Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Keys To Drawing With Imagination



Exercise 5 - Shading

In this exercise we were to trace a previous doodle, determine the light source and shade accordingly.




Exercise 6 - Multiplying

In this exercise we are instructed to first take a previous doodle and create a design by tracing on a radial.
We are then instructed to create a mirror image, also from a previous doodle.
I enjoyed this exercise and the results. I like the depth created by the spiral design of the radial and the mirror image reminds me of a crocodile.


Oooh, is that my imagination stirring?




Iconic Characters


Over the next pages of the book Bert talks us through his explanations and comes to 'Iconic Characters' Although this is not specified as an 'exercise' Bert suggests we practice creating Iconic Characters often, until we are comfortable with them and they become 'easy'.

He starts with the basic stick man, sketching it in a varied amount of positions/poses, he then moves onto more formed characters and suggests you should only move on once you find the present character 'easy' to portray. This is obviously an ongoing pursuit that one should practice and probably the reason it is not specified as an 'exercise' but perhaps more a way of life by setting aside a small amount of time on a regular basis?




Iconic characters


I skipped around with this process a bit, flitting from stick men to fat, round characters made from balls. (What can I say?...I was born to break rules!)

Still loaded with pain killers, feeling fairly lost, frustrated and lethargic, I flicked back through my pages today and noticed I had created 2 different 'species' of ballerina. Inspired, I reached for my large watercolour moleskin and began to sketch with a 0.1 pigment liner.





It isn't a masterpiece, merely a simple sketch, but it came at a time when I was feeling totally uninspired and unwell which would usually result in an unproductive day for me with an unimaginative sketch copied from a magazine at best. This illustration expresses my mood, the character is a creation of my own, it's personal, unique and most of all it's inspired...Today of all days!


I think this illustration proves that Bert Dodson knows what he is talking about, understands the process of thought, inspiration and creation. For me, it offers a positive push to stick with it and to continue through these exercises.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

This looks really fun, and I love your results. I recently purchased the book, and you've inspired me to get started working with it.

Helen Anne said...

They look like they are fun exercises and that you are having fun. Hope you feel better soon

Anonymous said...

I love Moody Ballerina! I have the Dodson book, but I'm working through several others and don't want to start a 3rd. But your iconic figures are making me anxious to start - I love ballet dancers.

juj said...

Wow Anita - you are getting some amazing results. I love the ballerina sketches. I have GOT to get this BOOK!

Anita Davies said...

Thanx Marta, I hope you post your thoughts on the book too!

Anita Davies said...

Thankyou Helen, feeling more like myself today! :)

Anita Davies said...

Thanx Shirley, I love ballerinas too!

Anita Davies said...

Thanx Juj...Look fwd to seeing your results.

Robyn Sinclair said...

What a delightful little dancer! You make me want this book, Anita but Vivien made me want Shirley Trevena's book - and I'm now old enough to know I can't have everything. ;)
So sorry to learn you are under the weather - your inner talent is alive and well though! Take it easy.

Anita Davies said...

LOL...Thanx Robyn! :)

Lydia Velarde said...

Thanks for sharing your exercises. I'm only on page 20 - building blocks . yours look so good. Mine are goofy. and simple

Anita Davies said...

Thanx Arty, I'm sure your blocks are far from 'goofy'!