eek:

Alison:wave:
Alison...using Acrylics is fine...provided we see the underdrawing in dry media first...remember for next time!

[*Deirdre*]

Lindee your fruit was fine! I think the cherries were very good...and the potatoes and olives were good too!:p :lol: Just kidding!!:evil: I know they are plums and grapes! Perhaps the choice of medium affected how you saw them...it might have been better to use graphite this time. You can go to the next class now!

[eam71]

Here are my line drawings for the first two exercises:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2008/69473-Ex_1_v1_resize.jpg

I think there's something wrong with the cup's rim but can't quite put my finger on it. Also, I just realised that the cup is too tall when compared to de Reyna's. Going to take another look at the book and try figure out where I went wrong.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2008/69473-Ex_2_v1_resize.jpg

I would very much appreciate it for some insight on the drawings - is there anything else wrong? I've gone cross-eyed!

I must admit that apart from enjoying all the drawings posted in these classes, I'm also enjoying Cathie Jones' smilies from the earlier posts of each class. I wonder where does she get those amazing smilies?! :D

[*Deirdre*]

Emi...the shapes are fine...proportions are not quite there...not far off though...I've overlaid your picture with the ref...just so you can see why it's off...tell me why...and you can finish the shading:wink2:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2008/33616-emi1.jpg

[eam71]

Thanks for the overlapped images, Deirdre! :eek: How did you do that? Did you use transparencies and layers in a photo editor?

Anyway, generally, my objects are bigger than the ref but the creamer especially jumps out.
Pot : mine is a tad too tall.
Cup : my eye level is lower - in the ref, you can see more into the cup.
Although the top half of my rim seems to echo the ref's, mine is uneven - there's a sharp edge at the midpoint and the curves on both sides aren't identical (think it's also because my centre line isn't quite centred!).
Also, the bottom half of my rim is too straight.
Here's another mistake - I'd marked the bottom too close to the half mark, even the top half wasn't marked that close.
The length of my rim should be slightly longer and yup, my cup's slightly taller than the ref.
Creamer : should be placed just at the left half of the cup and be made shorter.
Table edge : mine is almost horizontal whereas it should be more angled.

Is there anything that I missed?

[*Deirdre*]

Hi Emi...yes...I think you got most of the points...a very good exercise in observation and one worth doing - especially when the eye sees 'something is off'!:D One important point...where you have a symmetrical shape...double check the symmetry. As an artist you can juggle the position of objects...and not be readily spotted:wink2: ...but symmetry is a different matter....our eyes are expert at spotting deviations from normal.
OK...alter the cup's ellipse, leave the creamer where it is...and carry on shading.:)

[eam71]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jul-2008/69473-De_Reyna_resize.jpg

Deirdre, I feel guilty about this drawing as the photo is much nicer than the drawing in RL :o. Anyway, I really struggled with this in terms of technique and paper (really smooth texture that I tried for this exercise but I think it helped for the cloth). I found it extremely tough shading the de Reyna way. I threw away those attempts before completing this the way I normally shade - mark out the reflection shapes, leave the white of the paper as highlights and take it from there. Take it that's points off for me.

I apologise for the wall but that's as good as I can get it. I see now that my pot spout is angled downwards, the perspective for the table is off and the foreground table edge wavers - :D it's a well-worn table!

[eam71]

I've progressed a bit with Exercise 2 but before I complete it, I thought I'd submit a photo of my set-up for Exercise 3 and get an opinion on it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2008/69473-eam71_set-up_v1_resize.jpg

I can't "see" the composition anymore but the idea is this:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2008/69473-eam71_set-up_v1-2.jpg

Did I miss something? One thing's for sure, I'm keeping the droopy leaves in my drawing - I'm hoping that the droopy leaves will keep the drawing from being too contrived or too traditional. If I knew how to render dead roses, I would love to include some in the bunch. I'll be drawing this in graphite. :D Attempting my own set-up is adventure enough for me for this lesson!

[*Deirdre*]

I found it extremely tough shading the de Reyna way. I threw away those attempts before completing this the way I normally shade - mark out the reflection shapes, leave the white of the paper as highlights and take it from there. Take it that's points off for me.


No...it's not points off for you! Nothing is set in stone regarding shading...I think...if it works...it works...no matter how it's achieved. It's all an illusion anyway...and there is no one set method! This is fine...you completed the illusion...it looks like it's based on the ref! Well done!:thumbsup:

As for part 3...the composition is fine but it might be easier to remove one of the smaller objects given that they are all complex shapes....and in composition it is preferable to use an odd number of object...3 or 5... see what you think:wink2:

[eam71]

Deirdre, thanks for the encouragement! I'm only halfway reading through this class's posts and so far, it seems the past students shaded the de Reyna way. So, I felt a bit like the class dunce.

For my Exercise 3 set-up, I've got 3 objects now. I think I see what you mean - my set-up of 4 objects looks uninteresting compared to 3. Now that you've mentioned the 3 and 5 items, a question : what if the set-up is such that the eye can't take in the number of objects? I'm thinking of paintings where the artist has put a whole load of items in one set-up e.g. fruits, plates, breads, candle sticks and cutlery etc. etc. etc. The eye can't identify how many items there are (unless you were to count them), so is it okay if you end up with even numbers in that case?

I decided to keep the jar and not the square candle holder. A few ellipses are more bearable than getting the perspective right for the candle holder (all those weaves!). I'm going to enlarge the jar as well because I think it's too small as-is for the drawing. I've done a thumbnail sketch; hopefully it gives a better idea:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2008/69473-Set-up_sketch.JPG

[eam71]

Forgot to post my Exercise 2 drawing. It's in colour pencils. I got to really use my blender pencil for this :D (so far, I've only used the blender for colour exercises) and I tried JayD's grisaille (I even used indigo blue for my grisaille).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2008/69473-Ex_2.jpg

I'll not touch on the fabric :evil: but now I see that, while colouring, I lost the sides of the pot (they're now asymmetrical especially at the bottom) and god knows what the leftmost fruit in the pot is!

[Nansketch]

Here are my stage 1 drawings for Exercise 1 & 2. Gosh, the pot/cup/creamer -- really tough to get all those in correctly. This drawing is about 7 1/4x 5 3/4 in --basic sketch pad.

The fruit is 7x8 in -- on a lightly textured multipurpose sketch pad. I started with light pencil, then used color pencil to define a little more. Not sure if I will use cp or pastels.

Emi, both of your works look great, I really like the fruit bowl. Color scares me - we'll see how it goes.

Deidre, thanks for your help, comments, critiques etc.

Best to all.
Nancy

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jul-2008/141858-stillliffe.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jul-2008/141858-stillliffe_002.jpg

[eam71]

Zowee, Nancy! When I saw your line drawings, I logged in just to give you a big clap :clap:. IMHO, your perseverence paid off. Now that the tough part is over, the shading fun can begin subject to Deirdre that is.

Colour scares me, too! That's why I got some colour pencils to ease myself into colour works. I did find colour exercises helpful. Thank you, too, for your comments :).

If you decide to colour with pastels, I'm sure Deirdre will have some solid advice if you need some. Have you seen her paintings in the Pastels Forum?

[Nansketch]

Emi, thanks for the vote of confidence. I have a question for you -- in your color pencil work -- what blender do you use? Any special trick or tips you can share?

Nancy

[Nansketch]

Deidre, hope you don't mind --- I worked ahead on shading the still life exercise one(see post above). I had a nice amount of time to work, so I thought I would take advantage of it. Also, I realized in the de Reyna book, there are two different setups for this drawing. On page 48, the page I used for my initial drawing the creamer is much closer to the cup, actually behind it. When I looked further to check out the shading style --maybe page 50 0r 52 -- the creamer is more to the right and looks much taller. I stuck with my original version -- but can re-do if you'd like.

I think the left side of the pot is a bit slanted and the saucer seems a bit off but I am not sure why. Again, every time I was inclined to lighten, I tried to go darker.

C&C very welcome. Thanks for your time and help.

Nancy
basic sketch pad, 7 1/4 x 5 3/4in, used 2B & B mechanical pencil, finished with a 4B pencil to darken a bit more.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jul-2008/141858-stillliffe_003.jpg

[eam71]

Good job on the shading and good on you for going darker! It's the darkest I've seen you do so far but IMHO it's so much the better for your drawing though. Also, from your coffee pot, it looks like you're overcoming the challenge you said metal poses for you :clap:.

Don't know if you've tried this but if you'd like to see how dark you can go with a particular pencil hardness, why not scribble starting with the lightest pressure and finish off bearing hard on that pencil. If you'd like to try it on your drawing, how about making a copy of it and try it on that copy so you can relax and play.

Regarding your questions 2 posts above, hope I won't lead you astray as I'm still feeling the ropes and the colour pencils forum has more tips than I'm able to give.

I use the colourless blender pencil from Derwent but only because it's the only blender pencil available here. You have more choices in the US e.g. Prismacolor and Lyra blender pencils I think. I've mostly done colour exercises with colour pencils but here are what I did for Exercise 2:
I worked in layers and not just of the local colours (that's what I've noticed from colour media artists). E.g. for the plums, I used most of the reds in my arsenal and similarly my greens and blues for the other parts of the drawing. Won't be able to tell you which reds etc I used because I was groping blindly more than anything else :lol:. Turned out alright I guess.
I used multidirectional strokes in layering (tip from Cecile Baird's book "Painting Light With Coloured Pencil") i.e. one direction for one layer and a different direction for the next layer.
Also, the grisaille and the blender pencil helped tons. The blender pencil smooshed the colours together and got rid of the white of the paper that I couldn't quite cover up with the layers.If you're thinking of investing in colour pencils, I suggest getting artist grade if you can. Cheapo ol' me bought student grade colour pencils because I thought I just wanted to play but found student grade annoying, so I bought artist grade. I reckon the colours are more vibrant, go on and feels nicer, and covers up the white of the paper better. The student grade colours are comparatively muted and I generally like bright colours.

Thanks for asking the questions. Helped me to analyse the process and I feel it's going to help me in my next colour pencil piece. Now, if only I can figure out the actual colours....

[Nansketch]

Deidre
Exercise 1 is above,
Exercise 2 attached, the fruit bowl. Again I worked with pastels - unsure if I should or should not use fixative along the way. Overall I am pleased with the colors -- really pushed the colors on the plums. An early version was much redder -- so I kept working it and surprisingly it did come out as a muddy mess. I worked a couple of other areas just before I took the pic, but I'm not sure I like the dark areas around the grapes.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks
Nancy

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jul-2008/141858-stillliffe_004.jpg

[eam71]

Nancy, your drawing works for me! I particularly like the plums - I can see the purples and the reds you've got going there; it gives the plums form. IMHO, the darks around the grapes work, too. I think it suggests that there are other fruits in the pot but obscured by the grapes we see and that those fruits are propping up the grapes. Okay, I'll shut my gob now :D.

I've done my line drawing for Exercise 3 and mapped out some highlights. I've exercised the most patience with this than with any other drawing I've done and find that it's rather draining even with breaks. However, starting out with basic forms per previous classes helped get this going. Anyway, shading is up next but if anyone sees anything out of sync, your input would be greatly appreciated because my eyes are too tired, so I can't see if there are any visual hiccups.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jul-2008/69473-Ex.3_line_drawing.JPG

[Nansketch]

Emi,

I love your still life set up and line drawing -- have you decided on a medium yet. For my still life, I will probably do one of the optional photos -- just couldn't figure out a set up at home. Good luck with yours.
"Talk" to you soon.
Nancy

[*Deirdre*]

Just brieflyl...as I'm going out the door! (I have an art show this weekend...and I'm the organiser!) I will get to you on Monday for a more detailed critique...both Nancy and Emi doing well!:thumbsup:

[eam71]

Nancy - thanks! I decided on graphite. As I went on, thanked my lucky stars I did because I'm finding my set-up kind of overwhelming. I needed your "good luck" wish! What if I'd gone on in colour?!

Deirdre - I'd already read of your art show in another thread and didn't think we'd get to see you this week, what more with you having to moderate alone earlier this week. So, it's really wonderful of you to pop in for a bit :). Hope the show goes on great.

Thought I'd just post this to show where I'm at:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jul-2008/69473-Ex_3_WIP_1.JPG

I'm wondering if I should angle the leaf marked in red towards the lamp base? Right now, I think it visually takes you to the lamp shade and there's nothing there to bring the eye into the drawing or am I over-thinking it? :confused: