Chalk Full of Dreams

Mad scientist finished

Well, it’s been a while since my last post but I have a good excuse – honest! Okay, I should probably resign myself to the fact that I am a lousy blogger.

Life drawing at the TCW

I’m making an effort to go life drawing again as it’s one of the things I regret not spending enough time doing. I know it’s a good exercise to keep up with as it trains you to solve problems quickly and, in turn, helps to increase the speed with which you draw. I find life drawing is a lot like working out. The more you do it the better the results. And like working out, it’s hard to get past those first few times.

Tonkinese study

As I have some upcoming pet portraits to work on, I decided to do a little practice drawing of a Tonkinese cat from photo reference. My cat happens to be a Tonkinese – wonderful little guy but doesn’t seem to like having his picture taken. Thank God for the internet and Google!

Concept art for a short film ‘Insect’ – the reveal

I was given the go-ahead by the director to show the full concept art piece so I’ve attached it below along with all the steps taken to create the piece.

Based on the script, I made a number of small rough thumbnails with various layouts to present for approval. I was sent some reference photos of character types envisioned for the film.

Concept art for a short film

Wow, it’s been some time since I last posted a finished piece but…with good reason. I’ve started taking a Pencilling and Inking class with Leonard Kirk at the TCW and I’ve been working on commissions. Below is a sneak peak of a recently completed concept art piece I did for my friend Cherelle’s short film that’s currently in production. I wish I could show more but it will have to wait. More info about the film can be found here.

Sketch at a café

After the TCAF (Toronto Comic Arts Festival) and some art supply shopping, the hubby and I stopped at a gallery/café across from the AGO. I wanted to try out my new mechanical blue pencil so drew a quick sketch of Victor. He wanted to try out his new brush pen so inked it. Here is the result. I think we make a good team.

Dog portrait commission completed

I finished the commission in time for Valentine’s Day and the client was extremely pleased (yay!). As you can see, I spent most of my time refining the image in the last stage. That’s really what you want to do at the end, just dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s, artistically speaking. The wrap-up should be reasonably stress-free. On that note, I hope everyone’s Valentine’s Day was also stress-free.

Dog portrait commission – Part 2

Attached are some more steps in the process. Keep in mind I’m not a paid professional – yet! – so my steps aren’t necessarily the right way but what I felt comfortable with and still gave me a sense of organized process.

Dog portrait commission

I’ve been commissioned to paint a portrait of a dog so I thought I would post my progress as I’ve been told that I just don’t post often enough. My bad, so here are the first steps in the process…the prep and also the part I dislike the most. I’m having fun painting, though.

Last Dr. Sketchy’s (Toronto)

This is from my second and last session at Dr. Sketchy’s in Toronto. I’m sad to hear it’s over.