More with Basic Shapes: Composite

Now, taking what we've learned about shade and shadow on the basic shapes, lets try to put all the shapes together, still basic, but all in one picture. It can just be a jumble or you can try to make them look like something recognizable.





The important thing here is paying attention to the interaction between the shapes and how a cast shadow will land on the other shapes. (I realize that this looks anything but impressive, but keep in mind this is only an exercise, just practice.)

I will post the finished shade and shadow basic shapes composition next time.

(Lack of) Creativity

It may just be the weather (nonstop rain), but I feel my creativity is absent, even as I need it the most. Trying to set up more items in my CafePress store, I must be original, creative, thorough, detailed, exact. And as I am struggling, my hope fades that I can support myself at all.
I know that I must diligently plod onward, but I don't feel as if I can accomplish anything worthwhile. It seems a daunting task to compete with so many brilliant designers. Everything I do seems unfinished, incomplete and completely unprofessional.
I would like to keep my t-shirt designs along the line of nature; my only 'completed' design so far is a tree. Until I am otherwise inspired, I will continue to attempt some additional tree designs and then move on, maybe to flowers and birds. Why is this so hard?
Being in my own world as I am, it really is up to me to pull myself together, to sit myself down and think, to come up with some good ideas and to work them out on paper. This is my undertaking, my personal venture. It takes hard work to get things done right. And, I fear, I have a lot of hard work to go.

Sketch of the Day

Here is a quick sketch of some small trees. I love nature!

I know these sketches don't look like much, but that's the point: its not a finished product, its practice. And practice makes perfect!

*New* Sketch of the Day

Ok. In an effort to boost my own drawing skills and get more practice, I am going to be sketching every day and posting what I draw.
Doing quick sketches is a great way to train your eyes and hands, even though the pictures may not look finished at all. Not everything we draw must be a completed work of art, especially when we are learning. As with learning anything, it is important to practice, practice, practice!
In college, I studied art. Some of the best teachers I've ever had were at Walla Walla College. I learned a lot there about sketching. For drawing class, there was a model who we would sketch different ways, spending varying amounts of time on each sketch.

Try This:
Try to make quick sketches (30 seconds, 1 minute, even 5 minutes etc.). If you are around people, try to draw them quickly, but not with all the details. Just a very quick study of the shapes, sometimes with one line (don't take the pencil off of the paper and just feel the shapes, moving the pencil around with different pressure).
Don't be disappointed if your sketches don't turn out beautifully. The important thing here is working on what you see and how you can quickly capture it on paper.

I will be posting sketches in addition to the regular lessons. Don't laugh, its been a while since I really dedicate time to art. This is a great way to improve skills, so I will be doing it too.