Artsy thoughts

Today I went out and bought myself some proper paper - no more annoyances over paper that wears otu when you use a little colour. I got Bristol paper and some other type of paper designed espescially for comics (ink, marke,r watercolour). I copied yesterday's sketch onto the latter type of paper as I've never used Bristol paper before and it's quite shiny so it might take a little to get used to. One problem still persist, however: how to get black spots an even colour. Maybe the trick si to use ink and a brush because the ink won't dry as quickly so the bigger black areas have an even colour. I hope to scan this one once it's finish (IF it gets finished without me screwing it up :P ).

Since this post is slowly building up to a rant, I'll add some things about drawing that I've learnt over the years:

1) Direction and contrast create shapes. Rigid lines create rigid pictures.

2) Learn your colours - the way you create depth is not always by using just light and dark colours. When you know how to use contrast between warm and cold, you'll get a more vibrant result.

3) If you use colour pencils, go lightly. Erasing can be done but isn't usually a good idea. Plus, good pencils create a waxy result when you use a lot of colour. Once the surface gets waxy, your job is mostly done - no use trying to make any big chances then.

4) colour pencils and black: when you have a waxy, black surface but want to get a deeper shade still, use ink. Take e.g. an ink pen and colour the place where you want more depth and quickly before the ink dries, blend it with a black colour pencil. Works like a charm!

5) When you start to colour your drawing, start with the shading. This is because

a) shadows create shape, if you don't know how the shadow falls, the chances

are that your drawing will end up looking completely flat.

b) you can't get rid of colour easily (as a general rule), so when you start by

lightly defining the darker areas, you'll know where to start building

up the colour.

6) Anyone can learn rules, not all know how to use them.

7) If you want to improve in an efficient way by yourself, get a tablet for drawing - it's a cheap and clean way to experiment and will improve your colouring skills. It allows you to save and go back so you're not so careful about screwing up as you can always get the old version if you've saved it. Programs such a Painter also allow you to get a feel of different tools (watercolour, oils, pastels) without having to buy them.

9) Baking paper is a cheap and handy alternative for copying paper.

10) Colouring is like cooking: good cooks know how to add just the right amount of each spice and ingredient.

And last, but not least, it all does pay off eventually :)

+ Music: Gepe - La enfermedad de los ojos (watch&listen)