Sketch practice #1

I've been meaning to do some master studies of concept sketches since a long while ago, but always felt like I didn't know where to start when I look at the hundreds of badass sketches from crazy artists such as Paul Richards.  So today I finally got around to doing one... hopefully more to come.  I also tried to sketch my own, much lamer, versions of the same subject-matter in an attempt to internalize some of the study.

What I forgot to do in the study was to figure out a purpose for these devices, and to try to communicate that.  Doing so may also help me keep my shape language consistent.  Could have also pushed the main screen a lot more.  These are notes for tomorrow, when I hope to do more and better sketches of the same subject-matter.

Also, it's actually incredibly refreshing to draw with a pencil for a change.  I did realize that my sketchbook is just a tad too large for my scanner though... ugh.

Last Ourdoor Painting Group of This Year

San Juan mission was a pleasant surprise.  It didn't look big at all from the outside, but the inside features surprisingly beautiful ruins and some nicely laid-out courtyards.  The slight overcast lighting also worked really well.  The low angle of the winter sun was perfect for painting.

Selection Tool Test

I've always thought about trying out selection tool + airbrush, but it took me this long to actually do it for some reason.  It's actually a lot of fun.  Maybe I can try to integrate it into a serious painting next.

Pin-up

For the weekly sketch thing titled "pin-up".  I hope this came across as more funny than disturbing... but maybe a little of both is ok.  Actually had a lot of fun trying to mimic Gil Elvgren's style.