TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 8

Here we are on unit 7 of Drawing Lab.  I'm actually to the point where I need to take a break from the book, but I will definitely be coming back to this over and over again.

The final lab that I have worked on (for now) is lab 49 - Illuminated Pages.  These came out quite differently than the other labs, but I fell in love with both the process and outcome.    Working with my favorite mediums, pen and watercolor, on books was a refreshing change.  Of course, I will be working more on this lab.

It may be a while before you see more of my projects from Drawing Lab. If you liked what you have seen so far, pick up the book and give it a try yourself.  You don't need to know how to draw to get started and I think that makes it even more fun!

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

37/52 (71%) projects from Drawing Lab completed.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 7

Unit 6 of Drawing Lab focused on being inspired by nature.  I don't know if it is because I have been working solely out of this book for so long or because of the labs themselves, but I had such a hard time getting myself to do any of the labs in this unit.  Although at this point I shouldn't be, I was still surprised how much I enjoyed doing these labs.  They were fun to do and I was actually pleased with most of the outcomes.

Below are my three favorites from this unit.

This one was actually a bit different from the other labs because it was more step by step of what to do.  The flower above was done with graphite pencil, watercolor, acrylic, and a white gel pen.  I enjoyed playing with all the different media in one piece (more than I would normally dare), though I did end up confirming with myself that I am not a fan of acrylic.  There are some things I would change if ever decide to try this lab again, but overall I liked the piece.

The bug one was just so silly!  Made up bug names, lots of doodling, some contour drawing, and just having fun playing with colors.

This one surprised me the most.  I did draw from real life things placed randomly on the paper.  I was planning on painting them similar colors to the real objects, but realized that it was just going to be a bunch of green and grey.  How bleh!  So I went nuts just choosing whatever colors I felt belonged there and fell in love with the piece.  This one was by far my favorite from this unit and I'll definitely be going back to this lab!

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

36/52 (69%) projects from Drawing Lab completed.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 6

I'm up to unit 5 of Drawing Lab for the Book Project.  This one seemed to emphasize process over end product.  I wasn't happy with most of the outcomes in this unit, but had a really good time getting there.

Here are a few of the outcomes:

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

25/52 (48%) projects from Drawing Lab completed.

Life Drawing Lessons (TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 5)

My past posts about Drawing Lab for the Book Project have been separated by the units of the book. I'm breaking away from that today to go back to unit 2 and discuss life drawing (Labs 14 & 15). This is actually something I've been wanting to do for a long time but never got around to doing. I finally got the chance to go to one recently. I went in with assumptions and left realizing that I have a lot to learn with plenty of questions to ask.

To sum it my assumptions up, I thought that all life drawing sessions were the same.  I thought that there would be some kind of teacher/mentor type person and that the model poses would vary with short and long poses to practice both gesture and form.  I ended up going to a workshop with a model that was to stay in one pose for three hours and no teacher/mentor in site.  Thankfully, it was a small turnout and the other attendants were friendly and willing to answer any questions I had.

I came out with a better understanding of the different varieties of life drawing sessions and came up with a list of questions I might want to ask before attending a life drawing workshop elsewhere.

1. What is the usual routine for the session? Is there a mix of different timed poses?  Or is it one long pose?


2. How long is the session?


3. Is this a class with a teacher/mentor?  Or is an open session to work on my own?


4. Is there a limited amount of people allowed in?  Do I need to make reservations?  Or is this on a first come first serve basis?


5. Will there be critiques afterward?


6. Will the model be costumed or nude?


7. What are we allowed (or not allowed) to bring?

I hope that these questions are useful to anyone else that may be considering taking a life drawing session as well.  And if anyone has any more advice or questions I should add, please let me know.

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

20/52 (38%) projects from Drawing Lab completed.

P.S. Stay tuned tomorrow for the start of a three-part watercolor painting I've been working on.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 4

Unit 4 of Drawing Lab for the Book Project is a precious one - collaborating with children. Some of the labs can easily be done by yourself, but all are well worth doing with children (even a lot of the labs that are not in this unit).

Below are my favorites that I have done so far.

The picture above was done with my daughter. She painted me and then I drew her in. The picture below is the same thing done with my son.  We all a blast and the kids loved the attention!

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

19/52 (36%) from Drawing Lab completed.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 3

I'm up to sharing the third unit of Drawing Lab for the Book Project and I have to say that this is the book I've been waiting for.  I love drawing, but have been in a rut.  I'm usually not sure of what to draw or just drawing things around me which sometimes just does not interest me.  I've loved how this book has been full of different ideas and twists on the old.  Even some of the labs that I was hesitant about turned out to be a fun learning experience.  It's a good reminder that drawing can be fun, even when working on the fundamentals.

Below are some of my favorites from the third unit.

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

15/52 (28%) from Drawing Lab completed.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 2

I'm definitely going to be finishing up Drawing Lab as my first book for the Book Project.  I've been blasting through some of the labs and still having fun.  Below are some of my favorites that came from some of the labs in the second unit.

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

10/52 (19%) from Drawing Lab completed.

TBP: Drawing Lab, Part 1

My second book of choice for the Book Project is Drawing Lab by Carla Sonheim.  I'm having a blast with this one and have a feeling it will be the first book I get through.  This book is made up of 52 labs (projects) separated into 7 units (themes).  Enough to keep a person busy for a year, if choosing to do one a week.

Above is my favorite project from the first unit.  It is of a flamingo that I took a picture of from my last trip to the zoo.  Below is a quick peek at what I have completed in the first unit.

1. Cats in Bed, Part 3, 2. Cats in Bed, Part 1, 3. Cats in Bed, Part 2, 4. Giraffes, 5. Multiples, 
6. Pet Project, 7. Imaginary Creatures, Part 2, 8. Flamingos, 9. Imaginary Creatures, Part 4

So far the labs that I have tried were quick & easy, doable by anybody whether or not you think you can draw.  I would love to know if you are taking part in any of the books I am using or doing your own book project.

Check back weekly for my latest update on the Book Project.  Thanks for looking!

5/52 (9%)  projects from Drawing Lab completed.