My Museum

In my last post, I talked about pricing and quality of materials and advised against buying cheap for economy's sake. Well, I've taken my own advice and bought a new book titled "Paint" and a new set of water color pencils. This time I got one that has a name - Faber Castell.The result is definitely much better, colors are more vibrant and correct.  I'm still reading the book and I'm learning so much from it. Here's one I just finished using Faber castell water color pencils. See the big difference from the previous work I posted using an unknown, cheap brand?

I know that as much as possible we want to buy affordable materials for a hobby but compromising on the quality is often a bad decision. I’ve been wanting to try “color pencils” for sometime now and I thought maybe for a starter I’d try cheaper unknown brands and went for a set in one of the stores nearby my house. Lured by the cheap pricing, I went for it and regretted later. This piece of work could’ve turned out a lot better. Colors were faded and not exact. I still was able to use them but am truly disappointed with the turn out. So fro someone who’ve been there, done that, if you want quality work and result, don’t compromise, buy good quality products and branded mediums. There’s a reason they are pricy, they have better quality. 

Cast shadow is what we commonly consider the shadow of any object, created by the side of the subject away from the source of light. Cast shadows make the subject sit on the paper or canvass. Form shadow is the darker side of the subject itself that is away from the source of light. Form shadows give your subject a three-dimensional effect and shape.

A sample of the difference shadows on your subject creates. Notice how the shadow of the second strawberry makes it sit down on the paper while the other looks like it’s floating. Also notice how shadows make your subject three-dimensional and rounded unlike the other that looks like nothing but a flat drawing on the paper. Keep in mind when adding shadows where your source of light is coming from. Here's the finished work

It’s that time of the year again, for sending greeting cards and trading Christmas postcards. I know not all can paint and draw but we can take pictures I hope. Well, don’t fret, here’s another trick you can do to send something with a personal touch. Here are a few that you can do” Take a picture of your family or subject (like a nativity set, your Christmas tree, lantern, feast on a table, wrapped gifts or boxes) you want to paint but can’t, that’s related to Christmas then upload it on your computer.  a)      Once saved there, open it on Windows Microsoft paint program and add text, frame, ribbons or other stuff you want on it too. Save. b)     Open the saved project and print on a photo paper Use the drawing tools in Microsoft Paint program to do the sketches. Save your work and print on cardstock or photo paper.  Here’s a sample: This is a postcard I made that we’re sending to friends in Sydney Australia. Th...

I’ve been truly busy lately, doing illustrations for a Bible story book project. Thank God I’ve finished in time. This recent project is different, not only was I hired as an artist but I also did the drawings on the computer. Something I wasn’t sure would work and turn out well but surprisingly, it did, and hopefully the client is satisfied. I only used window’s Microsoft paint program for my work but was quite happy with the outcome but for those who are into more advanced digital drawing, try pen tablets such as Wacom tablets , you’d be amazed at the result.  I don’t have one yet but maybe in the near future I just might get one.

One of the things that make an artwork worth bucks and recognition is the signature of the artist. We don’t only go after the exceptional work we so admire but also the artist’s name immortalized on the canvass, the honor of owning an excellent piece of art authenticated by its creator. Here’s one of mine, unsigned. Forgot to before I took this picture besides, I’m still looking for a verse for this one. So remember to sign your works whether it’s just a practice project, a card painting, something you’re giving away or keeping to pass on to your next generation. Someday, when you’ve become really famous and have your own following, that autograph will be worth more than you think it will ever be.

Choosing the right background color for your painting is as important as the color of your foreground subjects. Your background should bring out your subject (focus or foreground of your painting ) and not overshadow it or take the attention from it. Unless you’re doing ‘still life’, or abstract and just a beginner, go by this rule. Now, should you do the background first or last? It depends on what’s more convenient for you, there’s really no rule regarding this.

Another pencil sketch of a photo of a pair of birds I found on the internet. You can do live sketches of subjects right in front of you or from a picture or photo. Sketch as often as you can. I try to draw at least once or twice a week, do two or more subjects in one sketching session. Like I always say, practice makes perfect.

Here's another great site for you to visit - Drawing Blog by Mitch Bowler. The site consists of free lessons (PDF files - you will need an acrobat reader for that - Google the software) on drawing caricatures, cartoons, portraits etc. IT offers a step by step guides on "How to dos". A goldmine for beginners in the field. I have yet to really improve on my portrait painting skills and have bookmarked this place. I've also added a link to his site on my side menu (check that out). You can subscribe to the site or contact Mitch yourself. What are you waiting for? Go!

Lanzones is a native fruit in the Philippines. I love doing fruits and what better subject would their be than our own  produce?  Not only does practice make perfect, it also speeds up your ability to draw and paint . Before, a project like this would've taken me longer to finish. This one was drawn from an actual lanzones fruit placed as is on a brown top.  Here's my practice sketch and acrylic applied after a photo of the initial drawing. And here's a photo of real lanzones 

“ Drawing is the root of everything.”  - Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo June 3, 1883.

Another one for practice . This is a pillow case placed randomly on the table. The purpose is to be able to sketch and capture the creases and the folds. Subjects like this help us understand and create volume, shading and effect of light.

I've been enjoying doing pencil sketches since I got my 'visual diary'. I've always thoughy I draw poorly and only the colors give my works some depth but I've been surprising myself lately. I seem to be improving and really prefer to do 'still life' sketches.  I love colors and bright ones but my taste have somehow subdued and now I do enjoy pencil sketching. Pencil sketching help improve drawing, form, eye for tones and values

Here’s your chance to learn the secret of painting great using water color for free! Who’d want to pass on a chance like that? The ebook is absolutely free (as for now) for anyone who wants to learn the basics and the secrets. I won’t get any commission for promoting this. I just simply want to help those who can’t afford workshops or have no time for them BUT wants to start painting. I’ve downloaded the ebook myself and find it very useful, easy to read (for those whose primary language isn’t English) and educational. It has step by step instructions, easy to follow samples IN COLOR! All that’s required is an internet connection and an ADOBE READER (A software that reads PDF files, you can google and download it free also). If your connection is slow, Bob provides a chapter by chapter download of the ebook so that it won’t take up much of your time. So what are you waiting for? Take advantage! Click here .

You just saw a photo that gave you an idea for a painting or a sketch but you don't want to copy the exact picture. You want to put two or more things together and add your own touch but you're not yet that skilled to be able to come up with stuff to put together so what do you do? Here's what I do - I first, map out my idea, the background, the subjects I want on it, where I'd place them in the sketch or painting, then I'd look at books, magazines or anywhere I could get a picture of the subjects I want in the sketch (since I'm still a newbie and  isn't yet expert enough to draw them from imagination). Once I have what I need, I then sketch the background first, then the subject/subjects. For example: i wanted to do a bird on a piece of a tree stump but can't find a picture that has that exactly, so, I first looked for a picture of a stump and only copied the stump and then from another resource copied a bird and put the two together.

I now have a sketch notebook I take with me a lot and a pencil. Whenever I get the urge to draw something, I just do. I get to practice a lot and try still-life works. I’m really enjoying my little handy dandy notebook and I encourage everyone to get one too. Here are some of the stuff you’ll fin d in my pages:

I never thought I’d ever try Acrylic paints or use brushes. I was content with my pastels until I was sent a set of brushes and acrylic paints. Reluctant I gave them a try, just to please my supplier. My first works were so unpromising BUT I liked the strokes and effect the brushes were creating so I practiced and practiced AND still practicing. I don’t think I’ve perfected, not even nearly, their use but I’ve grown to like them. There’s a horde of art mediums out there for anyone interested and willing to try them, to use. Don’t limit yourself to just one. Experiment, be adventurous. Have fun being artistic, after all, it’s your work, it’s personal. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, it’s art. Find the one that suits you best BUT it doesn’t hurt to try others at the same time. Although pastels are still my favorite, I’ve a few collections of acrylic ones and prefer them for cards.

1. Practice -The secret of perfecting your craft is practice, practice and more practice. I started with making cards before I seriously began painting. I’d give my finished works (“Thank you and get-well” cards to friends at Christmas time and birthdays. I just kept sketching, drawing, painting; trying different mediums (soft pastel, color pencils, oil paints, water color etc.) until I found the one that best suit me. I also experimented with different canvasses (paper, cloth, wood). 2. Patience and perseverance - At first, your work may look pre-schoolish (unless you were born gifted but still, that’s rare), eventually you’ll learn to mix colors; use brushes and develop your own style and ways of painting your favorite subject. Don’t give up! 3. Learning from others - There are many painting sites on the net now that offers free membership and lessons as well as video tutorials. Most of them are community sites for both newbies and veteran artists, and the professional ones are u...