Since I knew I would have some relaxing time in my hotel room Sunday night, I brought some things to 'play' with. I have not developed good art-experimental-play habits in the past - always had small children in my lap or was chauffeuring them somewhere or was helping with homework or doing something silly like cleaning the house or picking the blueberries... It's just been the last couple of years that I could even think of doing something that was not commissioned and on a deadline. And even then it has mostly consisted of life drawing and sketching people in church.
When I was doing research for my Oz piece, I was introduced to the graphic novel Oz work being done by amazing comic artist Scottie Young. I bought one of his Oz sketchbooks, and enamored of his characterization and stylization, I copied some of his character sketches to get a feel for how to approach stylizing in this way. (You may have noticed, I don't stylize so much... Would love to, but my brain has not worked that way on its own.. Thus far at least...) Did much fun copying until bedtime.
The following day was the college tour, which entailed a couple of sit-down lectures. I opted to sketch through them, and decided to try my hand at a similar stylization of a character on my own. After a page of cuteness, I wanted to push for something a little more gothic (partly in honor of all the gothic architecture of UW campus). Still pretty cute, and vaguely Manga looking....
So, when we got home, I actually looked at a few photos - mostly for gesture- and to see if I could kind of meld the cuter stylization with something closer to how I normally work - but retain the looser, free-experimental feel of it... 'Twas very fun!
I hope to be able to 'play' more!
Oh, those stripey stockings, Amy Brown would be pleased!
I'm particularly fond of your little skateboarder--the sketch with the football has loads of personality. And the sketch of the slightly mopey fairy with the pet bug.
your fairies look really good. def. can tell that you drew them, but they do look a little looser, not as loose as the above sketches but not that far off :)
Really liking these sketches Tara. After my current commission I'm going to have to change my style of working to something less 'cute.' Your 'experimentation' seems like a natural progression. Mine might involve a sledgehammer:¬)
I started to post again on the AOI recently and felt that my style of work was pretty much ignored by 'real Illustrators.'
There will always be a place for your style of work but I think I will have to adapt mine.
Well, so what does your hair look like now? Great stuff!
tara these a great! i can't believe you were able to do most of these during a lecture. i never get time to 'play', always got a kiddo in my lap. ;) hehehe. and i love those stripey stockings too. can't wait to see what else you do when you start 'playing' more.
I would love one of your sketches on my studio wall .-)
My daughter had a very quiet day at work today, she told me she spent her time drawing.......
Hey, go for it! You need to take time to experiment and play. Mom
Yes more play please!
Cheers
Nice! :)
I love the character with the grasshopper on a lead.
Penny.
Looks wonderfully loose to me. Keep it up. (And I'm going to be posting some of my weird things in a day or so.)
Saw your bees comment at Andrea's - you could have a hive in your yard; with thoughtful orientation they need not be a nuisance.Just hard work sometimes!)
Nice to see you playing with your drawings! Letting loose feels good doesn't it.
I think it was Heraclitus who said that a man (or woman) is most himself when he approaches the seriousness of a child at play. these are terrific, Tara. Looks like you have found a way into their world...
I know what you mean about the brain working in one way and the forces pushing you another way. You have a wonderful talent, and I really enjoyed wandering through your blog.