@redpandafire: Thanks for initiating such an encouraging and inspiring thread. Learn a lot from all posts. Thinking of starting my sketch thread too. ps, the timing issue is totally true… T_T
@dlthomas: Thanks for another great tip! The mall idea is interesting because normally I’m the one who’s busy looking elsewhere. 
@cszhuchao: Start a thread soon. it really motivated me to post as much as i can. 
Today I’m posting some sketches. I’m starting to draw from imagination more, and thinking in terms of “see the plane, figure out what body part it belongs to, then draw the line”. Not sure if that makes sense. But I’m trying to be less technical and just draw what I feel is right.
Wa… Really impressed by your lines. Can feel the force and subtle shape change. Well done!
Tricky to go from using references to just imagination- A nice middle ground is where I like to try and be- Start with a rough sketch from the imagination then correct it with some reference material then tweak with some more imagination- I find that if I start with a reference that it interferes too much with my ultimate goal, you know- It may cause me to sketch the refernce too closely or use a references pose even though I had something entirely different in mind so I’ve attempted to stay away from starting with a reference (photo) unless of course it is a real life sketch or portrait- then BY ALL MEANS tell you model to strike a pose
I love drawing from Real Life objects and people nowadays- used to primarily use photos. Or at least will have a model pose then photo it if I don’t have the time to complete a sketch there. I also picked up an armiture of a man and a woman at the local art store- VERY handy… Even shows distinct muscle tone, joint positions and correct movement- They’ve come a long way with these.
@Gord-MacDonald and cszhuchao: Thank yoU!
@CKPinson: Wow. I’d like to know what kind of armature you picked up. And I totally get what you mean about reference being a crutch. I’m trying to wean myself off of it as well!
Todays sketch was 60% imagination, 40% reference, and 200% erasing and retrying! :wip:
For ME: Victoria Secret makes it difficult to avoid photo reference
as for the armature I finally found the name of it (had it as a gift and never had the box but it is well worth it’s weight in gold): Art S. Buck Artist Model
can be purchased at several places, male female and even African, and so on…
I lay out my composition roughly, rough pose of character then correct pose using Artist Model. It really does help though! And here is a link for one place that sells it but I’m sure you can find others, I saw them at a local store but then again you pay tax on it vs online.
Great, I’m totally buying one of these. Excellent landmarks. I wonder if they ship to Canada?
Update today: wanted to sculpt, but had no clay. Since I have a computer… gave it a try.
Not bad at all for a self-proclaimed beginner, I actually think your figures from imagination are much better than mine, and you’re definitely on a good way
@jabuhrer and @nelchee: Thanks!!
I’m not sure if this should go in my “sketchbook” but at least its anatomy practice lol. Working on my Zsketching in ZBrush.
Todays update…
I find my face drawings are still very weak. Usually because I lose the symmetry or I overwork it, etc. I tried to fix both those things in my daily sketch tonight, but I feel as though I’ve barely improved. Theres something fundamentally wrong with them I think. I even tried to draw anime…
Everyone else draws such beautiful, youthfull faces, and I struggle to even get something on paper (or this case Photoshop). Sooo unfair.
Also did some sculpt of a bust in ZBrush. Ended up extending it past the bust tho. o_O
Mastering comes from progression not perfection. Nothing comes easily and quickly so be patient.
I’ve been following your pad for couple of weeks. I really enjoyed watching your progress, until recently.
4 advises:
here are the explanations:
Everything that we draw, manga or not, comes from reality. manga is a special expression that simplifies the reality. Before you simplify anything you need to fully understand its original form. Good
manga artist has years of traditional drawing trainings. I strongly suggest you do the same.
A true artist does not limit himself/herself with preferences. There are 2 sexes, 3 major races, 6 different age groups that form a huge pool of characters with tons of variations. If you absolutely have to pick manga style at this stage, at least practice on the variations.
‘imagining stuff’ or the so called ‘design’ is a two edges knife for anyone who starts to learn art. The subject is fascinating yet dangerous. Design is nothing but resembling your visual memory and expressing with innovated modification. If you had never seen anything in your life, it’s hard to imagining stuff because you have nothing to build on. To receive better result of design, you need to see and draw A LOT MORE of reality.
Personally I don’t think zbrush is a good media for you at this stage. What you should be focusing on are shapes, volumes, lights/shadows, perspectives, and anatomy. Everything mentioned above are like your blood and bones, flesh and soul. Zbrush is nothing but a media, an outfit. It takes a mother 9 months to form a child, and it takes a minute for the child to put on the outfit.
Besides the boring and demotivate lecture, here are some motivating comments: my colleague and I really love the practices in post 1 (all of them), first study in post 2, second study in post 11, second study in post 14, post 20, post 24, post 33, first post in 42.
you are talented and you are doing great. keep it up and keep yourself on the right track. good luck.
@JackZhang: Wow, you’re post made me realize how much I’ve neglected life drawing. I fully understand your view, and it has been an awakening experience for me to read your suggestions. I immensely appreciate the time that you and your friend spent reviewing my sketchbook. I had no idea that pros were peeking in to see what us little noobies were doodling!
I will be devoting more time to life drawings now. Thank you agian. =)
your skills show that you aren’t much of a ‘noob’. you have good eyes and good hands. all you need is the right direction and right amount of practice. If drawings like that from you make you a noob, well i draw stick figures, so try to entitle me with a rank
In fact, I was planning to ask your something when my hands aren’t too full. I really like one of your figure drawing in post 42. I’d like to ask for your permission to use your drawing as an inspirational source and make a 3d bust. It will not be used for commercial purpose. Full credit will be given, as well as the link that goes to your CG portfolio. Feel free to refuse if it doesn’t interest you. No hard feelings. Thanks.
I think you would make a great bust out of the poses. Please take the pose you wish, I’d be honored to see the bust when you’re done. =)
Another 14th century Charles Bargue study. The one on the left is incomplete, and Im not completely satisfied with the one on the right. Its probably hard to tell but these drawings are only a few inches diagonal. Much smaller than the size of my palm. It was only supposed to be a quick study during 15 minute breaks at work.
@JackZhang: Thanks! Although I have been working as a tester at Gameloft since last September. Its just that I recently updated my profile to show it. haha.
Today’s update…
Study of the Michael Freeman photograph of a Khartoum, Sudanese woman working on the cotton fields. (Note: the hands and feet weren’t very clear in the photo as most of it was burried in cotton; leaving that area completely unfinished)
I need lots of help with form, as I don’t feel what I did brought out the form of her folds in all areas of her cloths.
In any case, it was a very interesting and fun experience for me. I will definately be looking up more Michael Freeman photography subjects.
