Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Monday, 9 September 2013

Q & A: "How did you find your style of working?"

Q: "Hello. I just wanted to say I love your work! I'm studying illustration in university and was just wondering how you came about your definite style in working.. I have yet to find mine. ha."

 A: Thank you, it’s so nice of you to get in touch. Which year are you in? I didn't properly find/settle on my best way of working until the end of my second year (of university). I experimented a LOT with all kinds of media and approaches as I tried to fulfil the tutors' briefs and please them. I did learn a lot from trying many new and different things, but in the end, (and with the helpful guidance of one tutor in particular), I realised that I produced my best work when I stayed true to myself and what I love; drawing. As soon as I had found my focus, (and stopped trying to please everyone but myself) everything gradually started to fall into place. I returned to focusing on traditional techniques with drawing at the forefront, but applied my newly discovered skills and fresh ways of thinking as I strived to better myself and make my work stronger.

Afterthought: I feel I have so much more to explore and learn. I think a "style" develops a little with every new subject/project you encounter and with any new techniques you try. Many artists' work tend to vary and change over time...maybe in the future my work will have a completely different look to it?

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Experimental: "Hair-style Personality" Portraits

Now for something completely different: Through December and early January I attempted some portraits.... These particular ones were inspired by three close friends of mine and their distinct personalities. I now know that I love drawing hair, so I made this my focus. Presenting "occasion" hair, 
"winter" hair and "nature" hair (still a work in progress)..

They are a little different to my usual approach because I experimented in a number of ways, including my drawing style, paper type and painting technique.










In my opinion they have a very girly, soft, almost story-book style to them. I prefer my more loose and relaxed style over this more clean, smooth 'cute' style. I may not be overly happy with them, but their 'portraitees' love them. 

As with the cat breed portraits, I look forward to taking a more relaxed, looser approach to my drawings next time. Perhaps some more life-drawing is in order..