Time Lapse Sketching

I was inspired to make a time lapse video of me drawing.  After setting up my camera on a mini tripod and framing the shot, I wondered what to sketch. Looking around, I spotted a photograph of a friend.  Using the drawing from photographs technique, I began to draw.  My camera stopped recording after 30 minutes or so, so I tried not to move and restarted it.  It was my first time making a time lapse video, and I used the web to figure out how to make one.

Here are some tips on how to make a time lapse video yourself:

• Don't rush, as you will be speeding up the video afterwards.
• Download your video to the computer.
• Make sure that your video editing software lets you speed up video.
• Find out if your video format is compatible with the effect.  Mine wasn't, so I had to change it.
• Speed up your video.  I sped mine up 15x.
• Overall, have fun!

Here's the video!

Simulating Snapshots

The day after my birthday I went to watch some skijoring. Skijoring is where a person on horseback pulls a skier on a course.  The skier is pulled over jumps made of snow. I used my brand new camera to take a whole bunch of pictures. Taking pictures is my other hobby.  Check out my photography site at http://ezshots.webs.com/.   A month later as I looked over my pictures, one inspired me to sketch it.  It took me an evening to draw this one, as I developed the drawing and gave it life.  I used my charcoal pencils to enhance the dark areas, such as the eye and nose. Horse eyes, in my opinon, are some of the hardest things to draw, as they are so glossy. 
You don't have to completely copy the photo that you are reproducing. It's not rocket science to make a few changes with your own imagination.  I put in a simpler backround, and just left the rope halter, instead of having the whole bridle.
Below you can compare my sketch and the actual photograph.  Happy drawing!   

Still Life

Still life is one of the easiest things to draw or paint.  What is still life?  It is a picture consisting of inatimate objects, such as flowers or fruit. All you have to do is draw a bouquet of flowers or a bowl of strawberries that are sitting on your table. Use your own imagination as well! Just remember, if you are going to paint, make sure that you sketch out your drawing first. I decided to display my painting of an eggplant, bell pepper, and tomatos.

Artsy Animals

For todays post, I'll talk about drawing animals. Our four legged friends seem to be a fairly popular thing to draw. There are various how to books on drawing horses, dogs, cats, and even sea animals! 
I like to use pets as models, as well as pictures on the internet, books, and my own ideas.  I'll give you a couple samples of my animal art.  Directly below is a drawing of a pug and chihuahua.

Below is my drawing of a horse.

Drawing What you See

Today let's talk about drawing what you see.  When you don't have an idea, just look around and draw what is in the room.  Drawing everday items, like a...shoe, is not only fun, but easy, too. Start by drawing just the shapes and forms.  Next add in the details.  Last, but not least, shade your drawing.  Sometimes I really can't capture what I am trying to draw, but at least I try.  Trying is an important tool in art. Remember, "practice makes perfect!"

Below are my attempts to draw a shoe, blow dryer, cold sore medication, and a hole puncher.

Autumn Barn

Even though my main medium is pencil, sometimes I enjoy painting.  I find that books on painting are helpful when you don't know where to start.  That kind of book usually gives step by step instructions on how to draw or paint a certain scene, from still life to landscapes.  The type of paint you use is another thing to think about.  I use mostly acrylic, because it is fast drying, but I am considering trying watercolors. The following barn was painted with acrylic paint.

Pencil Portrait

One of my favorite things to draw are portraits of people.   Usually the best way to capture a person's appearence is to work in certain sections of the face, and draw the shapes that you see.  Then put in shading, which gives a nice look.  I got a friend to sit still while I drew the following picture: