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!

[LindasPencils]

Linda knows best!

... or she is just a Bossy Boots.

[Muffit]

Ok, I’m just going to put my pencil in my hand and start practicing on my paper. I was getting a bit overwhelmed with the supplies and thinking I just needed to go to the drawing part. My family had a death a few days ago so I had to get on my digital art just to self soothe without having to be in a learning mode. Thanks for helping me just start drawing.

[LindasPencils]

Sorry for your loss.
Drawing helps.
One thing to remember, look for the texture, lights and darks and patterns. Try not to think 'elephant', put pencil to paper (good 300gsm paper) and start.
Will be watching and cheering you on from the sidelines.

[28moons]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that you're keeping busy. Take things in little steps and it will unfold beautifully. I believe that this is the best place to learn. I have taken other on line courses where the instructor picks and chooses his favorite people to compliment and you might have zero opportunity for feedback. Mike's method is awesome and Linda is great! The elephant looks interesting. I can't wait to see how it turns out, but even if it doesn't go well the first time, there is no restriction in doing it several times. I am experiencing that right now with the cat in a different view and I may have to draw it again and maybe again after that, but each time is a learning experience.