bfowler.com

I did the cover.  Here’s the press release.  Will be available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles but buy the book at http://www.gopulp.info/ to get a discount.

THE RETURN OF
RAVENWOOD!

ISBN: 1-934935-82-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-934935-82-8
Produced by Airship 27
Published by Cornerstone Book Publishers
Release date: 31 Dec. 2010
Retail Price: $24.95
Discounted at our on-line shop. (http://www.gopulp.info/)

Sometime you just see things that just really, really impress you.  I loved this.

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

During the Heroes comic book convention last year I did this painting of Thor getting ready to lay the hammer down on Loki.  I started it the day before the convention but finished it on the live art auction stage.  These things are always a time crunch and I never got to put the amount of polish on it that I wanted.  So, of course, I had to put it in Photoshop and finish it off.  This is the first time I’ve gone to so far traditionally and finished digitally.  This piece is probably 75-80% acrylic paint and 20-25% digital.

I’ve learned numerous different ways and techniques to draw.  I keep them all in my visual toolbox to utilize when I need them.  One particular technique I’ve been discovering more in depth lately is that of the great teacher and illustrator, Mr. Frank Reilly.

The “Reilly Method” of drawing is not expressly defined because Mr. Reilly never wrote any books on his method.  All knowledge comes from notes taken by students attending his classes and the students themselves, many of which went on to continue his teaching methods.

The Reilly method to drawing the figure is a general system used to construct the human figure.  It breaks drawing the figure down to simple ideas and rules that can easily be memorized although Reilly says this method is a way to “think” of drawing the figure and less a connect the dots method.  What’s sets it apart from other methods I’ve learned is the idea of finding abstractions in the model.  An example of an abstraction might be the shape of the shadows on the nose or under the lip.  It’s any abstract shape or pattern that you can find.  When you draw these abstractions it’s easier to get correct proportions, sizes and overall correct drawings.  When you add that to good gestures and anatomy you get a very potent drawing.

What really started to enhance my figure drawings were his ideas about shading.  When you’ve got all the construction layed in you separate the image into light side and dark side.  Reduce everything in the shadow on one side and everything in the half tone and light into the other.  Shade everything on the dark side a 50% gray with the side of your pencil or charcoal.  Then you can go back and refine the values, adding darker one.  It’s the idea of how he approaches the figure that is the key.

Practicing his method allows you to do very accurate and quick drawings but also opens it up so that you can have more of your artistic input into the drawing.  You’ll end up doing a lot more drawing of the model and less coping it.

Below are numerous links I’ve found that showcase and talk about his methods.

http://www.dhfa.net/Artiststatement2.html

http://www.americanartarchives.com/reilly.htm

http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.com/2008/05/frank-reilly-could-teach-wooden-indian.html

http://www.blog.freshdesigner.com/2009/08/riley-method-head-drawing.html

Also, check out Fred Fixler and the Watts Atelier.

I’ve gone to a lot of different figure drawing classes over the years and I’ve found many make some common mistakes that make it more difficult to have a successful session.  To that end here are my top 10 tips, suggestions and outright mistakes that go on in a  figure drawing class.

1. The model is lit badly.

I can’t tell you how frustrating it can be to have a beautiful model posed in a perfect way with nary a shadow in sight.  When everything is one value it’s harder to draw.  Shadow reveals form.  It helps us to see round objects as round or planes when they turn.

In my opinion the best way to light the model is to use one key light and a softer secondary light on the opposite side (or right angle) of the key light.  Another great choice is just to have a simple single light source.  This is particularly good for quick poses.

2.  Bad Model

To anyone that thinks being a good figure model only involves being able to stand up in front of people with no clothes on needs to think again.  A good model creates good poses and is able to hold those poses.  Nothing worse than starting a drawing of a model with her hand in the air to finishing it with her hand by her waist.

3.  Lazy Model

Probably one of my personal pet peeves.  A lazy model is one who thinks that my entire figure drawing session doubles as her personal nap time.  I have no problem with models who doze during long poses.  That’s normal.  What’s not is a model who does 2 hours of laying down poses in a 2.5 hour session.  I’m not talking about reclining, but laying down flat on his or her back.  There is another profession out there if you want to get paid for just lying on your back.

4.  Props

Yes, the best figure drawing is nude figure drawing but don’t over look a few props that could enhance the session.  Boas, different types of hats, jewelery, dramatic makeup, swords, axes, or staffs make excellent additions.

5.  Put your model to work

Having your models actually interacting with an object in some fashion turns the body from stationary relaxed muscles to active engaged muscles.  Pulling on a rope, pushing against a chair, etc.  This is also a great one for warm-ups and quick poses.

6.  Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your fellow artists.  For some reason it’s seems many people are reluctant to talk in a figure drawing class.  If you have an instructor this isn’t a problem but in open figure drawing classes hit up anyone whose stuff looks good to get some tips.  Outright asking for a crit or help with your work is OK too.  Most artists would love to help out a fellow artist.

7.  Music is my muse.

Music is great when figure drawing but please be somewhat considerate.  I know that not everyone is going to agree of what good music is but at least take a vote before playing Celine Dion or that new recording of original tribal chants you found at the flea market.

8.  Be respectful.

This usually isn’t a problem but every once in a while you’ll get someone whose mind is still stuck in middle school.  Don’t make sexual comments about the model or say things that could be taken as such by the model.  I’ve been in model sessions where someone says something, some laugh and I feel like we getting ready to reenact The Accused starring Jodie Foster.  Not cool.

9.  Move it, bub.

If you get an angle from a pose that you hate or doesn’t capture the lighting in the best way by all means move.  Don’t waste your time with a bad angle.

10.  Don’t be afraid to tip.

Being a model is tough work and many times it’s hard to pay a good one what they’re worth since it’s mostly students and poor artists hiring them out.  That means tips would probably be greatly appreciated.

I’ve started seeing these…things.  Through a crowd of people, waiting in parking lots, hiding in the woods by my house.  I don’t know what they want but whatever it is I just know that it’s bad. I feel them coming closer lately.  But I’ve stuck upon something that keeps them from coming any closer.  I’ve found that when I draw or paint they recede into the background.  I don’t know if it’s the God like act of creation that repels them or if they’re just allergic to graphite and gesso.

The only thing I’m sure of is that I have to create something everyday.  Every single day.  Or I’m done for.

Here’s just one of the ones from today.

PS.  I’m not sure if I should be talking about this.  I don’t know if these things can access the Internet much less read but I have to  let others know.  Maybe I can save some other people at the same time I save myself.

PSS.  The picture above is just a Photoshop doodle.  I like how it turned out.