Lion Cub on drafting film WIP.

[d-images]

Okay folks,so I have finally decided to do a WIP on my largest drafting film project so far.My initial drawing might not show through very well because
that's just the way I work, so I'll ask you to bear with me.It's a lion cub standing on a dead tree trunk.I'm at the ugly stages right now,but I'm working it a stroke at a time.I'm intimidated by the size,but I think I'm not going to give up on it.I have actually done bigger pieces,but never fur.
It's 18"x24" drafting film with prismacolor - cream,sand,yellow ochre,light umber,dark umber,jasmin,goldenrod,terra cotta,Sienna and black.
You're welcome to tag along and let me know when I'm straying.I also appologise for my horible photos.Will do a better job next time.
Thank you guys...............D'Shey.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Oct-2008/22382-IMG_9356.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Oct-2008/22382-IMG_9357.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Oct-2008/22382-IMG_9378.jpg

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[TessDB]

ooo! I get a seat in the front row! Yay!

I'd say you're off to a good start, D'Shey! So... It looks like you're doing a layer of cream & then adding the darker/more vibrant colors on top of that?

Rosemary

[ocmd123]

Big kitty's fur is looking fabulous, D'Shey! I have the hardest time when I start with cream in one of the first layers. The colors that I layer on top end up looking kind of mushy, and don't blend well. I thought I was the nature of Prisma cream, but since yours is looking fab, it must me operator error! :p

[GoldenArt]

Another great one. I am watching and learning. Rick

[Peanut Butter]

I am SO glad you are posting a WIP!! It's like getting a peek at the wizard behind the curtain!

I'm intimidated by the size,but I think I'm not going to give up on it

Don't you dare give up on this! You are doing a great job and I'm enjoying watching it develop!:thumbsup:

[CRYork]

D'Shey, it is looking good already! I'm going to watch this one closely. I will be drawing my friend's puppy on drafting film. I've only done 2 drawings on the film. Thanks for posting a WIP, so I can learn as you go.

Elaine, I have had trouble with the Prisma cream, too. It seems like the other colors don't go on very well when I use cream on the first layer. I used to use it on the first layer of my skin tones on my portraits, but I started using it on about the 3rd layer, then it is not as bad.

Char

[d-images]

Thanks for tagging along Rosemary.You'll be getting a vip treatment,lol,and yes I always start with the lightest colors first otherwise if you lay down your darks before your lights it just does not show through.I learned that the hard way with my first drafting film piece.
Elaine,what kind of support do you use,drafting film or paper?What I've noticed is that by keeping my pencils very sharp really pulls out my strokes,that's why I sharpen my pencils manually.By that I mean literally by hand.
Rick,Laura and Char,nice for tagging along also.With the cream base,I guess you don't have a choice when it comes to drafting film.
Well,here is an update.Slowly but surely.

[Ittybit]

Great beginning, I love how you are starting with the tail and working forward. That would be very difficult for me as I always seem to work from the eyes out. Will definitely be watching this progress and thank you for posting as a WIP. I really love the way the colors come across with the drafting film.

[objectivistartist]

wow - really getting the realism down good... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[GoldenArt]

D'Shey, I also want to thank you for taking the time to do a WIP it is most helpful. I like the way you map out an area and then continue to build on it, it adds so much depth to the subject. Very good work. Rick

[CRYork]

I am amazed at how well you have rendered the fur...it looks like you are putting in one hair at a time! This is really looking good!

Can you explain a little bit how you are doing the fur? Are you putting in all the light strokes in an area, then putting in the darker strokes, or are you alternating back and forth. When I do people hair, I am working with all my colors at once, and mixing the colors up as I go along. Is that how you are working with the fur? Are you making short quick strokes?

If you keep your pencil sharp, how in the world can you use a hand-held sharpener? My hand would really be sore and tired!

Char

[azulparsnip]

awesome- thanks for the play by play

[d-images]

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys."Ittybit",Robert,Rick,Char and "Azulparsnip".The support is really appreciated.
Char to your question - Rick actually described it best.I do map out an area after my highlight has been layed down and then add my darker values.I hope I make some sense.As far as the strokes go,I'm making quick short strokes while paying attention to the direction of the fur which I think is very critical.On the horse piece I posted a while back,I used longer flowing strokes.So I guess it really all depends on the type of fur.I've also noticed that by turning the direction of the stroke on the support towards me makes it very easy.So basically I keep turning my support around depending on the direction of the fur.However,you must be careful to keep the overall picture in mind and that's why I map out sections at a time.I hope I make sense again.See,I'm not a good teacher and that's why I hardly do WIPs.
Well,here's an update.I'm also attaching the horse for comparison between the difference in fur texture.Hope it's allowed.If not kindly delete moderator.
Thanks.

[Ittybit]

Thank you for describing your pencil application technique, I think you make a great teacher. Your directions are simple and percise, great job. Nice work on the horse as well, I can really see the line of direction with the hair. Look forward to next post.

[TessDB]

See,I'm not a good teacher and that's why I hardly do WIPs.

You're doing great, D'Shey! Your explanation makes *total* sense. :D
I really like seeing the horse (with it's long, looser strokes) next to the cub, with the shorter, more tightly controlled strokes.

Hope you don't mind me adding this to your description: on drafting film, the pencils don't exactly layer & blend together the same way they do on paper. The strokes themselves stay really really visible, and you need to figure out how to make that work for you, not against you. :D

So D'Shey? If I'm getting princess treatment, does that mean I get to start whining and begging for another update soon? :lol:

Rosemary

[faula]

You have a great start here! I love how you get everything to look so light and warm, like the sun is shining right on the paper :D

[Lady Carol]

That fur is excellent. Stunning already.

Can I see a close up of the back legs? I am interested in how you drew the fur.

[SidneyEileen]

That's looking wonderful! :clap:
One of these days, I swear, I'm going to have to try drafting film myself. ;)

[Brattgirl]

D-Shey, I really envy your skills with drafting film...you've really got a handle on that stuff. This is looking great...the colors, the fur texture....:envy: :thumbsup: :)

[d-images]

Hi folks.I so sorry for lurking.I had to put art aside this weekend to spend some quality time with the boss lady since this was one of the rare times she gets two weekend days off in a row.Well,here's an update.
Ittybit - I'm glad my explanations make some sense,and thanks for your comments.
Rosemary - Sorry to keep you waiting.I don't know if I'm living up to my promise of giving you full VIP treatment.I will try to do a better job.And I definitely do not mind you or anyone adding tips to my post.That's the beauty of this forum.We're all here to learn.Thanks for the contribution.
Jennifer - Thanks for your comments .
Carol - Thanks for your comments too,and I hope the attachment reflecting the back leg is exactly what you were asking for.
Sid - Thanks for your comments.I really encourage you to try drafting film.It's a lot of fun especially for doing fur.
Jenna - Thank you so much.You're very inspiring.

[Jennyart]

It's beautiful. I love how it looks like it's going to jump out of the film. Thanks for the inspiration.

[ocmd123]

Wonderful update!! It's looking photographic! :) Great use of values!

[faula]

Lovely update :D He looks so soft I want to pet him

[MarshallCogburn]

If there is one thing I like it is watching a great piece of Art come together over time, and this one is no exception!

In my humble opinion fur is one of the hardest (if not THE Hardest) thing to draw, (For me anyway) so this to me is fantastic.

One question: I see that this is done on drafting film and I have really been wanting to do a piece on drafting film but I don't know where to get it.

I asked my local supply store if they knew where I could get some and all they had in stock was "Drafting Design Vellum" is this the same thing?

Anyway, fantastic piece! :clap:

[objectivistartist]

this is what ye want - http://www.dickblick.com/zz555/05/
called Dura-lar matte [ye need the matte both sides to work it]

[d-images]

Hi guys ,it's with much dismay that I have to inform you that I'm unable to finish this piece because my 1yr old got a hold of it and turned it into a drum.I underestimated his ability to climb onto the dining chair and reach my work on the dinning table.He pulled it down and drummed on it with one of his toys so hard that he punctured holes and dents all over my work.I was really upset with myself,but I have also learned a very valuable lesson.I don't see myself doing the same piece again at this time.Maybe some other time.I'll start something else and will share it with as a WIP.Sorry again and thanks for coming along on the journey.

[SidneyEileen]

What a shame...
I don't think I would have the heart to start over again, either. My heart goes out to you. I don't believe any of us would want one of our works to end in such an un-glorious way. It makes me sad this won't be finished, but I'm sure your next project will be just as much of a pleasure to see. Thanks for sharing.

[AnnGarlough]

Oh D'Shey, I am so sorry your beautiful artwork came to such an end. Hopefully at some later date you will be inspired to redo it, but I agree with you. For now I think it will be much more enjoyable for you to do something entirely different.

[ozfan]

I am so sorry to hear what has happened. My daughter and I were just enjoying your beautiful work and were looking forward to the finished piece. Put it out of your mind and look forward. You will no doubt create another wonderful work.:wave:

Suzanne

[Jennyart]

Oh no! The ultimate destroyers! My little one got a hold of something I had been working on for a long time and colored on it herself. I will never forget my mistake in leaving it out, but I also won't forget her "contribution" - she just wanted to help me. Maybe you could do a picture of your son drumming on a drum with a lion cub picture on it and give it to him when he's older and tell him he made quite an "impact" with your art.

[TessDB]

Arghhhh.... D'Shey, those little rascals can *seriously* challenge every nerve and bit of patience!

My guy is a big enough critter I don't have to worry about him drumming on stuff, but I do have cats that I have to guard against! I left a piece on my drawing table and little kitty hopped up when I wasn't around and managed to gouge ruts and trenches all over it with her claws. grrrrrr. :cool:

I'm now in the habit of clipping all wip's to a drawing board and setting up on a shelf until I can work on them again!

Really too bad... And I just linked someone to this thread, as a good wip for drafting film!

Y'know what that means, don't you? You've gotta start another wip on film! :evil: :D

hugs and sympathy! :wave:
Rosemary

[gealflings]

Oh nooooooo!! Gotta love those little monsters, eh! My 10-month-old has taken to sneaking up and grabbing my sketch right off the board and crumpling it beyond recognition AS I'M SKETCHING, so I feel your pain.

It WAS absolutely amazing, though! I look forward to your next one, for sure.

[Elen]

Oh,NOOOOOO ! :( I`m so sorry ... I was looking forward to seeing the finished piece ... That was a really remarkable work, any chances you could start it over ? Not now,may be a little bit later.. Tomorrow ? :wink2:

[Peanut Butter]

Oh, No! That's terrible! Thanks for showing us your WIP while you could. It is fascinating to me to see how you work! I'm looking forward to the next one!:)

[AnnGarlough]

I am here to give you all hope, though. They do outgrow it! At 42 and 35, my son and daughter now love my work. But when they were toddlers ...... oh the stories I could tell! :lol:

[Rowey]

beautiful, stunning work!!

[faula]

too bad :( Another reason I am glad I don't have kids ;)

[CRYork]

At least we got to see most of the WIP. I would have been crushed if it were such a great piece of mine! But, the little fellow didn't know any better, so what could you do? You are the one who learned the lesson, D'Shey. Right?

We have a cat, and when I am working on something, I always pull my chair away from the drawing table, so he can't climb up on the table on the way to the window sill. He did that once, and that is how I learned. He doesn't jump up on the table without a chair....he is 10 years old and quite heavy, so he doesn't do any jumping any more!

Jennifer, there a zillion more good moments than bad ones when you have kids.....until they get to be teenagers, anyway!

Char

[faula]

Jennifer, there a zillion more good moments than bad ones when you have kids.....until they get to be teenagers, anyway!

Char

not going to find out ;) My sister can be the one popping out kids

anyway back to the art. It is a shame it happened but it could have been completely finished before hand

[ManedWolf]

OH DEAR!

It might be possible to save your work by glueing it on another film. Put that another film on a very flat table, spread a thin layer of two-component epoxy glue on it, put the original drawing on that... then put down a thin polystyrene sheet / film (it's easy to rip off should it be accidentally glued to the drawing) and set a pile of heavy books on top to keep the whole thing flat.

[Lady Carol]

I am so sorry that the little tike got a hold of it. I guess one can never be too careful. I have a cat that loves to chew paper, so I have learnt not to leave anything around that he might get a hold of. And yes, it was a hard lesson to learn as well.

Thank you for the close up of the back legs BTW. Yes it did help me see how you were drawing the fur.

[d-images]

Thanks to all of you for sharing my pain.It makes me feel better about the whole situation.The piece has since been discarded.I figured out of sight,out of mind.Again,I really appreciate the emotional support.Will be back soon.

[SammyH]

My goodness, this is exquisite. I feel the need to reach out and thouch this beautiful creature but am afriad he'll snap at me! He looks so real. Beautiful fur. Can't wait to see it finished