still life study

still life: structure, then tone: creating a full range of values and creating a hatching technique, suitable to the form and expression of light.  Detail studies as one is working is a great device for 'getting it right', then apply to the larger composition.

Wet media next, watercolor studies!

John Haycraft study

A study with the aid of a wonderful text by John Haycraft:' Where was I?'

My student brought me the text to look at last weeks' class. Thank you Clarence!

I am always excited to find a fellow artist/ illustrator that resonates. Yes?

John offers a full range of illustrations in his book, studies, water colors and architectural illustrations; highly recommended.

Pike Place Market Study 2, Seattle

Another trip to the market, pencil on paper with a great group of City Sketchers!

structure, form, detail

Structure, form, detail... and in that order.

Layout of any subject requires planning, sometimes accuracy.

As to keep confident and your intent, give an overall structural layout of the view.

Then, once the 'hard work' is complete, begin the fun...form and detail.

Always keep intent in mind.

Pike Place Market Study, Seattle

Laying out the structure of the foreground elements initially helped with accuracy of the middle-ground and background elements.  Knowing what to include and what to edit is also an approach, as with a busy scene of the 'market', there can be a lot of information.  Use less line and texture to create spatial depth and atmospheric perspective. Great sunny day, good company.

perspective sketch

A perspective lesson at the coffee shop. 

Defining the space through use 

of perspective points and various points in a space. shade and shadow. 

What one may consider a one-point perspective, 

should carefully look again. 

People offer great space: 

foreground, middle ground, background. 

Line process

Line process: depictive(describes) and evocative (evokes):

line defined as diagrammatic, structural, calligraphic, and  expressive.

Break it down, try it out.