Some stuff:
September 3, 2010
This is mostly for me, but if you read it, it’s okay too.
• You learn to draw by drawing.
• People that are better than you are just better than you because they’ve had more practice.
• Draw VERBS, not nouns. – Walt Stanchfield
• Turn everything you paint to greyscale (digitally). If it looks like a grey soup, you f*cked up.
• If you’re not sure what good values look like, look at screen stills from B/W movies, like Citizen Kane.
• You learn to draw by drawing.
• 50 bad illustrations might yield one good one. You learn to draw by drawing.
• Sometimes you gotta draw it 6 or 7 times.
• Use sharp edges for only important things, practice hierarchy and contrast. Have a focal point.
• If you’re going to give someone a jewel, don’t surround it with shiny things. – Paul Hudson
• Saturate your eyes and brain with work that is better than what you can do. Then put it all away
and start working.
• Progress, not Perfection.
• Schedule time to utterly fail. – Iain McCaig
• Take reference, it’s easier that way. Don’t make stuff up if you don’t have to. If it doesn’t exist,
figure out how to take a picture of it anyway. Use cardboard, clay, macaroni… doesn’t matter.
• Doubt can only be removed by ACTION. – Goethe
• Use the best materials you can possibly afford. You’re already fighting a battle. Don’t fight the materials.
Find pencils/brushes/paper that feel good.
• Does it work in greyscale? Does it work at postage-stamp size? Does it work reversed? Upside down?
• Do what you love, other people will love it too. – Z
More thoughts are found here.
All very well said! I’m giving a talk to high school students in the morning and these points, minus the quotes, showed up in my notes as I was preparing. I may have to pepper my talk with these quotes now. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Vaughn Barker — September 3, 2010 @ 5:21 am
definitely agree with all. You learn drawing from drawing and using reference even if you’re drawing fantasy!
Comment by Diana — September 3, 2010 @ 9:14 am
[...] found an awesome list of stuff over on at Zelda Devon’s blog this morning and wanted to share it. For those who don’t [...]
Pingback by Words for Artists of All Mediums to Live By | T. L. Morganfield - Aztec Science Fiction and Fantasy — September 3, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Super inspiring quotes to go along with your super inspiring art. Yay.
Comment by Meridth — September 3, 2010 @ 10:09 am
It’s more than okay if we read it – it’s essential. These are lovely tidbits, and I totally needed this post today.
Comment by david — September 4, 2010 @ 12:39 am
If I ever teach drawing again,I will refer my students to your website and this post in particular. I required 100 sketchbook drawings for a semester in addition to the regular weekly assignments. They never seemed to believe me when I said “you learn to draw by doing it” Thanks for the affirmation, y’all are the best!
Jan
Comment by Jan Schindler — September 4, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
this post is exactly what i needed.. thank you!
Comment by J — September 4, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
all great. Tattooing on forehead now.
Comment by eric orchard — September 5, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
I’m definitely saving all of these!
My favorite recent advice was from a figure painting instructor. He simply told me, “Don’t be afraid to make a bad painting.”
Comment by Zoe — September 6, 2010 @ 1:58 am
Awesome! thanks for posting this Zelda. Was really refreshing to read, because sometimes you forgot all that good advice.
Cheers,
-Tiffany
Comment by Tiffany Prothero — September 10, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
I meant Forget* haha! as in I forget it, a lot… ok I’ll stop typing. ;P
Comment by Tiffany Prothero — September 10, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
Hey Tiffany, I write these mostly for myself so I won’t forget them. I just put them in a public place. Thanks for visiting here.
Comment by Zelda — September 11, 2010 @ 3:37 am
It almost always comes down to value.
Comment by Marilyn Muller — October 4, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
Amazing list! I am printing this out and posting it above my studio workspace
I have to remind myself of these points over and over and it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Comment by Danaye — October 4, 2010 @ 10:47 pm
Great collection of tips, reminders and quotes! I like the idea of scheduling more time to fail (ie try new things that might or might not work).
Comment by Amy Farrier — October 5, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Great advice and a gret site. Your work is inspiring.
Comment by will barnes — October 20, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
“Schedule time to utterly fail.”
Best advice ever.
Comment by A.M.Sartor — July 17, 2012 @ 4:21 pm