Back in the Saddle

I'm thinking of moving this blog to Wordpress. For the moment, though, I finally recovered from the semester and have started trying to do art. This is, quite obviously, still in progress.

Illustration Final!

Not quite as epic as I wanted them to be, but here they are. The semester is over!

Sketches!

I continue to hone my tracing-over-photograph skills. It's a bit pin-up ish, sorry.
And an unfinished cactus!

Sketch of the Day

Finally, something not for class.

My Mock 303 Project

For those unaware, 303 is a class called Individual Art Review, where you put up your best work and talk about it before a panel of Art and Design Faculty. This was my final project for another class, mean to simulate the experience and get used to talking about our art that way. In critique I mostly received the teacher's opinion of how I should talk about the visual structures I used- contrast, discontinuity, focal point, etc. This was a slight let-down after staying up all night working on these, and I would really appreciate some more critique on the quality of the illustrations themselves.

Here is my Artist Statement, followed by the series. The characters were created by myself and Brigid Gallagher.

Grace Makley

Mock 303 Statement

My major is illustration, and I want to write and illustrate books. Therefore, my project for Mock 303 is a set of story illustrations. The plot is rather involved, so I chose a single sequence that I found most compelling. It is my hope that they stand on their own, at least in emotional content, and will make the viewer feel something, regardless of whether they know anything about the characters or not.

The themes in this piece are death, vengeance, resurrection, and reunion. The story was originally conceived as an anime epic, and those clichés are there, especially in the character of the impulsive youth who wields incredible cosmic power. My character, Taine, resembles the main characters in Bleach, Naruto, Rurouni Kenshin, and countless other shows. I am not bothered by the fact that he references these characters, because they are all referencing a hero archetype that goes back in mythology to Lancelot, Cuchulainn, Beowulf, and Gilgamesh. The relationship portrayed in this piece is that between best friends, blood brothers, or comrades in arms. This is also an archetypal relationship. It draws from entertainment in recent times, like J.D. and Turk from Scrubs, Starsky and Hutch, or Watson and Holmes; as well as similar relationships in the anime shows I’ve already mentioned. It also draws from older legends, like Robin Hood and Little John, and one of the earliest known works of literary writing: The Epic of Gilgamesh. In this poem from ancient Mesopotamia, Gilgamesh goes to the very doors of death in an attempt to bring his friend Enkidu back to life. My main character, Taine, is lucky in the fact that his dearest friend Falcon is not actually dead. Thanks to some cross-dimensional shenanigans, Falcon appears, alive, to save Taine from his grief-stricken madness and keep the Universe intact.

While creating this piece I focused on craft. I am engaged in a constant journey to improve my artwork and develop my style, and I wanted this project to represent a major step along the way. To achieve this, I planned the piece beforehand and took extensive reference photos. I then traced over the reference photos first in Photoshop, and then Corel Painter. Though tracing felt like cheating, the photographs were mine, and I used nothing didn’t create myself. Molding the characters from my reference proved challenge enough, as my characters have different builds and hairstyles than my models. I also had to adapt for gender, since one of my models was female. Corel Painter is a computer program that boasts an overwhelming array of brushes and media meant to simulate working traditionally. I chose a sponge tool for the background, and to block in foreground colors. This tool is messy and forgiving, qualities that I find very appealing in the beginning stages of a piece. While my style is heading towards a more realistic portrayal of anatomy and expressions, I chose to reference anime art with the heavy black line-art, and tried mimic the effect achieved with a traditional brush-pen. I then went back into the figures with digital paint to define brightness and add clarity.

All Images enlarge when clicked on.

Part 6!

5 am and I'm nearly finished- though there's still so much editing, finishing, and compiling to do. This is more like how I wanted the wings to look from the beginning, so I may need to re-do them in the other shots.

Almost There...

Just one more little scene to go! This one seems a bit over-saturated to me.

3/4ish

This will be part of the image in the previous post. Again, dark particles are still at sketch stage. Also the background needs work- suggestions?

Part 3ish

Still needs tweaking, but for the sake of progress I'm moving on.

Part 2 (of 6 or so)

Quality's bad because the layers are acting funny and I had to take a screencap, but I'm really happy with how this is turning out. The dark particles are sketchy, and will be re-done and refined... but you get the general idea.

Another Piece for Class

The first part in a sequential sequence I'm putting together for a mock art review. I'm calling it mostly done, though there's room for some tweaking of course. Before you start yelling at me about drawing redheaded men and killing them, I'd like to say that I thought of Falcon and this particular scene before I ever met Matt. Also, he's not really dead!

Gosh darnit. I always forget the freckles.

Same story, Project for Different Class

Imagine this as the facing page to my last post. Hmmm. The media and palette don't really agree, do they?

Illustration project

Watercolor pencils. Another piece of that huge project for class. This version is slightly tweaked on the computer- in the end I decided I liked the original better.

My critique went pretty well, and he's given us till Monday to revise. I'm thinking about completely re-doing this, if I have the time. I'm kind of aiming for an A; in this class that's hard to get!

Facial Expressions

Bad scan, real sketchy, but my favorite expression to date. I modeled it after Jude Law's Watson in Sherlock Holmes.

Our Current Disaster :D

OMG I HAVEN'T POSTED IN SO LONG HERE'S WHAT I'M WORKING ON FOR CLASS RIGHT NOW!!!!!

Character study whee! Finally putting the necessary time into it. Whaddaya think? Does it look like the same guy? If not, why? I've got a LOT more to do before Wednesday!!!

Just Another Blonde Boy

Still in progress. I think I'd like to finish this one up a bit nicer- although there's something that weirds me out about it.

(Queen And Her Guards didn't get in the exhibit, btw. So it's decorating my wall instead. I think part of the problem was that it doesn't read so well from far away.)

Today's sketch

Based on myself- I traced my reflection on the computer screen and went from there. Doesn't look so much like me anymore, especially in the eyes.

Corel Painter. About 20 minutes.

Queen And Her Guards- Final Version

Here it is. It'll look better a bit larger than the blog displays it- click to see the larger version.

A bit of a rushed job, but I'm fairly pleased with it. It looks very nice printed, matted and framed. I've just submitted it for The Donckers Show in Marquette Michigan- Donckers is a really wonderful candyshop/restaurant, and is where Art Prom is being held this year. I thought it would be a great opportunity to force myself to finish something, and get my work out there. The show is juried, and a lot of the other entries looked pretty great, so who knows if I'll even get in- but I'm proud of myself for trying.

Queen IN PROGRESS

Thought I'd try and throw together a piece for inclusion in a student art exhibition- entries are due tomorrow. So I'm trying to turn this sketch into something. Which is always harder than I think it'll be! At this point I was just trying to lay down some base colors, to have something to work with for shading and stylization. The purple/mauve on the chair is my favorite of the current palette...

I'm not too certain about anything here yet but I'd really like some sleep... so let's hope I can find some thunder for this in the morning!

Watercolor Pencils

For Serious, this image quality is bad. Someone should start holding me accountable for the lack of professionalism! There is a scanner on the other side of the room.

Wistful

Character Sketches

More character sketches. Getting closer now.

Soon I will become less lazy and actually scan these or something, instead of taking snapshots in Photobooth.

Errain (First character sketch I like)

Lorenzo de' Medici

Sketch from a really cool wood sculpture! Original is below. I failed to really capture the broodiness...

Today was a little bit slower than I've been taking it. I didn't leave the house until almost ten, and then, after taking the metro to the Smithsonian, I strolled up the mall to tour the Vietnam and Korean memorials. I thought about walking to the Jefferson, but it was fairly cold and windy and I just didn't have it in me. Andrea said we can stop there on our way out tomorrow.

Stopped at the American History Museum, and saw the transportation exhibit. Below is a picture from outside; there was an Alexander Calder sculpture lurking behind the museum. That's the black shape about to eat the National monument.

Made it to the Old Post Office building for lunch; there's a nice food court and it was sort of on the way. I spent the afternoon in the National Gallery of Art, where I encountered the sculpture I sketched along with many other cool things!

Presidents

There was a video playing of some important presidential moments at the National Portrait gallery, and I attempted to sketch some President faces. Keep in mind these were video clips, of moving, talking faces, no more than a couple minutes long.

And of Course the National Portrait gallery had Buddha Boards!

So today. I decided I wanted to see Journey to Mecca at the National History Museum IMAX theater. It was about Ibn Batutta's Hajj pilgrimage in the 1300s. I'm taking an Arab-Islamic History Class this semester, making this very topical, and I'm assuming Ibn Batutta will at least be mentioned in class sometime during these next few weeks. The film was very well-done and beautiful, although I was quite overwhelmed by crowds of screaming children. Busy day for schoolgroups! The film started at 10:25, which let me sleep in a little bit this morning. All this touring is wearing me out; I need all the sleep I can get!

After the film I meant to visit the National Archives, but couldn't get in. I'm not sure if it was actually closed or if I was just trying the wrong doors...

From here I hiked into Penn Quarter. It seemed fairly early in the day, but it was already after 11, and perhaps I never woke up entirely, because I was already tired and hungry! I walked up Seventh Street all the way to H street, above which I found Nando Peri Peri, a restaurant recommended by my father. I ordered 1/4 chicken with a side of Portuguese rice, along with some mango-ceylon iced tea. Even at the mild level, this was all quite spicy, and gave me a lot of much-needed energy!

I went next to the Building Museum. This is significant mostly because the building itself was quite grand and beautiful inside. It also has a fun giftshop.

Next was my main destination: the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The modern portraiture was amazing and exciting. I need to get my hands on some oil paint right away!

The older americans portraits were wonderful to explore. I kept saying "I know you" as I came across half-remembered faces from history textbooks, civil war documentaries, and art history exams. I also enjoyed studying them for style- James was right. John Singleton's self-portrait is masterful, and when you get right up to it you can see that there are dashes of paint, of color, that he's just left there on top and not blended at all- and it's perfect.

Yay for outsider art!

I love the blocky brushwork in this- just one example of the fine work in the Presidential Gallery.

I really liked this one (detail from a rather large piece).

So basically I spent the entire afternoon at this museum, and saw everything, only stopping for an espresso-and-chocolate pick-me-up in the courtyard café. It was fun... and like I said, I need some oil paints. I need to... learn how to paint, learn how to draw, use some reference, and get it right. The high school "I'll draw it this way, and it'll sort of work" just isn't doing it anymore. My artistic sensibilities no longer agree that it looks good- so my skill and work ethic need to go up a step as well.

I meant to explore the shops etc. at the Old Post Office building, but it turns out it doesn't stay open late until April. Disappointing, as I was hoping for a snack or drink of some sort. (I am spending so much money on this trip. I told this to my mother, and she said I would just have to eat rice and beans for the next few months. Looking good for Biggest Loser! Go team!) If the Irish pub I passed earlier had been nearby I may have popped in for a pint- as it was I walked a few extra blocks to Metro Center and headed on home.

At home tonight we watched Persuasion, a Jane Austin film none of us had seen. It was pretty fun- after I looked up the plot of Wikipedia and we figured out what was going on. Andrea has just introduced me to Project Runway, which has just finished. Time for sleep! I haven't been sleeping entirely well, mostly because there is so much stuff from my busy days going through my head, but I'm thinking exhaustion is going to catch up eventually.

Tomorrow I think I will see the Vietnam, Korea, Lincoln, and Jefferson Monuments, and spend more time at the National Gallery.

Queen And Her Guards

Clearly unfinished. Maybe I will work on it and post a better version one of these days! It's in progress, so critique is welcome!
Added bonus! They had buddha boards at the Natural History Museum too. This time I was surrounded by school girls as I was working, who were very impressed! Again, it looked cooler in person.

Another big day today! I started out at a café called Teaism in Foggy Bottom, which I found in the guidebook. I decided to go there for breakfast because I wanted to get out on the town a bit earlier than the museums open at 10. Teaism turned out a bit more high-scale than I was thinking- I felt slightly out of place among suited office workers meeting for breakfast. It wasn't too crowded, though, and I had apricot muesli with yogurt and strawberries along with a pot of green tea. An absolutely wonderful start to the day, and I was able to begin today's sketch, posted above. Both the apricots and strawberries were a surprise, especially as the price was quite reasonable.

I realized upon leaving the café that I was very near the Renwick Gallery, and it seemed a shame not to stop in. This is primarily a museum of American Craft, and a site of one of the inaugural balls. There were several paintings by one Romaine Brooks which I liked quite a bit, and I've recorded his name for future reference. Also, this cool sculpture.
From there I walked past the White House, something that must be done when one is in the Nation's Capitol, and back around the the Corcoran Gallery of Art. This is actually a privately supported gallery, not part of the Smithsonian. I was in Smithsonian mode, and walked completely oblivious past the place I was supposed to pay, thinking it was just an information booth. At the top floor someone asked to see my ticket, which I didn't know I was supposed to have. I left fairly quickly after that!

Next I went to the Natural History Museum- you know, the one with all the stuffed animals and bones. Seriously losing energy at this point. Saw some cool stuff, including the adorable sea otter pictured below (is it sad that I found the stuffed animals and bones extremely cute?) They do have some live things in the insect zoo- the diving beetles were amazing!

After eating lunch in the cafeteria, I decided to save the National Archives for another day and catch the metro to Capitol Hill. There I went to the Library of Congress- Gutenberg Bible, old books, Jefferson's Library, and a truly fascinating display of letters from Afghanistan. I didn't sleep entirely well last night and this was about 2 in the afternoon, I'd already walked a lot that day, and I was exhausted. Like seriously, desperately, in need of caffeine. I suppose a nap would have helped too- but that wasn't such an easy option! A nice lady at the Library of Congress gift shop directed me to a cafe called Firehook, which was very homey. I got another café mocha, about twice as large as the one I had yesterday (at this rate I'll need a bucket of it tomorrow) and relaxed for almost an hour in a comfy chair. I worked more on the queen sketch. An older black gentleman who looked rather distinguished told me it was a "good illustration" as he was heading out. It was cool that he specified illustration, as that is my goal with art!

Onward to the Folger Shakespeare Library, where there was cool exhibition on extra-illustration, which was very interesting... I have made a note to research it further. It was 4pm when I left, and walked about 5 blocks to Union Station to catch the redline to Catholic University and the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where I went to the bookstore and attended the 5:15 mass in the Crypt Church, which is something I wanted to do. This was nice, although I feel pretty lonely trying to be a Catholic right now.

Then back on the metro, a switch to the orange line, and a long ride back home. Andrea, my mother's roommate from art school, is out late teaching a photography class tonight. Her husband, Joe, had made some amazing beef stew which he reheated for me. We've been watching TV together for the past couple hours- the Daily Show and Colbert Report, and now that new Genealogy show. It's very comfortable staying here, and I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends in such an amazing city!

I am sorry about the length of this post; know that I'm writing this all down for my own records as much as your amusement! It is probably too early to say anything, but so far I am exceptionally proud of my navigational skills. Granted I check my maps very often (the DC Eyewitness Travel Guidebook has been an absolute lifesaver), and also this is a city designed to make sense (as opposed to Detroit or something), but I have yet to be really lost at any point. For someone as directionally challenged as me, that is saying something! Although now I shall probably mess up royally tomorrow. :-p

Speaking of tomorrow, I need to decide what I'm doing, and then go to bed. I am absolutely worn out.

Sketch 3, Washington Day 1!

Slightly different sketch today- I did this on a "Buddha Board" for sale at the Hirshhorn Museum. It's a sort of slate, or stone, that goes dark with water, and dries white again. This looked a lot cooler in the store- the ladies who worked there said it was the best they'd seen on the sample product so far. Sometime soon I will start posting sketches that look like I'm actually trying to improve my artwork...

Big day today! Started with the top of the Washington Monument- bird's eye view of the entire city.

This is a relief from the WWII memorial. It's actually very small, there are a lot of them along a wall.

After the Washington Monument, I headed down the mall to the Smithsonian. If you're not aware, the Smithsonian is actually a

whole crap-ton of museums, most of them centered around the National Mall. If you're not aware, the National Mall is a large strip of grass surrounded by monuments and important buildings; the Capitol at one end, Washington Monument in the middle, and the Lincoln memorial at the other end. No shopping involved. Except for all the museum shops.The other cool thing about the Smithsonian is that admission is always free.

So first I went to the Freer/Sackler Galleries. They have a lot of Asian and Middle Eastern Art, including a beautiful set of four ancient wooden Shitenno statues; guardians from a Buddhist temple in Japan. These are my favorite, and I was really happy to see them again, as well as so much other cool art that I don't have time to talk about. Oh, if any of you have run across Whistler's Peacock Room in your art history textbooks, that's there too.

Next, after stopping briefly at the Smithsonian Castle to pay my respects to the remains of James Smithson himself. Then, on to the Hirshhorn: Contemporary and Modern Art. There, I had a brief and dramatic encounter with Modern Art, which is how I like it. It's fun to look at, fun to experience, but not something I want to spend a lot of time thinking about and analyzing.

Then, Air and Space! I paid my money and played with their very realistic flight simulators th

at go upside down. Lots of fun... although I don't think I'm very good at flying! Also at the Air and Space (and once again costing money) I saw a show at the Einstein Planetarium- sort of like an omni-theater on the ceiling. Very cool. Next I went to the cafeteria at the Museum of the American Indian in search of baby octopus- sadly I had to settle for a chicken tomale and duck salad. Very tasty.

At this point I turned back towards the metro on the other side of the mall, heading towards the National Gallery of Art. I found the East Building first, which is a much more modern structure. Didn't spend much time there, took the underground concourse to the more traditional West Building, where I found myself in great need of a Café Mocha at the cafe.

Wended my way through the bookstore, picked up a small over-priced sketchbook (I needed something light to carry around) and got lost in the gallery until it was time to go home. I spent the most time in the sculpture collection, and saw lots of really interesting things. I'm totally a sucker for greek-style idealized heroic sculptures.

Small disaster- I was fairly tired at this point and managed to leave my camera bag on the steps of the National Gallery after I had finished adjusting my coat. I realized this about a block later and returned to find it gone- but some very nice tourists had given it to the guards inside the gallery, who returned it to me. After they called my mother, since I had written my home phone and address inside the bag. Embarrassing! At least I got the camera back safely.

Then back to the metro, and back home. This morning I went into the city in the height of rush hour and the metro was absolutely packed- in the afternoon I at least got a seat! The daughter of my hosts was visiting tonight, and we went to The Lost Dog for dinner, where I had an absolutely amazing sandwich. I am very tired, and will probably go to bed in an hour or so.

I have yet to decide what to explore tomorrow.

-Grace

P.S. If you're enjoying my blog at all, please leave comments. I find them very encouraging!

Day 2

So many anatomy problems! Painter, 15-20 minutes. Mostly an experiment with the chalk tools.

Today, I am off to Washington DC! No tablet, so (assuming I can find internet) the sketches will be a bit more old-fashioned. I'm hoping to also find the time to blog about my trip.

Day 1

Still not happy with the template, but it's the best I can do right now. Is it possible to edit blogger templates in Dreamweaver?

Here is today's sketch!



Painter. About half an hour.