Hmm alright so for this semester I would like to focus on digital illustration. I think I want fo focus on figures such as humans and or animals. I want to do this so I can develop my digital painting skills and also further improve my skills in figure drawing. I would probably draw them from references but also alter them or combine references. I drew/painted two assignments last semester in my Painting II class. I printed my first one in small scale and attached them to mini canvases.
My final assignment was a self portrait which I printed life size. Because my previous project focused on animal people I sort of went in that direction for my self portrait. I am thinking about having that as my theme this semester, probably with interaction between figures. So probably three different situations. I also want to paint a background or location for them, as oppose to just the patterns like I did with these paintings. So my theme... will be anthropomorphic animals interacting with each other, done in a digital painting medium. I am still not sure whether I will paint them in full color, or as washes. I did a lot of ink washes last semester and I liked the effect and the process but I am not sure how well that will translate with a tablet. I am sure if I tweak the settings I can achieve a watercolor or ink wash effect. I am also interested in 19th century fashion and vestments so I think I will incorporate that into my images. I was thinking of either printing them out in large scale or combine them with other media like I did with these. I want to pursue a career in digital illustration and or graphic design. So~~ This is why I want to focus on this medium!
Mimi Kato is successful artist who finished her MFA at UTSA a few years ago, and has been dealing with some of the same ideas. Check out her website: http://www.mimikato.com/
ReplyDeleteHer anthropomorphic animals have been based on historic Japanese mythology. She uses herself as the subject in the tableaux, re-photographing herself over & over in different costumes and positions.
First off, thanks for the link!
ReplyDelete(aauuggghH! I want to work in Photoshop so bad, now! haha)
Your work here reminded me of a couple artists, not necessarily in style, but for one reason or another:
~Jeremy Fish: http://www.sillypinkbunnies.com/artwork/2008/5/Seasons-Of-Change/
~Camilla D'Errico: http://www.camilladerrico.com/paintings/
Needless to say, I enjoy these pieces you have up - it definitely seems like these figures could be characters that you are building up.
For what it's worth, I think your figures would look great with a wash of some kind, maybe something similar to Japanese sumi-e paintings.
:]
I've known a couple of people in reality who draw anthropomorphic figures on a regular basis (and a lot more online) and It I consider it a versatile topic. I consider my inability to properly draw animals a roadblock for me though.
ReplyDeleteI am, however, excited that you will be drawing digitally. I got a tablet Last January and I have been digital ever since. I know how to draw using Photoshop but I have an amazing PC program that completely dominates Photoshop. I'll tell you about it later.
I really like the illustration you've posted, I think doing them in digital format and large scale will really open up a lot of options.
ReplyDeletePlacing the figures in a situational context seems like the next logical step. One artist I think of is Andrew Brandou http://www.howdypardner.com . His works aren't digital and I guess the style isn't exactly the same but he does place animals in interesting situations that make social commentary.
Thank you everyone for such great suggestions!! :D Nemo what program are you using?
ReplyDeleteI definately think you should make these large scale! Digital illustration is too often confined to the small rectangular format of the magazine page or web page. Increasing the scale would increase its presence and impact.
ReplyDeleteAn artist I think you might enjoy is Jennybird Alcantara: http://www.jennybirdart.com She appears to be working in a similar vein and is doing some very cool stuff. (And I'm sure you will too!) The work of Ray Ceasar is also worth checking out because he combines elements of the past and future, such as vintage clothing and props with strange alien-like forms and shapes reminiscent of H.R. Giger. He really warps our sense of time. And his environments are pretty cool too. http://www.raycaesar.com