Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with drawing

Painting dolls from drawing?

Marky — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:13:52 -0800

I had an idea for my sisters Christmas present, help me make it... I want to paint some nesting dolls to look like my nephew, from age 1 to 8. I have plenty of pictures, but going from 2-dimension photos to 3-dimension painting seems to be a bit over my skill level. I've faked sketching by drawing "over" photos in Photoshop, but I don't think that would work here. I don't need photo quality, I just would like the dolls to be recognizably him.

Me Draw Pretty One Day

EatTheWeak — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:22:13 -0800

Hey artists and creative types! How do you get back at it when you've been out of the studio for a long time? This question relates directly to visual art, so that's my main interest in this, but I'd like to hear answers from writers and musicians and any other creative folks who might have some insight to share. Basically, I'm wondering how you get your muse to start returning your calls again.

My situation is that I'm heading into a quarter of school where I get to spend as much time as I please in the studio, working on my art (comics, in my case) - trouble is, I'm coming off a summer where I worked six nights most weeks and scarcely had a moment to draw, so I feel really rusty. When my comics matrix is firing on all cylinders, inspiration is never a problem - rather, keeping up with it is. But getting there takes awhile, and I'd like to jumpstart my return if at all possible.

So, that's the question, creative AskMe readers: when you've been away from your artistic practice for a long time, how do you get your head back in the game?

how do I improve my pencil/ink drawing, as an intermediate artist?

invitapriore — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:06:22 -0800

How can I improve my pencil drawings from an intermediate/advanced level? Most of the resources I've found on pencil/ink drawing focus on drawing from life, which I can do fairly accurately, or introductory technique, such as cross-hatching, perspective, and basic form and lighting. I'm looking more for something that covers advanced technique. To give an example of some of the problems I'd like guidance with:

– Difficult textures/surfaces. I was drawing a scene that included a glossy photo, and I was stumped as to how to render it accurately.

– Covering large areas with a consistent tone (using graphite). I either end up with fluctuating darkness levels or there are visible lines between rows of my scribbling.

– Planning large areas of tone so that the contrast between them is appropriate. I'll render part of a face and then find that I have to make the surrounding area darker than seems appropriate because of how darkly I drew the lips, for example. This is more of an issue when I'm drawing from my head.

– Contour hatching is something I've never gotten the hang of.

Lessons are pretty much out of the picture, but I'd appreciate anything else. Thanks!

(A bonus related question: I was given Anatomy for the Artist as a gift a while ago, and I don't really know how to use it. Will it serve me best to copy from it, or just use it as a reference to check against my own figure drawings?)

Wall-art

god particle — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:04:55 -0800

How were the images in this room put on the wall? I'd really like to set up my room in a similar way but I have no idea how the images were put onto the wall in such a nice way.

Put me on a continuum

Clyde Mnestra — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:50:28 -0800

What free software (or adroit use of SmartDraw or basic MS Office products) provides a template for making pretty continuum figures/charts for inclusion in a Word document? I would like to produce something that is at its core like this, but allowing me to (a) introduce stacking (that is, easily superimpose another X axis on top, or various vectors), and (b) introduce a little more glam (e.g., like this).

I know that I could generate something crude by freedrawing. I also know that in Excel or SmartDraw I could generate a timeline, which looks approximately right but is miserable to work with if the basic values on the X axis are not chronological data -- as they are not. I have to believe there is something out there with a friendly, free, elegant template!

If it helps, this is for a formal set of figures in a social science paper, in which the continuum illustrates degrees of restraint on the latitude of various actors -- with successive figures illustrating additional constraints by stacking or superimposing them on the X axis. I have Word 2002.

Thanks!

Wanted: art skillz

pilibeen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:08:33 -0800

How can I develop more of an artist's eye? I have very little artistic sense - I can't draw anything beyond some laughable cartoons, my handwriting looks sloppy and labored, and I don't have any idea where to start when it comes to layout/design.

We've had to make a number of signs lately for work, and it's highlighted my lack of artistic ability on all fronts. Is this something I can improve and learn?

I find drawing genuinely relaxing, but the experience is usually ruined by a crap result. My handwriting can be passable, but it is inconsistent.

Can I learn to be a more artistic person?

PS. I have no money for classes...

"Art is pain" shouldn't be so literal.

omoikkiri — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:55:44 -0800

Joint pain while drawing--what to do? I've always had a love-hate relationship with drawing. I enjoy drawing and hope to work in a creative field as a career. However, I have a big problem with illustration work. When I draw for more than an hour or so, the joints of my ring finger start to hurt (both the joint in the finger and the joint between the finger and the hand). I've seen a doctor about this pain, but they found nothing "wrong" with the area.

I do hold my pencil wrong, so I know that my grip has contributed to the pain. (I hold the pencil so that it rests on my ring finger.) However, it hurts the same area when I use the standard tripod grip. In addition, the tripod grip tires out the rest of my hand. I've tried to train myself to be ambidextrous to no avail.

It's very frustrating! In order to improve my art, I must sketch. But sketching just hurts my hand. I was lucky to have a sympathetic art professor who let me skip a day of class in order to recover from the pain resulting from a rather large pastel assignment.

This problem has impacted more than my art life: too much writing also causes the pain, albeit more slowly. The pain is always in the same joints.

Can anyone explain to me some more ergonomic ways to draw? Maybe give me some massage techniques or stretches? I've used Biofreeze in the past to numb the pain. When the pain hits really bad, I try to avoid all writing/drawing for a day or two. If it helps, I'm right-handed.

Thanks!

What is the name of the artist that drew this?

babsomatica — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:56:51 -0800

Who is the artist that drew this image? It looks like something I've seen more in the style of.... but am drawing a blank on who it is... any hints most appreciated P.S. It was not originally my mystery. Someone asked me and it stoked my curiosity so I do not even know the origins of the copy of the image even.

Jamie Hewlett's Drawing Process

Camel of Space — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:22:49 -0800

What materials does Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz) use for his drawings, posters, etc? I'm mostly interested in his more recent process and work, as it parallels how I'd like to work. Based on this interview
about Monkey, he says he scans the final drawings and inks them on the computer. This clip from Bananaz shows Jamie Hewlett doing a drawing for Gorillaz. So what does he do these pre-scan drawings with? Is it just pencil?

And, what sort of paper is he using on the light table before he scans the picture in?

I know this is the sort of thing where I should experiment with materials and find what I like, but I don't have the patience. I just want to find something that works well. Right now I enjoy drawing on paper, then inking with my tablet.

And a bonus question: What sort of scanner would you recommend for this process? I don't want to spend a lot, but I don't want to regret being cheap later, either. Being able to scan images larger than 8.5x11 in. would be good, and color would be good in case I need it in the future.

Music for Markmakers

effluvia — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:54:46 -0800

I would be grateful for suggestions for music for drawing in the classroom. I am hoping for music that encourages the perceptual side of the student rather than the text, writing, thinking. I teach Observational Drawing at the college level. I arrange still life objects relevant to specific concepts that progress toward figurative drawing.

Students walk into the classroom and see the prearranged still life as their first visual impression. I require that they spend most of the four hour period drawing to earn academic credit for the class.

The music I currently use favors traditional Classical genres, Hildegarde Von Bingen, Vivaldi, Bach. The student population is extremely culturally diverse, many of them from non-Western cultures or poor urban backgrounds. Understandably, they find the Classical music stodgy.

Rather than giving them the “eat your peas and carrots” lecture, I would like to consider music they will find conducive to drawing.

When I work, I like music that has a strong, fast repetitive groove; it’s there with me but not demanding singular attention. Mostly on the sugarless side, and I prefer a discernable human touch. I typically play the same song over for an extended period until the music becomes a second skin. I obviously can’t do that to my class.

Here are the conceptual progressions:

Line
Value
Changeant Color
Skin Tones
Drapery
Biomorphic

Each week the still life theme supports these concepts.

Thanks for any suggestions regarding musical pathways for the exercises.

Best drafting/illustration software for OS X?

serial_consign — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:38:05 -0800

My favourite drawing application that I've used is Ashlar's Graphite, but it is extremely overpriced. I'm looking for a tool that is both intuitive and accurate, snaps are very important. My problem is that many architecture/drafting applications are mired in extended functionality that I'm not interested in BUT most illustration software doesn't (seem to) have the precision I'm looking for. Is there a middle ground between architectural drafting software and illustration applications? What are my options on a Mac? A good tool is great, one with a fantastic interface is even better. The only thing I've found thus far is Inkscape. What else is out there?

Vintage Illustrations

madmamasmith — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:16:42 -0800

I am trying to find vintage/retro images from old childrens' books and other sources for my wedding invitations and save the date cards. Specifically I am interested in bunnies, deer or anything wilderness related and children with butterfly nets. I have googled endlessly to no avail. I keep getting these horrid clip art images ..i have seen flickr sets but nothing that suits my needs ..i will try to attach an example....please help!

http://beautifulpaper.typepad.com/oh_so_beautiful_paper/invitations/page/5/

http://paperedtogether.com/portfolio/images/s,%20tag.jpg

Tutorials on the process of making a graphic novel?

Tufa — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:35:49 -0800

I would like to read graphic artists' accounts of their work process, like Kazu Kibuishi's walk-through of the making of Copper. Discussions of favorite pens or art supplies or studio setup also very welcome. Really, I would appreciate any guide to the making of a graphic novel. I own Scott McCloud's Making Comics.

Who was the artist who learned to draw hands really well?

lore — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:07:07 -0800

Who was the comic book artist who improved his hand-drawing skills to mastery? A friend of mine is attempting to recall a story he heard. In it, an artist, possibly a comic-book artist, realizes that he's much worse at drawing hands than most of his peers. He decides to focus on learning to draw hands well, and eventually he becomes well-known for being one of the best artists at drawing hands in his field.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? He'd like to know the name of the artist in question, and an actual cite would be extra-great.

Picking the Right Wacom Tablet

Camel of Space — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:34:56 -0800

I'm looking for the right Wacom tablet and drawing software. I'd like to buy a usb tablet, but I'm not sure of what to get. I've been looking at Wacom tablets, specifically the two Bamboo models. Are either the normal or the 'fun' tablets good enough for drawing? Or do I have to get an Intuos tablet to achieve any real results? I've read reviews, but I haven't found much in the way of reviews using the Bamboo models for serious art.

My goal is to find a method to draw digitally where I can replicate my work with intaglio printmaking, as well as draw and ink comic-like art.

And what software should I use with the tablet? Except for the normal Bamboo tablet, Photoshop appears to come bundled with all Wacom tablets. Photoshop is good, but it's a bit convoluted in my opinion. Is there a better drawing and image editing program out there? I was testing Acorn the other day, and I like it, but I'm unsure whether or not it's good enough.

I'd like to keep the price down as much as possible. I'd rather not spend more than $200, unless it's absolutely necessary. I'll be working on an Intel Macbook if that impacts what size tablet to get.

What were these cartoons called?

flod logic — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:13:48 -0800

What were these traceable cartoon characters with mix-and-match features called that I remember getting handouts of in elementary school? In several grades during elementary school, I remember the class getting handouts copied from some books. They were traceable characters that you'd mix and match the features of. Each sheet would have one kind of body part on it - eyes, outlines of faces, hair, bodies, etc. in a cartoony big-head-smaller-body style. There were no recognizable characters like Mickey Mouse or anything, just cartoon people. I'm thinking this was a series or something and that they had a specific name but I can't remember what it was. Anyone know what this is?

How to "select all" drawing objects in Word?

roxie110 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:46:13 -0800

Is it possible to "select all" drawing objects at one time in Word 2000 (in order to move them together) rather than holding down the SHIFT key and selecting them individually? I need to add titles to the axes of a graph that's a picture embedded in a Word document. Right now, the margins of the picture don't allow room for this. I can adjust the bottom margin of the picture but when I try to adjust the left margin, the graph just moves to the left, so I can't make room for the axis title that way.

The solution I've come up with, since I can't seem to enlarge the canvas of the picture (does anyone know how?), is to move all the elements of the graph to the left. Currently, I have to select each element using the SHIFT key, then move them together, which is time-consuming (there are TONS of little "pieces") and can lead to errors. I'd love to be able to select all elements at once and move them at once. I thought "Group" might work, but you still have to select individually. Help!

(PS--If more recent versions of Word provide a solution, I'd love to hear it.)

Examples of teaching drawing or writing in Second Life?

zainsubani — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:46:37 -0800

I will shortly be introducing a friend of mine to Second Life. She's an academic, and will be most interested in locations in SL that are related to the teaching of art (especially drawing and cartooning) and the teaching of writing. I would be most grateful for any suggestions anyone might have of locations we could visit.

Intermediate Technical Sketching

DU — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:44:01 -0800

Other than the practicing I'm already doing, how can I learn more about technical sketching? Perhaps the best way to start to describe what I'm talking about is define it as the intersection of two broad and easy-to-find-information-about fields

1) Freehand sketching
2) Drafting/technical drawing

I'm not trying to draw fruit or people or things I can physically see. I'm not trying to give exact dimensions and 3 projection views, nor do I want to draw each machine part separately. I'm trying to draw things like beams and linkages and gears and nuts and bolts freehand, all put together and in design mode.

The "complete beginner" basics are already completed. I have pencils and so forth. I can draw lines, circles, ellipses, etc. What I need help with is how to draw something complicated like a gear. Or how to indicate different materials. Or how to do a cutaway/cross-section.

Obviously there are some things from each field that apply to this, but I am having trouble finding information specific to this task. Even old drafting books skip lightly over the freehand chapter and then get right into formalized drafting. Architectural sketching books seem to come closest, but that is mainly concerned with buildings (duh) not machines. A previous AskMe elicited a reply that seems nearly perfect except for two problems.

1) The book is very short. Worse, it looks like the material I'm interested in is only in 2 or 3 chapters.

2) The book is not in any of the many libraries available to me.

Many different googlings yield results, but they are mainly of the "first, get some pencils" variety that peter out quickly without getting anywhere. I have found reference to various books with titles like "Freehand Technical Sketching" but there's no information beyond the title to see what's really inside and if it's worth paying money for.

Maybe no such resource exists? In which case, who are some artists and/or engineers who've figured this stuff out for themselves? Perhaps I could just look at what they do.

Got Jesus...?

TigerMoth — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:17 -0800

Back in the dark ages of the internets, someone forwarded me (or sent me a link to) some pencil/line drawings of a stereotypical Jesus doing some rather non-stereotypical (but not NSFW) things: playing baseball with some kids, driving a semi, etc. Each one had some pretty funny captions or speech bubbles or something like that. Not sure why, but I need to see these again. Anybody point me to them...?

What great quotes should I use to describe plan, section and elevation drawings in architecture?

serial_consign — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:55:24 -0800

I'm writing a paper which deals with architectural representation. In doing so I'm providing very brief explanations of plans, sections & elevations intended to bring a non-design crowd up to speed on these conventions. I'm looking for informative and quasi-poetic quotes to describe, contextualize and problematize these drawing types. What should I use? I'm obviously referring to Le Corbusier's famous assertion that "the plan is the generator" and also found this great essay by Mason White on plans. I'm kind of stumped for elevations and sections though, can anybody offer any help... I need some sound bite quotes that cut to the essence of what these drawings offer. They'll offer a nice poetic counterpoint to dry writing about picture planes!

Croquis monsieur, croquis madame

carbide — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:15:30 -0800

What are fashion designers taught about croquis? Are there well-known styles? 20th century trends? Cultural/political nuances? Successful designers who don't draw well, or particularly great examples? Idle curiosity from someone who's had a different kind of design education. Anything you can tell me, I'd like to know - especially the hidden layers of meaning/information that you might read from them as a designer. Cheers!

beginner in a life drawing class?

Not Supplied — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:27:35 -0800

Would it be viewed as strange to go to a life drawing class if I can't draw very well? I've recently been getting into drawing, and noticed a local free 'life drawing' class. I told them I would come, thinking that it was the same thing as 'still life'

On reflection, and checking 'life drawing' will probably involve a nude model.

Normally, I wouldn't be overly embarrassed by this sort of thing. However, I am still a real beginner at drawing. I feel like people there might think that it's a bit suspect that I came, and it could turn into a socially anxious loop in my head that would make me awkward, and thus make me seem more suspect etc.

Backing out wouldn't be a problem, but I would actually like to practise doing anatomical drawings for various reasons, and would quite like to go.

If you've done this kind of drawing, what is your feeling about the situation? Would it seem odd if someone turned up and produced some beginner sketches?

Best method for producing electronic sports arena drawings?

shew — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:56:57 -0800

SportsGeekFilter: I'm interested in making high resolution stadium seating charts for my local sports venues. I want to include more than just the basic section number info (like row, seat #, possibly bathroom data). Right now, my tool kit seems limited to lines, boxes and curves (ala MS Paint). I'm struggling with the shape and scale. Am I stuck doing this from scratch or is there a software program out there that can help me? I'd like for the chart to look similar to the charts we've all seen of our professional sports arenas: areal view, basic lines and curves, some symbols, color for flare. But I want the images to be much larger to afford more detailed information. I'm fairly technical and can hold my own in photoshop and illustrator... but I'd rather not hand crank every line and angle.

What is this drawing?

comatose — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:12:52 -0800

What is this drawing/painting/print I saw? It is in Grendel's Den at Harvard Square. It involves dog and a fancy dinner. When I lived in Boston I remember sitting at the bar in Grendel's Den and looking over near the entrance wall and just thinking that this was just the coolest drawing!

It is a black and white drawing (maybe ink?) almost cartoon looking.

Fancy guests in very formal attire are sitting at a long dinner table.

There is a dog sitting on the floor, and I believe a butler is standing by the table.

The guests have their noses turned up and appear to be giving the dog a dirty look. The drawing is obviously about the interaction between the guests and the dog.