Bits and Pieces

From Sketch To Finished Art

2008-03-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

When I start an art piece I begin with the sketch. I go through several drafts before I am satisfied with the drawing and scan my sketch on my Canon scanner. I usually scan at about 300 d.p.i. for a four color process; otherwise 72 d.p.i is fine for the web.

I save my scanned sketch either as a tiff or eps and place the scan from the file menu into Illustrator CS2. I select the window menu and go to the color menu and adjust the image and change it to blue. I lock this layer so I don't alter it. I name this layer template. I create a separate layer above and start to draw with my customized brushes.

Once the drawing is finished I will print it out with my Epson printer. My next step is to bring the artwork into Photoshop. I place the image on a separate layer and lock it. I name my line art layer template.

I create a layer below the template layer and make sure the background is white. I place a layer above the template layer and select the mode menu and select multiply. I select multiply so I can color on this layer and not affect the template layer below.

I continue to color the artwork until I am pleased with the results. My brush selection varies so I can achieve either a flat color effect or an airbrush effect. I use the mode, opacity, flow, and width features that Photoshop supplies to taylor my brushes to fit my needs. You will find these adjustments at the top menu when you select the brush tool.

Sometimes I create a separate layer above the multiply layer so I can experiment with either the brush and the color selected. When my artwork is finished I save the file and print it out with my Epson printer. If I like what I see it's a keeper; otherwise I rework until I am satisfied. Well, there you have it with some insight, and how I sketch to finished art.

Periodic Sketches

2008-02-22T15:45:00.001-08:00

Sketching is one of those essential things that I try to do everyday but time doesn't always permit or I become distracted for one reason or another. I usually start the day with a cup of java and listen to NPR news events to get the body warmed up and the brain functioning. As I enter the studio, I inspect my surroundings as I left it the previous evening. The computers are all warmed up, so I check my e-mail for possible messages or unanswered e-mails to send. After about five minutes on the internet I look for whatever sketchbook, pencil and kneaded eraser are within easy reach. I sit down and stare at the blank page and wonder what I will conjure up today. On some days this is easier than others. If I need to, I will start with some simple doodles and this gradually leads to more complex sketches. I really enjoy the tactile feel of the pencil on the paper because so much of my finished work ends up on the computer. When I do have a day or reach a point when the muse is speaking to me, I stick with my drawing until it is completed or I just become tired because it isn't always easy to return to this ideal state of drawing. If I am distracted or just not in the mood for drawing I will concentrate on another aspect of my illustration career.

New Project Completed

2008-02-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

I just completed some full colored electronic artwork for Houghton & Mifflin and Pearson Scott Foresman. These projects were exciting and required a colorful style for the publishers. I usually start each project with contacting the client and establishing a way to communicate such as e-mail and telephone. I will send the client two to three roughs before going to finish. I always send an invoice or contract to prevent any future problems. Both of these projects went smoothly except for the rush required for the completed work.

Holiday Time Again!

2007-12-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

The annual holiday for us to celebrate the rebirth or rejuvenation
of ones inner spirit and common respect for those around us. Let
us give thanks and hope that our common regards for others
and energy level last until 2008.

Thanksgiving Session

2007-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is a day we give thanks for what we have
received or about to receive. I look upon what I have harvested
and give thanks for what my efforts have brought forth. This is
expressed as an expression of gratitude and what I consider to
be an important issue; therefore my personal illustration below.

Anatomy Drawing Session

2007-10-31T22:35:00.001-07:00

Figure drawing requires discipline and practice
when drawing the human figure in a variety of
poses. This has to be one of the most difficult
subjects that an artist can encounter because
of the subtlety with individual body shapes
that combine to form the human figure.
This past week I decided to visit a local artist
studio and challenge my anatomy sketching
abilities. I found this to be quite a task since it
has been a number of years since my last
drawing sessions. I find that as an illustrator,
it is very important to understand the
construction of the human figure and maintain
a looseness when drawing. So much of what
illustrators draw involves depicting the figure
somewhere in their work to assist in conveying
their message. Here are a few of my attempted
results. I hope you enjoy them.

Halloween Time!

2007-10-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween or All Saints Day is celebrated on the
night of October 31. This holiday gives me a
chance to dress up and pretend to be something
else or dare to be. I really enjoy a chance to invent
a costume and wear it at one of my favorite parties.

CyberArts 2007

2007-05-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

The excitment of viewing the art exhibits at
CyberArts 2007 is at a point just like photography
at the turn of the century. Here is a bold new
expression ready to be explored and justified.