Boots

[Valray]

I made a start, Mike.
I indented the stitching first.
Then I tried sculpting stroke (??). I think it’s coming along ok. Quite happy with it so far, still working on my tones tho’. Photo pixabay or unsplash (can’t rember which). Will post when finished.
Val

[Valray]

Hi Mike,
One boot almost done. Still working on shadow under boot.
As you can see I have a printout of the photo to compare with (top photo has contrast much adjusted). My colour laser printer does not print true to colour which is why I tend to use my iPad. Also easier to enlarge photo to see into small spots. Sculpting stroke is a great help. Any suggestions on how to improve overall before I start the other boot. Thanks, Val

[Mike Sibley]

One boot almost done. Still working on shadow under boot... I have a printout of the photo to compare with (top photo has contrast much adjusted)...

That's an excellent idea, and one I often use. One photo helps you create the rich darks, but with understanding, because the lighter photo allows you to see the detail in the shadows - then you choose whether to include it or not.

...I tend to use my iPad. Also, easier to enlarge photo to see into small spots.

You youngsters have it so easy these days! Trying to see detail on my stone tablet was such a problem back in my day.

Sculpting stroke is a great help. Any suggestions on how to improve overall before I start the other boot.

No suggestions, but there is one thing that bothers me. There are two highlights on the front of the strap. In reality, they're on the edge, but you've lifted them up. So now they appear to be two buckle holes... but lower than expected (not central), so they're a distraction.

I'm glad you find the circular shading/scribble methods useful. I do! It lets me endlessly explore the texture and form. And, as I mentioned, I can push my pencil down into the dark hollows and let the rising form push it back up again.

[Valray]

Thank you Mike.

I need to study my photo in more detail. I will fix the highlights on the belt so they don’t look like holes. I’m not a quick drawer, and I’m forging ahead on your videos (up to hair & fur) so it takes me a while to complete a drawing. I find I like the difference between what I’m trying to presently draw, and what bits and pieces I can learn from watching your further along videos, that I can incorporate into my present drawing as I’m doing it (does that make sense to you?)

I don’t think I’m too much younger than you, but I have never heard of a stone tablet (other than on the Flintstones). What is it?
Val

[Mike Sibley]

I don’t think I’m too much younger than you..., but I have never heard of a stone tablet (other than on the Flintstones). What is it?

When Stone Age me is presented with a lady, including the young lady I'm married to (who is two years older than me) ALL ladies are young ladies. As indeed they should be to any gentleman.

And... sometimes my humour can be a bit obscure... it was the Flintstones tablet I was referring to.

I need to study my photo in more detail. I will fix the highlights on the belt so they don’t look like holes.

I think the problem is not that your drawing doesn't follow the reference - I'm applauding you for that - but that your reflections, not being along the edge of the strap, can only be seen as holes. What else would reflect from the area? But if they are holes... they're badly placed to be holes. In other words, I like that you've been inventive rather than copied, but the invention has to make realistic sense.

I’m not a quick drawer... so it takes me a while to complete a drawing.

I see that as being a bonus. There's no advantage to had by drawing fast, and a lot you can misunderstand if you draw too quickly. In my opinion, every drawing requires the time it needs - so I give it that time. As soon as I've built the webpage, I'll have the first DRAWING TEXTURES video ready for next weekend (I completed the video yesterday). It features a demonstration drawing of rocks that measures just under 6½" x 3½" (16.5 x 8.9 cm) that took me about 7½ hours to draw, spread over 3 days. Or 31 rocks, each taking about 15 minutes. It wouldn't have been better if I'd rushed my way through it, and possibly overworked if I'd spent too much time on it. It got the time it needed. So take your time and draw at the speed you feel comfortable with.

[Valray]

I finally finished it. Happy with the left boot, not so happy with the right one. I still have trouble with achieving the darkest tone. It only measures about 3-4 on my homemade 5 step scale. Nowhere near 5 (black). And I’m using the point side of the chisel.

I watched your textures video. It’s GREAT. Can’t wait to give it a go. I like that I can completely finish an individual stone/rock at a time. Each one is different, therefore uniformity and lack of variation doesn’t occur for me. Keeps my mind from wandering off subject. I am so looking forward to your next one.

[Mike Sibley]

To my eye, Val, these are substantial leather boots.

Let me begin with an area that is not as fully described as it could have been - the toe of the right-hand boot. The foreground, left-hand boot’s toe has a definite and very recognisable roundness. My toes could fit in there quite comfortably. But the right-hand boot appears to be flat in that area. It's missing the vertical, rounded rise at the tip.

VAL-Boots2-crit.jpg

Now, I mention this because I immediately noticed something about that boot that would provide a challenge for anyone. The reference shows a dark ridge running down the length of the foot, and there is a need to get that perfectly correct. That said, it's not easy to understand, let alone draw. There is a lighter portion (red) to the rear of the ridge where we catch a glimpse of the far side of the boot. But we cannot see that far side at the toes. However, in your drawing... we can.

Also, you've invented creasing where there really shouldn't be any. The tip of the boot carries a very subtle but important highlight (green). That highlight tells us the toe has volume and height. But it's omission, and the creases, tells us the toe slopes down to the tip - and I most certainly cannot get my toes into that boot.

Happy with the left boot, not so happy with the right one...

VAL-Boots2-crit.jpg

I agree. It doesn't have the same level of attention that the left-hand boot received. For example, the creases in the left-hand boot have very descriptive highlights running their length (blue). Without the highlight, a crease becomes a surface mark. And that's what's happened on the right boot. No highlights = dark surface marks.

Now the good stuff - which (ignoring the right-hand foot) is everything else!

They are a solid, three-dimensional pair of boots. They're leather - thick, hard-wearing leather - there's no doubt of that. I can feel the hardness and smoothness of the rounded toe. The creases are undeniably deep creases (thanks to the highlights). And there's a hint of a dark crack just establishing itself. So these must be a popular and often-worn pair of boots. You've told the story - the way YOU see the boots - very well.

I still have trouble with achieving the darkest tone. It only measures about 3-4 on my homemade 5-step scale. Nowhere near 5 (black). And I’m using the point side of the chisel.

I don't think the level of blackness is your problem - it's contrast. Your paper (compared to the board behind it) is far from being white. That matters! Also, you're viewing your reference on a tablet, which has back lighting. That will affect the brightness you perceive. A printout would be a better choice. And I'm not saying that as an anti-technology old bloke... You're comparing a back-lit reference to a front-lit drawing on a cream paper. Those darks don't stand a chance!

I watched your textures video. It’s GREAT. Can’t wait to give it a go. I like that I can completely finish an individual stone/rock at a time.

I didn't mention that I drew it over a space of three days. Take your time and enjoy adding variety to every rock. Fix the lighting in your mind, and then think three-dimensionally as you draw. And, if it helps, talk to yourself - explain what you're doing and why - because that helps to make sense of everything.

Also, there will be a YouTube version that should interest you. I edited it yesterday. Today I have additional filming to do for it, then more editing tomorrow. It's a cut-down version with more of the "bloke talking while he's drawing" stuff, which I think you'll find useful. As soon as it's finished, I'll post a copy here under Tips & Tricks.