Life size Close up
The wip (work in progress) a study in metal and glass:
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First update (image 1), I started work on this one 3/7/06, the title is "No Idea" it's 16 x 20 on smooth Bristol. There are two parts to it, as you can see the first is near finished, the second will take a while longer. So far I've used a 2b mechanical pencil and a little H, I've blended with the pencil and also where needed with a blending stick. I've built up a few layers of 2b in the shadows and will go over some areas again...drawing metal is a lot of fun, it's an on going challenge to make it look shinny and hard. The grid was helpful in getting a good outline but once it's gone my eyes needed to do the rest and believe me they were put to the test....I've lost my way a few times with some of the groves. I'm keeping the background white and only drawing in a slight shadow under the two pieces. So far I've put in around 10 hours. Stock.xchng reference photo by Levi_sz.
Update (image 2), I've been studying the metal as I go along (I have a lightbulb close by), also the reference is a good one in that it's a pic of an older bulb so the surface has small scratches and some wear. From what I've learned it's alll these tiny imperfections that make up the realism so the more the better. When drawing a metal/glass object something to remember is to keep your pencil strokes tight and not sketchy. Also remember for reflective and curved surfaces where there is light there is shadow, it's this balance of tones that gives you that nice 3d look. I worked a bit more on the bottom area, I colored in the mid tones with an H and the darker areas with a 2b, I then took a small blending stick and began blending the mid tone area (you can see where I left off). I also went over a little of the darks and added in a few more imperfections.
Update (image 3), I've finished the metal part of the light bulb, all that's left is the shadow under it and a final once over. As you can see I have darken most of the shadowed areas again and put in a lot more imperfections. I used a 3b for the dark area at the bottom and a blending stick to blend the mid tones into the darks.
Last update for the metal part(image 4). As you can see I drew in a slight shadow, this grounds the piece and gives it a realistic look. For the shadow I used an H pencil and a little 2b, then used a small blending stick. I began drawing the glass part (it will be a big challenge) and I should have an update soon.
Update (image 5), I'm mapping out a few areas in the glass bulb, have to say it's like some bizarre maze but I'm still enjoying. I may get an inch or two done today. So far I put in around 20 hours. Oh and the reason I am posting the details of this piece is because I am a member of a drawing forum and have been posting the wip (work in progress) there and thought to also place it here for my visitors.
Update (image 6), I've been working my way with the glass slowly, it's a lot harder then the metal was. I need to have a light touch in most areas and need to render different thickness of glass. I have to say it's a lot of fun to be drawing something this different! :D I used a 2b mechanical for all the fine lines and H and some 2b for shading, also a small blending stick to give it that smooth look.
Update (image 7), I was able to work a bit longer on the drawing and got a lot more done on the glass. I have been mapping areas out then using a 2b mechanical I darken the outlines where needed. I then color in areas with a H or 2b and go over the areas with my trusty small blending stick. Some of the lighter areas I don't have to color in I just use the blending stick since it has graphite on it already and I want just a hint of tone. I'm enjoying this little study very much...my next update should be the last.
I finished this drawing last night (3/12/06). Have to say it was a lot of fun to draw something this different. The meaning behind the title is simple, since the bulb is broken it represents to me "no idea" as opposed to a working bulb. I drew this one as a study in metal and glass as stated above, I've drawn both before but never to this degree. I wanted to draw both parts as real as I was capable of, as many of you know I love to challenge myself. What I've learned and would like to convey with this piece is: drawing is fun, yes it's common to look at other artist's work and say "I've got no idea how they can do that" well trying to do it is where the fun lies my friends, challenging yourself is one sure way to grow as an artist! :-) I'm sure to have something new started shortly so stop back soon. ~Linda
View previous drawing boards: Page 7 | No Idea - wip | Page 6 | Page 5 | Page 4 | Page 3 | Page 2 | Page 1
Thanks for stopping in and if you have any questions about drawing
techniques please email
me. ~Linda
imaginee_art@midtel.net