I just had a wonderful Christmas with my family. I hope all of you have a Happy New Year.
And I have to share a cool story… Some time ago, my sister wrote to Glen Keane (the guy who animated Disney’s Ariel and Tarzan) and asked if he would make a sketch for me. And, lo and behold, he did! My sister received it just in time to surprise me on Christmas.
This is a pretty straightforward sketch made in Photoshop.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
This cute illustration is based on an old photo of my grandparents. It is meant to be a surprise for them, but I’m pretty certain they don’t read this blog. However, Nana, if you’re reading this, sorry to spoil it for you. :)
I like creating new textures, and I’ve written about how to use them in digital paintings before. Most of the time, making textures involves getting out some scrap mat board or bits of paper, and just going to town with some acrylic paint, gesso, and modeling paste.
I think of it as play time, because anything goes. You can spray, drip, or even fingerpaint. You’re not worried about creating anything concrete or beautiful; you’re just setting out to find what kinds of things you can do with your tools and to stretch your limits a bit.
This can be a really useful exercise for traditional painters, because 1) you can use whatever textures and effects you create for future paintings, and 2) you learn a lot about the materials you are working with.
Well, I think digital painters need a little play time too.
So, here are five exercises I’ve come up with to help inspire you to play with your digital paint. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about cleaning up the mess afterwards.
A slight mishap at the North Pole dry cleaners…
This is a small holiday sketch made for Illustration Friday.
What is on your holiday wish list this year? Are you looking for small but dispensable goodies, or big drool-worthy toys? Is there something new that you can’t wait to get your hands on? Is there an art book you must add to your collection?
If you know of something cool that other art/illustration/technology geeks who read this blog would enjoy, please let us know in the comments. Read on to see what I’m craving this Christmas season.
