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Learning the basics

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:39 am
by Peebee
Hello friends,

My first attempt of practising what I understand from Mikes teachings. I still need to practice and learn more . Would appreciate feedback and criticism.I know I have a lot to learn as yet.

Thank you .

Re: Learning the basics

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:31 pm
by Mike Sibley
PRIYA-dog1.jpeg
Well, it has bags of character and life.

I think it just needs attention to detail. The little things that make a big difference to how the drawing is viewed.

For example, where the muzzle hair runs into the cheeks, they stop rather abruptly. I mean, they don't stop naturally. Hair naturally splits into many tiny hairs at the tip of each lock. Where the lack of those little flyaway hairs is most noticeable is where the hair overlaps the dark eyes. Try experimenting with a needle, or something similar (preferably round tipped). Use it to indent the paper before you shade the eyes. And use that indenting just for the tips of the hairs. That will add so much more realism and sharpness.
Shih-Tzu-INDENTING.jpg
The ends of some white locks are indented, and you can see it quite clearly in the shadows and wispy ends to the locks above the eyes. If I can draw a fine taper without indenting, I always will, but indenting often provides the tapers more easily.

You can learn more about indenting here: INDENTING - and watch the other two videos in sequence.

Re: Learning the basics

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 2:52 am
by Peebee
Thank you Mike for that feedback ! I feel so motivated to go at it again . I did try indenting but was not happy with the results .maybe I was not tapering the indenting and the tool tip felt too thick . Will give it a try with the back on a needle. Thank you once again :)

Re: Learning the basics

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 8:33 pm
by Mike Sibley
I use two tools: One is a darning needle/bodkin that has a rounded tip. I snapped off the eye, and it's mounted in an old clutch pencil.
The other is similar, but it is, or was, a sharp thin needle. I rounded the tip on an oil stone, so it doesn't tear the fibres of the paper. For the ends of hairs I use the second, thinner, one. The thick one is used for whiskers.

Re: Learning the basics

Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2022 5:38 pm
by PogArtTi
Peebee wrote: ā†‘Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:39 am My first attempt of practising what I understand from Mikes teachinks.
I like your drawing very much.
Nicely done, with patience for sure, beautiful eyes with the soul showing through...
Very nice drawing to me šŸ‘

Re: Learning the basics

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2024 6:32 am
by Peebee
Thank you so much for the kind compliments. Iā€™m back to drawing again after two years , blurred vision and lil unsteady hands but a lot of determination and encouragement from my fellow artist here .