JessicaYean on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/jessicayean/art/Merfolk-Sheet-Summer-2012-381696112JessicaYean

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Merfolk Sheet (Summer 2012)

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I found this stuck in my bookshelf not too long ago. It was a page that I ripped out of one of my sketchbooks last year out of frustration. I almost forgot about it. I'm posting this for three reasons:
1. As a comparison with my skill level then, and my skill level now.
2. As a reminder that if any artist keeps at it and reaches for improvement of themselves and their skills, they will improve.
3. As reminder that although working to better oneself does work, it won't work if you never moderate. Sometimes you do need a break and go and do other things, or go back to the basics again, before you come back. Through that recess and exploration of other subjects, your experience will make your work stronger.

Last summer, I was rigorously working on drawing animals to improve my skills. After I finished the animal series, I wanted to start a merfolk series integrating my own style of drawing hybrid creatures right away. I was excited for it, but the series never happened until now. At that point in the late summer, I was burned out and so was my integrity. I tried to push myself anyway, but I ended up becoming irritated. I had a vision, but what I drew didn't match it. Something about what I drew bothered me. The color is not right. The character is too rigid. The way I was drawing wasn't working for me, and I hit the point where I was sick of drawing. Eventually, I called it off, ripped the page out, and stuck it in my bookshelf in a place where I won't see it in the light of day.

After that, I went to do something else. I painted. I made sculptures. I programmed. I attended science classes. I wrote. I didn't completely stop drawing, but what I was doing that was specifically related to drawing was going back to the basics: sketching the human anatomy, attending basic drawing classes where I revisited the color theory and grayscale, and drawing observations and still lives.

Eventually after a long while, I found this drawing sheet and wanted to try again. Some of my new inspiration came from my experiences outside of drawing. The vibrant colors that I used from painting and that I've seen from outer space images in my science classes. The concept of how a 3D object is perceived in a space from my sculpture class. The idea of which the way a character is designed adds an element to the success of a story being told. The ability of experimentation and creating a working project from small, little elements through my programming class. And finally, the re-establishment of the basics of drawing- color, shadows, and form.

So what I want to to say is: Do your own thing, but be sure not to narrow yourself or your abilities through the idea that you have already reached the limit of your abilities. Keep an eye out for new ideas, experiment, and last but not least, take breaks every now and then.


Check out this comic on tumblr about why we artists create. It's really good. Please support the artist who created it. :) --> [link]
Image size
771x1000px 555.7 KB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS
Shutter Speed
1/125 second
Aperture
F/4.5
Focal Length
13 mm
ISO Speed
100
Date Taken
Jun 24, 2013, 10:10:58 AM
Sensor Size
1mm
© 2013 - 2024 JessicaYean
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