Post by: Sumarra on February 26, 2003, 05:05:06 pm
I figured it would be good to have a spot where folks can chat and I might even post updates for my artwork here. So, since this is a public forum, please keep the chatter to a PG-13 rating and if you want to post a URL that leads to more mature content then please take it to the Adult Forums elsewhere on this site.
If anyone wants to get a hold of me then feel free to Email me or leave me a message through the forum's PM service.
For a guaranteed list of updates regarding my works, join my spam-free mailing list here or my Yahoo Group The Kama Sumarra.
Thanks and Enjoy!
-- Sumarra Pethran
Post by: WhiteShepherd on February 27, 2003, 12:10:34 am
WhiteShepherd
Post by: Patrick Rangerwolf on February 27, 2003, 08:26:56 am
Same here. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Oh, and thanks big for all of your suggestions. You have an excellent eye for good art.
-Patrick
Post by: Sumarra on February 27, 2003, 06:50:20 pm
Sea Dragon
I've been up late hours these past couple of weeks so I've had some more time to myself to get back into what inspires me. I've been drawing commissions and other furs' ideas for so long now (not to say I don't love doing that) that it's nice to take it back to what I love to draw... dragons.
I just finished this one last night and it's ready for transfer. Now I'm just wondering what to do with it. Try something new and go for an all pencil crayon on bristol board? Or my familiar method - watercolor canvas with paint and pencils on top like I did with my last dragon?
I'm leaning towards my old method just so I can give the picture it's best chance at becoming really beautiful. Any suggestions?
Post by: Kada-Ru on February 28, 2003, 07:53:53 pm
Or, make a real light fine lined print of your sketch and color that with the 'new' method and if you don't like how it turns out, color your normal familiar way.
Last night I was working on a pic for my grandson. It has 3 orangutans in it. I colored the big one with markers/pencil/chalk and didn't like the way it looked so on the next smallest one I did the chalk/pencils. I like that one a little bit better but really don't like any of it. I want the hairs/fur to really show. More practice.
But, back to the subject at hand, try first printing out a fine lined print of your sketch and going from there. Otherwise, go with what you already know works and works well!
Good luck and look forward to seeing your finished piece!
Post by: Sumarra on February 28, 2003, 10:09:56 pm
Once, my son got a hold of my half-finished painting and colored crayon all over it. I was just furious. But thankfully, I was able to start all over because I preserved the first draft.
I found a scrap of old bristol and traced part of the dragon onto it so I can experiment with the pencil crayons. If I like how it turns out, I'll give the whole thing a go.
Post by: Sumarra on March 05, 2003, 08:33:50 am
Sea Dragon take 1
I'm really liking the result so far. I'm off to buy a blending tool to smooth it out today and then I'll give the whole thing a shot. I like how the pencil gives me more detail than the paint brush ever has.
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 05, 2003, 02:00:51 pm
One more thing I'd like to add - when I tried drawing a while ago, if I made a basic sketch I liked, but didn't want to add any detail or colour to it from fear of ruining it, I'd scan in the sketch, and print off a few copies of it. That way I could have as many shots at it that I wanted. Just thought I'd put that forward.
Post by: Sumarra on March 05, 2003, 05:45:59 pm
As for the body type, I was going for a mix of a few things, eastern, western, and a smattering of otter. I went through a phase of drawing only western dragons, then did only eastern for a while, and eventually I found a nice in-between style. I like the sleekness of the eastern breed but I prefer the tone and musculature of the western. So I combined them in some of my art. The one thing I love best about drawing dragons is, there are no rules! heehee
At least not as much as there are when drawing people or still life.
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 06, 2003, 12:48:30 pm
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 06, 2003, 10:41:24 pm
| Quote |
| And here is a test of the pencil crayons: |
I really like how the eye is turning out! So bluish-shiny!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 06, 2003, 10:46:47 pm
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 07, 2003, 12:04:08 pm
| Quote (Kada-Ru @ Mar. 07 2003, 3:46 am) |
| I don't know anything about Easter/Western dragons. I think it is very good and I love the water any way! So, a dragon (of any type) is fine with me when enjoying itself under water! (giggles) |
Easter Dragons? Well, they're Dragons that give chocolate eggs to all the little Dragons that have been well once a year. If you meant Eastern Dragons, then basically think of a typical Chinese Dragon - a very snake-like body, the head not very reptile-looking, and often quite long. Though, obviously this is a HUGE generalisation, and there are many Eastern Dragons that do look quite reptian, or are not very long. This is an example of a typical Eastern Dragon:
A typical Western Dragon is again, very hard to desribe as there are many different types, like Wyrms, Wyverns, as well as those that do not specifically fit into one group. Here's an example of a western-type Dragon:
If you notice, in that picture, the Dragon has no wings, whereas some westerns do. Also, it has four limbs, where many have only two. I could go on to body structure, and all that, but there is no end to what could be said. A whole book could be written (and some have been written) purely on the different types of Dragons there are. So to try and summarise it all in one post here is very hard. I hope you have an idea of it now.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 07, 2003, 02:19:21 pm
I have only drawn three dragons in my life and none of them look like those! (giggles)
I can't wait to see your full colored version of your sketch, Sumarra!
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 07, 2003, 03:06:01 pm
| Quote (Kada-Ru @ Mar. 07 2003, 7:19 pm) |
| Yes, thanks, DrakonianDanceR! I love the pics too. They help with visualization. I have only drawn three dragons in my life and none of them look like those! (giggles) |
It doesn't suprise me that your Dragons didn't look like the two examples I gave, because as I said before, there are so many different types. Though, I'm interested in seeing how you draw Dragons; I'd really like that.
Post by: Sumarra on March 07, 2003, 08:57:38 pm
Kada, do you have your dragon drawings posted somewhere?
I am currently working on the fill sized copy and Whew! Using a blender is a lot of work! This one is definately going to hit the 10 hour mark before it's done, I'm sure.
I can't wait! heehee!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 07, 2003, 10:07:51 pm
| Quote |
| Though, I'm interested in seeing how you draw Dragons; I'd really like that. |
DrakonianDanceR, I will post the links on my forum for you since this one is Sumarra's. (giggles) Oh, one is on the main page of http://www.dragoncity.net
Since Sumarra asked.... (giggles) no, I will still post them to my forum so we keep your stuff here, ok? (giggles)
I also have one that is an adult though if you want that one I will email you the link or you can look at my adult website. I think it is the last one on the page. Yes, just checked, it is the last pic on the page. I'll post the link on my forum for you guys for the other dragon. The VERY first one I did and I hate it! It turned out horribly.
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 08, 2003, 04:57:01 am
| Quote (Kada-Ru @ Mar. 08 2003, 3:07 am) |
| DrakonianDanceR, I will post the links on my forum for you since this one is Sumarra's. (giggles) Oh, one is on the main page of http://www.dragoncity.net Since Sumarra asked.... (giggles) no, I will still post them to my forum so we keep your stuff here, ok? (giggles) I also have one that is an adult though if you want that one I will email you the link or you can look at my adult website. I think it is the last one on the page. Yes, just checked, it is the last pic on the page. I'll post the link on my forum for you guys for the other dragon. The VERY first one I did and I hate it! It turned out horribly. |
I'm sorry, Sumarra. You see, I don't know where each active thread is on the forums, as I only use the "New Posts" button at the top. Sorry about that. Kada, I'll look at the links in a moment, when I find the post, thanks.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 09, 2003, 03:08:32 pm
Sumarra, I have to really thank you for that photo link! I have probably downloaded a couple hundred pics since I started looking at it! Of course, they aren't the 800x600 background pics that I get from webshots.com but I can still use them for references. I found a couple kangaroos that I would love to try my hand at from that website. When I get them sketched I will be more than happy to let you know.
Are you going to be creating any more dragons after you color your sketch? I would love to see more from you!
I have a question... may seem strange but I am curious. I went to look at your adult section to see your new pieces and you have all the naughty-bits blurred. Is there any particular reason for this?
Post by: Sumarra on March 10, 2003, 10:49:06 am
I like viewing your stuff, after all, and it keeps the topics more logical rather than saying, 'and here's a link that was requested over in that conversation over there...', heehee!I'm really glad you like imagebank.com, I find it a huge and wonderful resource that I use often.
I don't know when I'll be drawing a dragon next, but I will most likely be doing a real-life portrait of two dogs. I've just started negotiating a commission for a woman's Shitzu and Malamute-husky cross. They are adorable dogs and I can't wait to work on it. <happy dance>
And as for my website, I have seen a few other websites use blurring before and it made sense to me. One, because I sell the prints I figure it might spark enough curiosity in viewers to buy them just so they can get the unblurred version, hehe. Two, because you know it's just as easy for under-aged kids to click 'continue' on the warning page. And three, you never know who is linking directly to your website and posting those pics without the warning page.
I have also seen a lot of collectors simply print out the jpegs on their home printers and come out with semi-decent copies. So I'm hoping this will encourage folks to buy more prints since they're honestly not that expensive (around $15 USD after average shipping costs).
Thanks for asking!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 10, 2003, 12:32:26 pm
| Quote |
| Kada, feel free to post your links here. I don't mind other artwork shown off in my forum at all. I like viewing your stuff, after all, and it keeps the topics more logical rather than saying, 'and here's a link that was requested over in that conversation over there...', heehee! |
Thanks. (giggles) That is quite understandable. I will remember that.
I will also be using that imagebank.com a lot too now.
Are you going to be posting your finished commission work of the two dogs on your website? (please, please, please)
Thank you for the info on your blurring. I thought about the second reason but hadn't thought really about the other 2. Usually if I am worried about someone printing out a copy of my works, I scan them in for the web at a very low res and then make sure that when someone tries to enlarge it, it won't look right. I don't know if that works or not.
I know I do keep copies of other artists works on my computer for references but never even thought about printing them out! But, that is me. I figure if I want a pic from another artist that I want to hang on a wall, I will buy the original, if available, or purchase a print. I think of it the same way I think about graveyards. (I know, freaky thought!
I always have troubles going to a funeral because I don't want to be walking on/around someone's resting place. For me, it just doesn't feel right and gives me the willies! I feel the same way about printing someone elses' hard work. It just doesn't feel right. I guess by doing such they will know and will haunt me for ever! (giggles)Ok, enough of the dreary/spooky thoughts! Another type of creation I want to try my hand at is the fantasy type art. I don't know how to explain it. Heather Bruton has two websites. One is her furry artwork and the other is her fantasy art. I'm still not sure of the difference but I think about the little fairies twitting around something etc. I am still learning that I can draw whatever comes into my head but after so many years of drawing normal stuff, it is a hard habit to break!
Post by: Sumarra on March 10, 2003, 01:16:27 pm
And I know what you mean about being haunted, and I'm glad there are folks out there that do because in my mind I feel the same. If you want the art, support the artist and buy it.
I love Heather's work! At Conifur 2001 I bought a print of Cuddle and Firebird
I would love to see you expand into fantasy, Kada. I think Faeries would be a good start if you're used to more normal stuff since they are most commonly drawn as humans with gossamer wings (like a dragon fly or even a butterfly). I always picture them near slow moving water, like a brook or small pond. These are another creature where there are no real rules regarding how they are drawn. Very fun wot work with.
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 10, 2003, 01:22:33 pm
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 10, 2003, 01:38:03 pm
I fell in love with Heather's stuff way before I even heard of Rog! I want to be like BOTH of them!
So, what is the difference or is there really any difference?
@ DrakonianDanceR
Your post came in while was making this post!
Oh, Heather has created pieces of art on mailboxes, bathroom walls etc.! All on her website. That is how I got to talking to her about her art.
*I will finish this post later. Got to run! WS needs my cd burner!
Post by: Sumarra on March 11, 2003, 03:33:27 am
My favorite combination is Peregrin Falcon and either panther or a spotty snow leopard. 'Up sidedown' is one of my favorites done by Sidian. I'm not sure what cross she used but it's just adorable!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 11, 2003, 01:14:30 pm
I have always thought about creating some of those because I like birds and animals alike. Since this is really all fantasy I guess it doesn't matter what animals I use! CREATIVITY on its way! So many sketches to do! So little time!
I will one day create one of them too!
Sumarra, do you plan on coloring the sketch you created? I would love to see it colored!
Post by: Sumarra on March 11, 2003, 01:32:26 pm
As for mine, I doubt I'd color it. I have dozens of old sketches that I could color but they all need so much reworking to bring them up to my current level that it's daunting to even think about it. I might do another one later this year though. I don't have a gryphon print in my portfolio yet, hehe.
I still need to concentrate on finishing this aquatic dragon. I made the mistake of using the blending tool before adding the shading color and now the darker green pencil cryaon wont stick to the page very well. I was pondering using some markers or something, but I think the wax really sealed it. Next time I'll know better.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 11, 2003, 01:52:59 pm
| Quote |
| I was pondering using some markers or something, but I think the wax really sealed it. Next time I'll know better. |
Something I have tried with the Oil Pastels that seem to help me fix something is to 'erase' the area you want to fix. Using your fingernail or some similar object to 'remove' the 'wax'. Then you should be able to go back over that are with another media or the same if you want to use the same medium. Hey, it can't hurt, right?
I posted the two new sketches a couple minutes ago to my forum. I truly LOVE the way they turned out. Now, if only the colorized versions turn out the way I hope!
Let me know if that 'erase' technique works for you!
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 11, 2003, 02:25:10 pm
Post by: Sumarra on March 13, 2003, 04:41:18 am
Drak: The more I think about it, the more I warm up to the idea of doing another gryphon. I think I'll do that soon. Once I get a creature in my head it'll sometimes haunt me until I draw them, hehe.
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 13, 2003, 11:41:39 am
| Quote (Sumarra @ Mar. 13 2003, 9:41 am) |
| Drak: The more I think about it, the more I warm up to the idea of doing another gryphon. I think I'll do that soon. Once I get a creature in my head it'll sometimes haunt me until I draw them, hehe. |
I hope you meant that in a light-hearted way. I wouldn't want you to get mentally uncomfortable having gryphons going round your mind all the time. But I'm guessing you're relating back to what you told me about doing your Dragon pictures - you picture the Dragons in your mind and then draw them. Well, it seems to work great for Dragons, so I'm sure if you apply the same to a Gryphon, it would work fine.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 13, 2003, 12:14:56 pm
Can't wait to see your finished piece!
Post by: Sumarra on March 14, 2003, 06:19:54 pm
I still love seeing them so it's not anything scarey, just persistant.
Kada: I've never worked with oils yet.. I'm almost afraid to since I hear it's a lot less forgiving than watercolors, heehee!
Last night I was working on the Sea Dragon's background, I decided to go with pencils afterall, and I was really wishing for a set of colored pens (like Micron or Steadler) to do crisp outlines. The pencils don't stay sharp very long to give that clear outline, so I had to settle for black in some places. It's still turning out really nice... and I'm considering using your eraser technique to lighten up some parts of the dragon and shade in hints of scales.
It's finally coming close to being finished!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 14, 2003, 10:25:28 pm
I get that too some times, Sumarra!
Something will get into my head and even after going to bed it is still there when I am sleeping! I make myself remember what was going on in the 'dream' or get up and write it down so I don't forget it. But, I can definitely relate to something sticking with you till you finally put it down on paper!
How curious!
The black outlined 'box' I did on the "Squirrel Monkey" was done with a black Prisma pencil. I had thought about using the marker but I wanted to do it in pencil. I had to press really hard to get it dark!
I think the 'eraser' technique is why I love using chalk. It is so easy to erase! And, when I am creating one of my erased pics, if I make an error and want to fill the color back in, I just use a Q-tip, for smaller areas, and a piece of a cotton ball to rub on the colored area than over the erased area and basically no one can tell the difference!
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 15, 2003, 05:49:35 am
| Quote (Sumarra @ Mar. 14 2003, 11:19 pm) |
| Drak: Heh, sort of in a light hearted way, bit sometimes they literally do haunt me. My head fills with a creature and it teases my mind so that sometimes I can't sleep. At that point I get up and draw it out on paper. Once that's done I can rest again. I still love seeing them so it's not anything scarey, just persistant. |
Hmm, I'm not sure what to say about that. But at least you do have the power to get the creatures to leave your mind. I'm glad that it doesn't scare you, or seriously bother you, as you can get them to leave.
On a related note, I tried doing this the other night. I lay down, and tried to relax myself, and think of a Dragon. I tried for ages, and I just couldn't seem to get one in my mind. I then thought I'd try a Gryphon, and no luck there, either. I was a little annoyed, because I wanted to try to do what you told me, and draw it after I saw it in my mind. I will give it another try, though.
Post by: Sumarra on March 17, 2003, 05:58:13 pm
And another thing on the background, I chose to put a light layer of light blue for the filler (water) but when trying to use the blending tool I realized it's no good. Since the color applied isn't thick, it's impossible to blend it smoothly. So no matter what I still see faint pencil crayon lines.
I'm glad I did this pic with them. I'm really getting to know the medium and I think I'll be able to blend it much better with watercolors and other mediums on future pics.
Drakonian: I've had slumps like that. I could try and try for hours, but nothing would come to me. My mind was a blank page. I had a haitus (block) for five years because of it.
If you still want to try it, try to remember if there's any activity (a certain book or movie, certain music you listen to, driving, showering, meditating, some even use mild drugs like chocolate, cafeine, or pot) that you have found your mind wandering to that daydreamy place where things are a little surreal. That's the place your mind has to be in to clearly picture the object you're trying to. Getting there is not always easy, and once there it's another challenge to take control without loosing it. It takes some practice, but it's well worth it.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 18, 2003, 12:17:53 am
Gene bought me a blending tool for the pencils but I have gone back to my Q-tips and cotton balls.
Post by: Patrick Rangerwolf on March 18, 2003, 08:13:41 am
Hey,
I know I came here in the middle, but that Gryphon, Upside-Down was awesome.
Son of Earth
Post by: Sumarra on March 18, 2003, 08:17:41 am
*waves to Son of Earth and grins* Glad you liked it!
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 18, 2003, 01:46:50 pm
There are primers (I think that is what they are) that you can spray on your art piece after finishing it with the chalks. I have some spray but haven't used it in a long time since I usually put the finished pieces in frames or the clear plastic sleeves that can be put into binders. Also, there isn't much chalk left after using the cotton balls or Q-tips to blend it so there isn't a whole lot that gets smudged.
Even on my "erased" pics, I fill the paper with the chalk and then I use the cotton ball to blend it all before I erase. A lot less mess that way! (giggles)
Plus, when using the chalk you have to be careful while coloring as it can be spread around if you aren't careful. Luckily though, most of it can be erased afterwards... (giggles) as I have had to do some times!
When we get back tonight I will get the can of spray I use and post it here.
Post by: Kada-Ru on March 18, 2003, 02:06:27 pm
| Quote |
Grumbacher Advanced Formula "Tuffilm Final Fixative" *Matte* Final fixative for pastel, charcoal and pencil. Non-yellowing net wt 11.75 oz (333 g) DANGER Extremely Flammable/Harmful or fatal if swallowed/vapor harmful/contents under pressure |
I would highly advise using this stuff outside when applying!
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 18, 2003, 04:39:10 pm
| Quote (Sumarra @ Mar. 17 2003, 10:58 pm) |
| Drakonian: I've had slumps like that. I could try and try for hours, but nothing would come to me. My mind was a blank page. I had a haitus (block) for five years because of it. |
Whoa, a five year block. I've heard that some artists do get that. How did you express yourself during that time?
| Quote |
| If you still want to try it, try to remember if there's any activity (a certain book or movie, certain music you listen to, driving, showering, meditating, some even use mild drugs like chocolate, cafeine, or pot) that you have found your mind wandering to that daydreamy place where things are a little surreal. That's the place your mind has to be in to clearly picture the object you're trying to. Getting there is not always easy, and once there it's another challenge to take control without loosing it. It takes some practice, but it's well worth it. |
Yes, I will try it again. When I did it, it was late. I lay on my bed, and tried to do all the thinking things you told me of, and I couldn't. So I'll try it at a different time, in a different place, to see if that helps at all. I have wanted to use mild drugs before, to see what would happen - what I might see. But all I've managed to do before is get a little silly-dizzy-happy-feeling in the head with solvents. Not quite the same, is it. Anyway, I will try agan.
Post by: Sumarra on March 18, 2003, 07:41:03 pm
Drakonian: I didn't really do anything creative during that time. I was working full-time in my first job and I had other hobbies like R/C Racing to occupy me. But I'd say reading fantasy novels is what kept my mind creatively sharp during that time. I ate through series of book like they were cheap candy, heehee!
Solvents is not a good way to go, no, hehe. Dangerous stuff. And definately not the kind of feeling you want to induce when trying to get into 'the zone'. Good Luck with it!
Post by: DrakonianDanceR on March 19, 2003, 04:52:12 pm
| Quote (Sumarra @ Mar. 19 2003, 12:41 am) |
| Drakonian: I didn't really do anything creative during that time. I was working full-time in my first job and I had other hobbies like R/C Racing to occupy me. But I'd say reading fantasy novels is what kept my mind creatively sharp during that time. I ate through series of book like they were cheap candy, heehee! |
I see. Fantasy books are great, if you have the time to get into them. Quite often, fantasy books are part of a huge series of other books, meaning it's quite hard to read and understand them sometimes. If I had a little more time, I'd like to read more than I currently do.
| Quote |
| Solvents is not a good way to go, no, hehe. Dangerous stuff. And definately not the kind of feeling you want to induce when trying to get into 'the zone'. Good Luck with it! |
Hmm, someone else told me that solvents weren't a very good thing to do - they said that some can kill instantly. Well, I still stand, so I'll have to try harder next time. I'll see what I can get hold of to help me get in to 'the zone', as you put it.
Post by: Sumarra on April 21, 2003, 04:24:00 pm
I can only say that practiced meditation and routine are the best and safest ways to get into the zone.
Post by: Kada-Ru on April 21, 2003, 05:54:28 pm
For the Furry Fairies they came to my mind when I ran across the photos of the flowers. I saw that flowers and an instant image of the little fairies about the flowers came to be.
(giggles)
Sumarra posted: "I reread the thread and had to comment on this as it comfused me and it didn't click in my brain."
| Quote |
| Kada: Those Dolphins look -really- nice! I like the effect very much. I'll have to give it a try sometime. And thanks for the info on that spray. I've been thinking about getting some for my graphite works. |
I think you were referring to "stick horses" I posted the link to. (giggles) Yes, they were on blue since I love the color blue. That was the first pic I did and someone said they looked like cave drawings. Well, since then, my 'erased chalk' has gotten better and more detailed since then. I also outline the characters so folks can see them better. I see them just fine in my mind's eye but that doesn't mean everyone else does.
Post by: Sumarra on April 23, 2003, 04:35:28 am
Those horses are nice too since they do resemble cave drawings... it would work even better if you cuold give it a worn rock frame that would give it the apperance of blue and white chalk on a real stone.