a sketch-related post

I've been wanting to write a blog about my hobby for quite a while now, and I suppose this is as good a time as any. I've been having trouble challenging myself since I've been practicing the basics for a long time- anatomy and shading (light sources, ambient light, negative space.) I generally learn independently about these things by studying photographs, the work of great artists, and of course, my surroundings. But there are some things I have difficulty with and the most prominent of these is dynamics. Dynamic poses and settings elude me, but I value them greatly. A piece which not only attracts attention with detail but also with a fresh setting and perspective.

I drew this picture this week during class. I know I should pay attention, especially in geometry, but my thoughts are errant. I had to force myself not to jump headfirst into adding dark shadow and I'm really satisfied with the result. I know the picture quality is terrible, but I'll scan it and post a link when I get home. Hopefully the picture gives an idea of the time I put into shading it and developing the pose.

It isn't very dynamic-it's calm, I think, somber... yet restless, which is kind of how I feel. The picture reflects my attitude. Usually I don't have trouble deciding what to name my images, but this is an exception. It puzzles me. The subject looks limp, but not tired. He reminds me of autumn and I'm glad, because autumn was the theme. I kind of wish I could apply the time I put into stuff at school on some kind of canvas... I wish I was in an art class, too.

I'm not one to critique my own artwork though, so I'll ask for critique here. Be as brutal as you see fit.

I totally want to write about what we discussed today but instead I'll wait until I've heard the meeting and do some more research and post it as my next blog. This was a pretty fun week! I'm looking forward to pyjamas day. Also, I didn't know pyjamas was pajamas in American English. If you're thinking pyjamas is an odd word like I am, here's an easy-access etymology link:

pajamas

1800, pai jamahs "loose trousers tied at the waist," worn by Muslims in India and adopted by Europeans there, especially for nightwear, from Hindi pajama, probably from Pers. paejamah, lit. "leg clothing," from pae "leg" (from PIE *ped- "foot," see foot) + jamah "clothing." Modern spelling (U.S.) is from 1845. British spelling tends toward pyjamas.

Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Just a bit of an odd root. Like skosh, meaning a little bit, comes from the Japanese sukoshi, also meaning a little bit. There's a bit of everything in English!