Ok I think I did it

[Muffit]

IMG_0189.JPG

[Muffit]

Ok I did do it 2 days later…. But what do you all think of this picture being used to take my baby step to graphite?

[Mike Sibley]

But what do you all think of this picture being used to take my baby step to graphite?

I think.... it looks deceptively easy. But it's fraught with problems that you probably don't yet know how to resolve.

Hard edges make life easy. You can outline them, work up to them, treat them independently of surrounding areas...

Soft edges need some experience. They flow and merge into each other, their value gradations can be very subtle, they're very susceptible to somehow looking "wrong" if there are any imperfections in the shading...

And at present it works because it's bottom heavy. But if you can't maintain the tonal difference between the forehead and trunk down at the base, I think you'll unsettle the whole piece.

TL;DR - Don't do it!

[Muffit]

Okay, for time being I’ll continue to listen and watch your videos until I receive your art book (I order the 3rd of October) and I can actually hold something in my hands and see examples to practice on. I’ve been analyzing in my head how to begin this elephant, thinking it would be simple, but I couldn’t get over feeling overwhelmed where to start. I don’t yet understand your terminology as to what it exactly means, but it makes sense. I would get lost trying to do this. Thank you a lot.

[LindasPencils]

aw, just give it a go Muffit. Try a section of the elephant hide just to play with technique and tones. Consider it practice and don't try to 'make art', just learn from it.

[Mike Sibley]

aw, just give it a go, Muffit. Try a section of the elephant hide just to play with technique and tones. Consider it practice and don't try to 'make art', just learn from it.

Bloomin' good advice! Don't listen to that old guy, Linda knows best!