sketch from photo

Working on the 'homework' for my Craftsy perspective class by Stephanie Bower - sketch a door or window in elevation....So I went into my photo stash and came up with these:

Top sketch is a door from Montpelier, VT, the lower one is a Paris window.

This next sketch is from Art & Art Magazine on FB. Scrolling through my feed this image caught my eye and since I was in sketch mode, I gave it a try - took about 15 minues maybe.... fun to try some techniques I saw demonstrated on the video.  Dan was car shopping (came home with a new Rav4) and I stayed home sketching from FB.  HMMMMM.....

I feel flashes of understanding as I find my way....... Continuing....

sketching 2

Sketching an elevation view (ala Stephanie Bower) using info from her Craftsy perspective drawing video course (on sale right now). I added color with my inktense pencils & a water brush.

Source photo I took on one of our neighborhood streets:

Stephanie is based here in Seattle, so I'm thinking I might try taking one of her classes in person - could be fun (if I can get over my insecurities!).   Meanwhile I'll continue practicing using the tips in her video course.

branching out - sketching

I've been wondering what my artistic challenge will be for this year - I've done a couple of 365 projects......photos and collages......and thoroughly enjoyed those challenges. I don't think I'm up for that level of commitment, but I feel like I need a direction, a goal.

I found it tonight. I took a free perspective sketching class at Daniel Smith tonight and had the good fortune to sit next to Casey. Casey already understands perspective drawing and was SUCH a help to me - she guided me through the teacher's lesson and patiently answered all my questions.  Thanks Casey!

A couple days ago I bought a perspective sketching class online through Craftsy.com given by an architecture illustrator located here in Seattle. It's 7 video lessons - I've only done one and she begins by having us draw in elevation - standing directly in front of a building and drawing flat. Well, I can do that, sort of, but I was able to use the ration/proportion part of the lesson to good effect.

So, this year's journey is going to be to tackle a long held wish.....that I could sketch. Not picture perfect (I have a camera for that) but to sketch so that the item or scene is recognizable and somewhat follows the rules of perspective and proportion.

Here's my first attempt to draw an elevation from a photo I took of a door in Paris. (I discovered sketches don't scan well, but.....here it is)

Below, the photo:

Watch me as I struggle and try and practice and learn to sketch!

Hope you can make time for a creative, rewarding week!