The idea is to get into the spirit of the action, feel the wind in your face and hear the screech of the pterosaur.
I think that's more important than getting a photographically real piece of reference to copy. If you can identify with the weight and balance of things, and especially the emotion, you've got 90% of the problem solved.
The painting of "Air Jousting" is from Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara.
Previous and related posts:
Air Jousting
My Preference for Reference
New Use for Refrigerator Cartons
That's very true. If you can get yourself into the spirit of a piece, it becomes much more engaging to work on and much of that emotion transfers itself to the finished project.
ReplyDelete(On an unrelated note, I got my books yesterday! I'm going to wait until Christmas to open the package and surprise myself.)
Yes, by curving that back and lowering that head - the final pose is much more tensed than you're reference.
ReplyDeleteBut I think many artist can attest to it that it's darn difficult to let go of that nasty reflex to copy a photograph literally.
I have heard that before, but have not done it, at least not as you do here--mainly to get the feel, the weight, the emotional pull of the action. I'll try it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Erik--it's difficult to let go of the reflex of drawing things literally instead of artistically.
I admire how you keep filling your blog with such amazing tid-bits and experiences. Reading this was just a breathe of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips that you so generously dispense in your blog!
ReplyDelete