Sketchbook Thread of Russo

[Rebeccak]

Hello Rodrigo, welcome to CGTalk and to the Anatomy Forum. :) I am glad you decided to post your Sketchbook here. You do not seem like a total beginner, there are a lot of good points to the portrait you've posted. I think that what you really want to focus on is the planes of the head - try not only to copy the master work but to analyze it - to break it down in terms of it's major shapes and smaller shapes. I really think that doing several of these master copies will really help you to advance in your skills. I look forward to seeing more of your work. :)

Cheers,

-Rebeccak

[spartan02]

Hows it going Rodrigo, welcome to the forums. Like Rebeccak said you have a good start here. You seem to have a good grasp of laying out basic shapes and proportions, from looking at your construction lines.
The forums here are a great place to interact with other and get feedback. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Matt

[R-Russo]

Rebecca: I´m so glad you gave me your advice!!! I admire your work so much.

spartan02: I´ll try to participate more on this forum, but I am a litle shy cause my English isn´t good.

Well, this is what I have so far for my second Head. This is just the sketch. I´ll post the final render tomorrow... or after tomorrow.

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/2301/head02unfinishedff9.jpg

[NR43]

Hi Rodrigo
Your English is really just fine ;)
I'm really pleased you're setting your mind on drawing 50 heads. (reminds me I've not even done half of them yet)

These first 2 studies are wonderful. Really like how you capture the essense, without going too much into detail. You know that is what beginners tend to do... getting themselves stuck while trying to add as much detail as possible, so I don't think you're a beginner either :)

you also seem to have good control over the position of the facial features, which is extremely important. there are some minor proportional issues in the first (the nose looks a bit too massive) but hell... my first heads were nothing like these... awesome!

As I'm getting back into head studies myself now that the torso challenge is finished, I'll do some more of the head challenge.
Thanks for the inspiration!

[Cris-Palomino]

Hello, Rodrigo.

These first two studies are very nice...delicate touches. I look forward to seeing more.

Cris

[R-Russo]

Ok. Here is my final second head:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head02.jpg
02 - Head # 006 - BELLINI, Giovanni
Head of the Baptist

I tried my best with this head, but again I realized a little late that it still contains a lot of mistakes.

Well. Lets move on to the next Head...

[R-Russo]

Just a dumb question: how can I change my Profile Name? I don´t want it to be like russo_rodrigo!!!

[Rebeccak]

Just a dumb question: how can I change my Profile Name? I don´t want it to be like russo_rodrigo!!!
Hey there, you can request a name change here:

http://portfolio.cgsociety.org/manage/account.php

Bear in mind that you can't have spaces in your username in order to have a CGPortfolio (since your username becomes part of your URL). So, for example, you might change it to russorodrigo or russo-rodrigo, but not russo rodrigo.

In order to do so, I believe you must create a CGPortfolio (which is free):

http://portfolio.cgsociety.org/manage/summary.php

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. :)

Nice progress here on your second portrait. Thank you for your kind words. :) I think you're progressing well and I look forward to seeing your next piece.

Cheers,

-Rebeccak

[R-Russo]

Thanks! It worked!

[R-Russo]

Ufa!! This is the lines of my head #3.
I need some help. I didn´t succeed to achieve the result I had expected.
Please, could someone point me my mistakes?

I´ll post the final image later.

Oh! Another question: Are we suppose to do a precise image or just a fast skecth? What is the most recommended?

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head03_unfinished.jpg

[Rebeccak]

Ufa!! This is the lines of my head #3.
I need some help. I didn´t succeed to achieve the result I had expected.
Please, could someone point me my mistakes?

I´ll post the final image later.

Oh! Another question: Are we suppose to do a precise image or just a fast skecth? What is the most recommended?
R-Russo, I think when in doubt, start to break down the face in terms of planes.

See this tutorial for a bit more on facial planes:

TUTORIAL - General Principles of Anatomical and Figurative Art / Cross Hatching (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=374939)
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=374939

With respect to doing fast vs. more rendered, precise images, that's entirely up to you. I think you should try to get out of each drawing what you think you need - which is an understanding of form. It often helps to do a number of fast sketches, then take one to a more rendered level. The purpose of fast sketches is to get the most important information down first, vs. putting in a lot of detail. :)

Cheers,

-Rebeccak

[NR43]

I totally agree with Rebecca.
It's a rather unpleasant feeling to notice some of the proportions are off or the angles are wrong, after spending hours on rendering a drawing...


The angle of the head is a bit off, allthough the line of the eyes is at the right angle I think. Try drawing the outline of the head (at his right side) more vertical and the chin line a bit more horizontal.
Also maybe add a tad more space between the nose and the upper lip and make this upper lip line a tad straighter, especially on his left side. I would also suggest making those 2 small curves above the upper lip more prominent (donnow what they are called? but I think the "groove" they form is called "tubercle" - correct me if I'm wrong anyone)

Well that should get you going for this one ;)
Hopefully my ramblings are a bit clear to you. If they're not just let me know and I'll do a quick drawover if you like tonight (I'm at work now)

[ha-dou-ken]

Hey Russo, I think you are off to a great start. You seem to realize the most important aspects of a piece and that's very important. Listen to these two, they know what they are talking about!!:scream::)

[R-Russo]

Here are some new tries of my third head.
I think the one in the right side is better than the last ones, but i´ll do more until I get the right shape.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head03_unfinished_02.jpg

[Rebeccak]

R-Russo,

I did this (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showpost.php?p=3955549&postcount=63) paintover earlier for Bourbaki which may be of use to you as well - it just shows a simple planar breakdown of the face.

Cheers,

-Rebeccak

[R-Russo]

Rebeccak,

I tried to absorb what you showed me. I don´t know if it is exactly this way:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head03_unfinished_03.jpg

[NR43]

Hi Rodrigo

I really appreciate your dedication. Very nice to see you're evaluating your work.
Lots of expression in the face nr4

Great work buddy

[Gisaiagami]

wonderfull sketch
i am note for you ok?
i am not understand the link of anatomy threat
i train but my studies is :(
congrats...and keep up friend of brazil

[Rebeccak]

R-Russo,

This is definitely better! :) I think the key to any form that you have trouble breaking down lies in analyzing it in terms of planes and angular lines. You can break any form down this way - it's a matter of how hard you look and how far you take your analysis. Keep working at this, and you'll see how much it will improve your drawings.

[R-Russo]

Hello,


I just bought the Bridgman´s Life Drawing book. Next month I´m going to buy Constructive Anatomy and Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life. I already have: Burne Hogarth - Dynamic Figure Drawing, Drawing the Human Head, Drawing Dynamic Hands; Andrew Loomis - Figure Drawing - For All It'S Worth, Drawing Heads and Hands; Jack Hamm - Drawing The Head and Figure; The Vilppu Drawing Manual; Paul Richer - Artistic Anatomy.


I have this lot of materials, but I don´t know the best aproach to study from these books.
What do you suggest?


Above is my 4º Head:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head04.jpg
04 - Head # 010 - BELLINI, Giovanni
David with the Head of Goliath

[Gisaiagami]

you progress is very very good
congrats :D

[R-Russo]

Gisaiami: obrigado!

Can someone give me a suggestion?

I just bought the Bridgman´s Life Drawing book. Next month I´m going to buy Constructive Anatomy and Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life. I already have: Burne Hogarth - Dynamic Figure Drawing, Drawing the Human Head, Drawing Dynamic Hands; Andrew Loomis - Figure Drawing - For All It'S Worth, Drawing Heads and Hands; Jack Hamm - Drawing The Head and Figure; The Vilppu Drawing Manual; Paul Richer - Artistic Anatomy.


I have this lot of materials, but I don´t know the best aproach to study from these books.

P.S. Sorry for the repetition!

[Rebeccak]

R-Russo,

I would select a book that appeals to you most, and begin to copy the drawings and follow the steps in these books. What you'll learn from the most is copying from master artists - choose one, and simply start to copy. You'll learn a lot. ;)

[R-Russo]

Rebeccak: thanks for the suggestion. But, what of these books do you recommend for me to start? Sorry to be annoying (Is this correct?).

Above follows what I have so far for my 5º head. I don´t know if I SHOULD improve it.
Critics and comments are always welcome.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head05_unfinished_01.jpg

Thanks,

[NR43]

Hi
i'm going through Burne Hogarth's "Drawing the human head" these days and it's really helpful. I did try to get Loomis' "foolproof technique" for drawing heads first though.
once I'm through this book from Hogarth, I'll be studying from his "Dynamic figure drawing".

Since the head is one of the most important bodyparts of a human being, it works best for me to focus on the head first and then expand my studies to the neck and shoulders, torso, arms, the hands,the legs and the feet. Not nescessarily only in that order (I focus on heads the first 2 years but I do study other body parts to keep variation in my studies, the anatomy lesson workshops here at cgtalk are excellent for this, but as soon as the workshop is over I concentrate on the heads again)

Anyway, I'd go for Burne Hogarth - Drawing the Human Head first...

[Rebeccak]

NR43's points are very good and I would second his opinion. :)

[R-Russo]

NR43 , Rebeccak: Thanks a lot. As son as possible I´m going to study Hogarth´s Drawing the Human Head.

[razz]

One suggestion I might have is learning one thing at a time. By this now I don't mean only the head or only the arms, but the lines or hatching. How well can you construct the head without raising the pencil from the sheet. Doing that gesture. You should really watch Bobby Chiu's video tutorials (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=410461&page=1), he says great stuff there. For example how he was concentrating only on the lines for about half a year. And that is great.

So, what I want to say is, that decide what is your main goal from these studies. Is it anatomy, is it proportion, is it linework, is it hatching/shading, etc.

[R-Russo]

razz: Thanks for the advice. I´ll watch the videos you recommend me.

I realy would like to learn everything. Anatomy, proportion, linework, hatching/shading, colors, values... but I know that I need to make one step at time.

Actualy I want to focus on Figure Drawing cause I want to be able to draw my own pictures from memory.

[Devil-inside]

Hey, Russo!
I'm here to retribute the visit for you and I really liked the sketches I saw in your sketchbook. It's good to see someone focused in his goals. Burne Hogarth's a grest master and his books will be very helpful for your journey as said before. É bom ver conterrâneos por aqui, hehe!

Hugs, Kim.

[R-Russo]

Just a little update in my sketchbook while I don´t start studying Hogarth's book:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head06_unfinished_01.jpg

I´m still going to correct a lot of mistakes before the final render.

I need to draw more, but I don´t have time...

[Gisaiagami]

wonderfull dusso
great evolution

[R-Russo]

Another update before sleep:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head06_unfinished_02.jpg

[Cris-Palomino]

As Kim says, it's great to see you focused. Keep going...you're doing great. You've gotten some really good advice from Rebecca and others, so I'll just lend my support.

Cris

[R-Russo]

Cris: There are a lot of good artists here and their advices are great. Thanks for the support of all of you. I think I´m learning a lot.

Here is just another little update from the last head. I still didn´t have time to finish it.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head06_unfinished_03.jpg

[R-Russo]

Hello.


Well, I abandoned for a while the last head cause I think the objective isn´t in rendering it, but in the construction of the head.


I was a little absent in the last weeks cause I was busy studying for a theater play (is it the name?) that will happen in december 1, 2 and 3.


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head07_and_08.jpg

[NR43]

Hey there

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/Head06_unfinished_01.jpg

I think the objective isn´t in rendering it, but in the construction of the head.

I think that's not such a bad idea, ya know.
At school we are doing line studies now... at a moderate pace, say 30-45 min per head, trying to accurately construct the head in profile on paper (I'll post the results this weekend in my sb thread, so you can have a look at what exactly I mean).
Doing plenty of this kind of exercises allows us to get the feel of how a head really exists, getting really used to the proportions etc...

I think you will learn faster if you do a lot of these "faster" studies, combined with an extended study every now and then...
It works for me, maybe it will work for you to :)

You definetely did a great job on those last two, especially the one on the left
Keep going!!

[R-Russo]

Thanks NR43.

I´m trying to construct the head faster and then define the major areas of shadows.

Well, all critics and comments are very very welcome. Always.

[R-Russo]

Afer a long time without nothing new to show, I´ll post some gesture work from my sketchbook. I think I´ll let the heads to the future.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture001.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture002.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture003.jpg

[R-Russo]

Gesture drawing from today:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture004.jpg

What can I improve?
I´m having dificulties with "static" poses. It doesn´t happen with "dynamic" ones.
I think I´ll continue with this until I fell secure to step to next lessons.

[Agnaldo]

Hey Rodrigo,

Your action poses are great, and you have to try sketch more relaxed ones to improve. Just keep trying.

Have you ever read something about Glenn Vilppu ? I wrote about him in my last post, he has great articles about Poses and Gestures.

Take a look in my thread or in my weblog (look at the signature) I have a bunch of links of their articles online.

I´m learning gestures right now, but I can suggest one thing to do convincent relaxed poses... take a look about the concept of Contrapposto. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapposto)

Basically it´s a traditional and usual way to draw stiffnes (não rígida, não relaxada) poses.
Looking at the front of the subject, imagine a line crossing horizontaly the shoulder and another one the hips. In Contrapposto these lines always will be in different angles.

That´s it.

[R-Russo]

Agnaldo: yeah! I know Glenn Vilppu. In fact, I´m learning from his book and DVDs. Thanks for the links. Your sketches are great. You are improving very fast.

More gesture:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture005.jpg


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture006.jpg


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture007.jpg


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/russo_rodrigo/gesture008.jpg

[lilirious]

Hi Rodrigo,

your gesture drawings are great! especially the drawings on last two photo's, the circles describe the shapes very well.

keep going :)

[Gisaiagami]

hi hi
very interessant
i see gren vilppu drawing head dvd
is great dvd really
great progress
;D
post in my site too ;D

[almostkungfu]

Great stuff, those gesture drawings! :thumbsup:

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