Fire is one of the most beautiful subjects that artists of all medium can have. Being able to draw it with as much proximity, beauty and delicateness as with the real form is considered to be quite a challenge and achievement for many artists. In fact, a lot of people say that once you learn to draw a flame, you are somewhat equipped to draw furthermore complicated subjects.
What most aspiring artists do not know is that drawing a flame could be simple. It just takes much precise observation compared to drawing still life objects like chairs or tables. So, here are the basics of what you should know in order to start drawing a flame.
Get Some Inspiration
Fire is one element of nature that is both magical and whimsical. It could really be addicting and relaxing by just staring at it; so if you want to draw it, then there’s no better way to start but by getting some inspiration. No, you do not have to burn the whole house and watch as the flames go up. A mere match or lighter would do. Light up the match and look at the flame for some time. Try to keep the image in your head, just like a movie that keeps on playing back.
Get Shaped Up!
You should first decide what shape you would want your flame to be. At this point, try not to delve too much on the details of your subject or other complicated elements. Just think about the shape. Start exercising your imagination and visualize a shape.
Generally, most aspiring artists that want to master drawing this kind of subject start out by making use of the “S” shape. Thus, the term “S-shaped flame”. This is a favourite for beginners since it is one of the easiest to draw. If you decide on using this shape, then it would be your drawing’s outer shell.
How About The Internal Structure?
Next, you should think about the internal structure of your drawing. As soon as you have your chosen shape and you have drawn it on your paper, think about what you want to place inside. Visualize a design that you would want to place within your shape. There is basically no limit in choosing a design and there are different variations available for you to play and experiment with.
For instance, you can draw a smaller version of your outer shell’s shape. So, if you have a S-shape for an outer shell, then you can place a smaller S-shape inside. You can place only one or even a number of smaller S-shaped flames with different sizes and shapes inside. It is all basically up to you.
Add Some Color
Although flames can be drawn in both black and white, and color, opting for the first one would require mastery of shading. For beginners coloring is recommended. Doing this would give life to your drawing. So, add some color to your flame. Recall what the flame looked like when you lit up the match or when you lit up the lighter. If possible try to light a fire again, just to see the actual colors.
Observe closely. See the difference of the inside portion of the flame with the outside. If you look closely, you would see that the tip is colored blue, in most cases. The core also has this color. However, as you go farther out from the core, you would observe that hues of yellow, orange and red have appeared.
Use your imagination and try to blend these said colors in your drawing. Arrange them as how your model flame looked like.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Learn To Draw A Dragon
In myths dragons symbolize a myriad of real and imagined terrors, which perhaps originated from the real beasts that roamed ancient forests. But for modern storytellers, it is usually the majestic hero in the story. The best thing in drawing dragons is that you could keep in mind that all those pictures you’ve seen are all derived from mere imagination only. Thus, there is no right way of drawing a dragon. You get to have all the creative freedom that you want in drawing one.
What Kind?
Before you can start drawing, you should first decide on what kind of dragon is it that you want. What is the environment that shaped your dragon? Is it a green forest or a mountainous desert? If it’s one of those mediaeval fire-breathers you might want to consider referencing historical sources. If it’s a fantasy creature, then it all depends on the course of your imagination.
Think of its key features. Do you want it as a slender, lizard-like dragon with filmy wings, or do you want it to be a mighty beast that has the arching back and chest of a war horse? Try to think and sketch out rough ideas like these before you proceed.
Be Convincing: Find A Reference
The best way to have a convincing dragon drawing is by having an anatomy which flows together and has some sense in it. Thus, try to make use of real animal anatomy for your reference. Does your character have wings? If so, are they decorative or functional?
Also, think about the skin. Is it the leathery type with fine reptilian scales or is it crocodile rough? How about the color? Do you you want it to be in camoflage browns and greens or would you want it in bright rainbow colors? Once you’ve decided on these things, try to make a sketch or a list of all the characteristics. Then, go and search the Internet for photos. Make sure that you learn from your references and not copy.
Be Realistic: Have A Light Source
The light source of your drawing is also important. Although it is from your imagination, pick out one light source that you want your character to be subjected to. If you have various image sources, also be aware of their lighting. The light source of the crocodile picture you are looking at and that of the snake picture may be different. Thus, be careful and make sure that the shading of your picture would sync with the light source you’ve chosen.
Pin point if the source is overhead sunlight, the moon, a window or a cave opening. Take note that light waves travel on straight lines. This could help you know where your shadows are. Keep in mind too that light bounces. Thus, there may be some lighted areas within the shadowed areas. If you are having a problem with this factor, go and get some plastic dinosaurs. Use a flashlight as the sun and you’ll see the shadows you are looking for.
Fire And Smoke
Another important factor would be the fire and fire-breath, if your dragon has this kind of feature. Do not experiment with flamethrowers just to get this right! It is quite easy to achieve this kind of effect. All you need to do is make use of tones. Give contrast to the smoke and flame by using shades of black, grey and white.
What Kind?
Before you can start drawing, you should first decide on what kind of dragon is it that you want. What is the environment that shaped your dragon? Is it a green forest or a mountainous desert? If it’s one of those mediaeval fire-breathers you might want to consider referencing historical sources. If it’s a fantasy creature, then it all depends on the course of your imagination.
Think of its key features. Do you want it as a slender, lizard-like dragon with filmy wings, or do you want it to be a mighty beast that has the arching back and chest of a war horse? Try to think and sketch out rough ideas like these before you proceed.
Be Convincing: Find A Reference
The best way to have a convincing dragon drawing is by having an anatomy which flows together and has some sense in it. Thus, try to make use of real animal anatomy for your reference. Does your character have wings? If so, are they decorative or functional?
Also, think about the skin. Is it the leathery type with fine reptilian scales or is it crocodile rough? How about the color? Do you you want it to be in camoflage browns and greens or would you want it in bright rainbow colors? Once you’ve decided on these things, try to make a sketch or a list of all the characteristics. Then, go and search the Internet for photos. Make sure that you learn from your references and not copy.
Be Realistic: Have A Light Source
The light source of your drawing is also important. Although it is from your imagination, pick out one light source that you want your character to be subjected to. If you have various image sources, also be aware of their lighting. The light source of the crocodile picture you are looking at and that of the snake picture may be different. Thus, be careful and make sure that the shading of your picture would sync with the light source you’ve chosen.
Pin point if the source is overhead sunlight, the moon, a window or a cave opening. Take note that light waves travel on straight lines. This could help you know where your shadows are. Keep in mind too that light bounces. Thus, there may be some lighted areas within the shadowed areas. If you are having a problem with this factor, go and get some plastic dinosaurs. Use a flashlight as the sun and you’ll see the shadows you are looking for.
Fire And Smoke
Another important factor would be the fire and fire-breath, if your dragon has this kind of feature. Do not experiment with flamethrowers just to get this right! It is quite easy to achieve this kind of effect. All you need to do is make use of tones. Give contrast to the smoke and flame by using shades of black, grey and white.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Learn To Draw A Bunny
Bunnies are cute creatures that have become a favourite subject by artists. They are also considered to be challenging too. There are various ways of drawing a rabbit. If you want to learn to draw a bunny, here are some of the basics that you should need to know.
Drawing A Bunny With Its Back On You
One of the easiest forms of bunnies would be the one that has its back on you. This is ideal for very young kids. To start, use a pencil to draw two circles on top of each other. This would be the head and the body of your rabbit. Thus, make the one on the bottom twice the size of the one on top. They should also overlap with each other for about 1/3 of the top circle.
Erase the bottom part of the head so that they would look like solid circles on top of each other. Add a small circle on the lower part of the body. This is the tail. Then add up two oblongs on top of the head. Now you have the ears and the drawing is complete. You can add color if you want. For kids to practice, they can draw many bunnies together.
Drawing A Bad Rabbit
Most bunnies are depicted as cute and cuddly. However, this time around you’ll be drawing a bad bunny rabbit, to make things more interesting.
First, create the face. This would include rounded cheeks, a pair of eyes, and one cute little button nose. To give your character an evil and grungy look, you need to do some alterations with the facial features. This can be achieved by drawing menacing and slanted eyeballs. You can also make the teeth a bit pointed, so to make it a little bit scarier than the usual bucktooth rabbit.
Add the ears and other body parts. The ears should be long cylindrical things, which come out from his head’s top. They could be sticking up straight in the air or could be nicely bent at haphazard angles. The body must be rounded since they are usually plump.
Finish the body. Do this by drawing a rounded, fat line that would become his jumping hind leg. Also, make 2 thinner legs and place it in front of the chest. Lastly, do not forget the puffy tail to be placed at the rear end portion of his body.
Furnish your work by adding finer details. Add a few lines on his tail and beneath his ears to make it look like your character has some fur. Do not forget to add whiskers. You can make these straight and alert or crooked for a grungy look. Then, add the buck teeth. Since your rabbit is an evil kind of hare, you can give him fangs instead of placing round shaped teeth. Then you’re done!
Drawing A Cute Rabbit
For you to draw a traditional cute version, just follow the same steps as drawing a bad rabbit. However, this time, you should make sure that the features are cute and not scary looking. Do away with the fangs or crooked teeth. Round is the best way to go.
Other features like the eyes and ears should have a cute appeal too. Don’t slant the eyes, but instead make them round. Add some glare by placing white spots on the black portion of the eyes. For the ears, try to make them curvaceous rather than angular. Add a carrot and a bow to his neck or ears for added cuteness.
Drawing A Bunny With Its Back On You
One of the easiest forms of bunnies would be the one that has its back on you. This is ideal for very young kids. To start, use a pencil to draw two circles on top of each other. This would be the head and the body of your rabbit. Thus, make the one on the bottom twice the size of the one on top. They should also overlap with each other for about 1/3 of the top circle.
Erase the bottom part of the head so that they would look like solid circles on top of each other. Add a small circle on the lower part of the body. This is the tail. Then add up two oblongs on top of the head. Now you have the ears and the drawing is complete. You can add color if you want. For kids to practice, they can draw many bunnies together.
Drawing A Bad Rabbit
Most bunnies are depicted as cute and cuddly. However, this time around you’ll be drawing a bad bunny rabbit, to make things more interesting.
First, create the face. This would include rounded cheeks, a pair of eyes, and one cute little button nose. To give your character an evil and grungy look, you need to do some alterations with the facial features. This can be achieved by drawing menacing and slanted eyeballs. You can also make the teeth a bit pointed, so to make it a little bit scarier than the usual bucktooth rabbit.
Add the ears and other body parts. The ears should be long cylindrical things, which come out from his head’s top. They could be sticking up straight in the air or could be nicely bent at haphazard angles. The body must be rounded since they are usually plump.
Finish the body. Do this by drawing a rounded, fat line that would become his jumping hind leg. Also, make 2 thinner legs and place it in front of the chest. Lastly, do not forget the puffy tail to be placed at the rear end portion of his body.
Furnish your work by adding finer details. Add a few lines on his tail and beneath his ears to make it look like your character has some fur. Do not forget to add whiskers. You can make these straight and alert or crooked for a grungy look. Then, add the buck teeth. Since your rabbit is an evil kind of hare, you can give him fangs instead of placing round shaped teeth. Then you’re done!
Drawing A Cute Rabbit
For you to draw a traditional cute version, just follow the same steps as drawing a bad rabbit. However, this time, you should make sure that the features are cute and not scary looking. Do away with the fangs or crooked teeth. Round is the best way to go.
Other features like the eyes and ears should have a cute appeal too. Don’t slant the eyes, but instead make them round. Add some glare by placing white spots on the black portion of the eyes. For the ears, try to make them curvaceous rather than angular. Add a carrot and a bow to his neck or ears for added cuteness.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Learn To Corel Draw
One of the most powerful media software used for pictures is Corel Draw. This program has been existing for years now and has been used by a lot of digital imaging masters to create their digital masterpieces or edit their pictures. If you want to learn to Corel Draw, here are the basics that you should know about the program.
What Can You Do With The Program?
What most people do not know is that you can do a lot of things in Corel Draw. In fact, once you learn it, you’ll be on your way to mastering a lot of techniques that involve pictures in general.
Illustrations
When you learn this program, you can now have the skill to draw digitally. The computer would now be your playground in creating original images. It may take some time for you to adjust, especially if you are used to drawing by your hand. However, there is no need to worry. In fact, you should be excited and happy since this program actually has a lot of features and allows you to have a lot of other opportunities to have for your image.
The program has the ability to deliver perceptive vector illustration tools which meet today’s demands of different design professionals along with aspiring graphic artists. With this, you can get fast results. Whether you are just making a company logo or industriously working on a big project that has a very demanding production schedule. You can create logos; create your own digital painting and many more!
If you are not comfortable with the idea of drawing by the use of pre-fixed shaping tools, you can always get a pen-tablet. In this way, you could still feel as if you are drawing using normal pencil on a piece of paper. This would also give you more control, especially if you want your image to have a really unique rendering that literally has your personal touch.
Photo Editing
If you are an aspiring photographer or simply someone who loves taking precious moments with his/her camera, you are going to love the photo editing feature of this program. Yes, if you get to learn Corel, you can have the ability to edit your photos in the most professional manner. You can create new images with your existing photos. You can even make a digital album, if you want to.
If you want to do minor image enhancements such as balance, contrast, hue, saturation and levels adjustments, you can do so. Resizing of pictures is also possible with Corel. You can also convert your images from one file format to another just by using the program.
These are just some of the things that you can do with Corel Draw.
Where To Learn
Using the program is quite easy. It is user friendly and provides adequate help, if ever you have a question. However, you can only be exposed to the basics if you decide to keep on forever relying to the ‘Help’ function. This is why you also have all the creative freedom to learn techniques and tips from digital imaging masters that provide Corel Draw workshops.
If you do not have the money or time to attend different workshops, do not lose hope. You can still learn more about the program via the Internet. There are a lot of Web sites out there that provide free tutorials. All you have to do is search.
What Can You Do With The Program?
What most people do not know is that you can do a lot of things in Corel Draw. In fact, once you learn it, you’ll be on your way to mastering a lot of techniques that involve pictures in general.
Illustrations
When you learn this program, you can now have the skill to draw digitally. The computer would now be your playground in creating original images. It may take some time for you to adjust, especially if you are used to drawing by your hand. However, there is no need to worry. In fact, you should be excited and happy since this program actually has a lot of features and allows you to have a lot of other opportunities to have for your image.
The program has the ability to deliver perceptive vector illustration tools which meet today’s demands of different design professionals along with aspiring graphic artists. With this, you can get fast results. Whether you are just making a company logo or industriously working on a big project that has a very demanding production schedule. You can create logos; create your own digital painting and many more!
If you are not comfortable with the idea of drawing by the use of pre-fixed shaping tools, you can always get a pen-tablet. In this way, you could still feel as if you are drawing using normal pencil on a piece of paper. This would also give you more control, especially if you want your image to have a really unique rendering that literally has your personal touch.
Photo Editing
If you are an aspiring photographer or simply someone who loves taking precious moments with his/her camera, you are going to love the photo editing feature of this program. Yes, if you get to learn Corel, you can have the ability to edit your photos in the most professional manner. You can create new images with your existing photos. You can even make a digital album, if you want to.
If you want to do minor image enhancements such as balance, contrast, hue, saturation and levels adjustments, you can do so. Resizing of pictures is also possible with Corel. You can also convert your images from one file format to another just by using the program.
These are just some of the things that you can do with Corel Draw.
Where To Learn
Using the program is quite easy. It is user friendly and provides adequate help, if ever you have a question. However, you can only be exposed to the basics if you decide to keep on forever relying to the ‘Help’ function. This is why you also have all the creative freedom to learn techniques and tips from digital imaging masters that provide Corel Draw workshops.
If you do not have the money or time to attend different workshops, do not lose hope. You can still learn more about the program via the Internet. There are a lot of Web sites out there that provide free tutorials. All you have to do is search.
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