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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #25 on: March 11, 2003, 01:14:30 pm »
I love BOTH those griffons, Sumarra! *however it is spelled*  '<img'>

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!  '<img'>

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!

Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #26 on: March 11, 2003, 01:32:26 pm »
I'd love to see any that you draw, Kada.

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. ':p'




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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #27 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!

Offline DrakonianDanceR

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« Reply #28 on: March 11, 2003, 02:25:10 pm »
Hey, Sumarra - great Gryphons there.  The first one is my personal favourite of the two.  It is a classic Gyphon, but of an anthropormorphic type.  Are you planning on drawing any more?
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Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #29 on: March 13, 2003, 04:41:18 am »
Kada: I besically just kept going over the wax with the shading pencil until it took and got it working semi-decently. But with all the time put into just the dragon I'm seriously considering cheating on the BG and using water colors. They are so much faster to work with.

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.
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Offline DrakonianDanceR

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« Reply #30 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.
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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #31 on: March 13, 2003, 12:14:56 pm »
I know my ouliner pens won't work on the Oil Pastels. Very irritating! But, then I just use a marker. (giggles) Where there is a will there is always a way!

Can't wait to see your finished piece!

Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #32 on: March 14, 2003, 06:19:54 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. ':p'
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!  '<img'>
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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2003, 10:25:28 pm »
The Oil Pastels are like big crayons. I don't think either the Oil Pastels nor the water color are forgiving but then I have only recently begun using the Oil Pastels again, hated the pic I did for my first time around! The water colors I have only tried once. I do have a good set of water color pencils but am not ready to give them a try again just yet. In time I will.

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!  '<img'>

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!

Offline DrakonianDanceR

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« Reply #34 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. ':p'
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.
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Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #35 on: March 17, 2003, 05:58:13 pm »
Kada: Now I know I'm not alone in that aspect, being haunted creatively. And that eraser idea really worked out well. It gave the dragon a more 3D look to the rounded areas, but I found none of my craft erasers worked. I had to use the standard HB pencil eraser to get the wax and crayon off, heh. Odd.

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. '<img'>
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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #36 on: March 18, 2003, 12:17:53 am »
Sumarra, another thing I have been doing to smooth out the colors of the markers and pencils is to go over them with the chalk. I then use a Q-tip, if the area is small, or a cotton ball for larger areas to 'blend' in the chalk. Some times it works great, others it doesn't.

Gene bought me a blending tool for the pencils but I have gone back to my Q-tips and cotton balls.

Offline Patrick Rangerwolf

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« Reply #37 on: March 18, 2003, 08:13:41 am »
*wolfy pads in slowly*

Hey,

I know I came here in the middle, but that Gryphon, Upside-Down was awesome.

Son of Earth


 '<img'>
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Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #38 on: March 18, 2003, 08:17:41 am »
Thanks, Kada. I thought about stealing my son's chalk to test with it after seeing all you've done with it. But I'm betting it's hard to keep the chalk from spreading and smudging after the pic is done, isn't it?

*waves to Son of Earth and grins* Glad you liked it!
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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #39 on: March 18, 2003, 01:46:50 pm »
I have found the children's chalk that they use for sidewalks etc., is too hard to use. Test a piece of your son's chalk on a piece of paper. If it isn't hard chalk, then by all means experiment! That is what I do. How do you think I created my "first erased" picture? Just goofing around one day and experiment with something new and then really liked it and created some more.

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.

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« Reply #40 on: March 18, 2003, 02:06:27 pm »
Ok, here is the info on the spray can for the chalk works:
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!

Offline DrakonianDanceR

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« Reply #41 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. '<img'>

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.
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Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #42 on: March 18, 2003, 07:41:03 pm »
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. '<img'>

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!  '<img'>

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!
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Offline DrakonianDanceR

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« Reply #43 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!  '<img'>

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.
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Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #44 on: April 21, 2003, 04:24:00 pm »
Reading back on this topic I realize that I want to make it clear. Use of -anything- to try and alter your state of mind should be done responsibly. And I stand strongly against the use of solvents. That person was right, they can be deathly hazardous.

I can only say that practiced meditation and routine are the best and safest ways to get into the zone.
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Offline Kada-Ru

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« Reply #45 on: April 21, 2003, 05:54:28 pm »
Sumarra, for me what gets me in the 'zone' is when I look at a photo or other artwork and think to myself, "Hey, that is cool. I wonder if I can do that too."

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.  '<img'>

Offline Sumarra

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« Reply #46 on: April 23, 2003, 04:35:28 am »
Actually I meant your dolphins one. They look so cool done in that erased chalk method.

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.  '<img'>
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