Rust.....Finally

So it's taken me ages to finally get back to work on this, but some more important projects had to be put first. Now I'm glad to say that I've finished my "Rust" piece and i'm fairly happy with it.
I wanted to do an image that was basically black and white (over a Burnt Umber ground that was also mixed into the greys) with one other bright color. This was inspired by a few paintings I saw at the Delaware Art Museum by Howard Pyle from his pirate series. 

Witch's Brew

Well i finally managed to squeeze this one in! I totally winged it and kinda went with the first idea that came into my head...and i'm pretty happy with it! I decided for the sake of time and good ol' memories i'd break out the charcoal. I forgot how fun it is to push and pull the lights and darks with charcoal...not to mention how much faster it can be! I think I'd definitely like to make this one into a painting at some point in the near future....perhaps a witch-paint challenge! Anyways, it's late...... to bed!

Becca's Witches

Well, I decided to just draw some characters, and not try to do a whole scene. I agree with Owen's comment (below) about working in pencil being freeing. It is easier to take risks when working in pencil, it is quick, and when time is short (like most days in nyc) being able to play out an experimental idea quickly is exciting and invaluable. So these witches are straight from my imagination, and were loads of fun. I'll definitely be wanting to do more drawing-type challenges!

Through the Woods

This is my entry for the witch challenge.  My intention was to make her a hoarder type character, she picks up random things on her journeys that she may use in her various spells or otherworldly activities.  I love working in pencil, I want to do more of these types of challenges.  I feel like using pencil is a more freeing medium and I'm more apt to just add random things to the image without feeling bad about getting reference and whatnot.  Saying that I liked doing this drawing so much, I might make a painting out of this piece.

Through the Woods, Pencil, 12" x 16", 2010.

Witches!

And now for a quickie! We've decided it's time to add some black & white work to our portfolios, so for this assignment, we will be doing a b&w drawing or painting on the subject of Witches! It can be based on fairy-tales, reality, legend, or your own invention. You can do multiple drawings/paintings, or just one. It can be a portrait, a scene, whatever. This is about as open-ended as it gets! Stay tuned for some fun! Above are some Arthur Rackham witches for inspiration.

Due date: March 8th

Rust Fail

Well as I suspected, I have not completed my painting for the "Rust" assignment. I am currently in the middle of a bunch of NDA work and those deadlines have forced me to turn my attention elsewhere. I promise to try and finish the rust painting soon!! 

Rust

This is my submission for the Rust Challenge on The Art Order blog.  I kinda went for the concept that although ones body may rust and deteriorate, ones thoughts should still survive.  Also you may notice that her rings are supposed to be in the shapes of a sword and a spade, and they are not rusted.  I used some acrylic Light Modeling Paste mixed with matte medium to create the texture of the hands and used a great impasto technique that James Gurney highlights in his Imaginative Realism book. 

Becca's "Rust" Final...and then some!

Here it is folks! In ahead of schedule, as Valentine's Day will be taking over my weekend :) I am pretty pleased with how this turned out. Making that model of the head was a huge help - I will definitely be making more models in the future!



Also, here is my loooong overdue Mother Nature painting. I have no good excuses outside of general busyness, but I'm glad it's finally finished!

Scott's "Rust" Drawing

Here's my final drawing! I'm looking forward to painting it....though it will certainly be a tight deadline for me. Hope I can get it in on time! Any crits and comments are welcome. Thanks!

Becca's "Rust" Sketch

Alright folks, here it is! The verdict was to draw the gnome-creature... he has industriously recycled an old sword to fix a broken spade, and now has a sprouting garden. His pet grasshopper looks on in admiration.

I have also included a couple of my reference photos (note the lovely model) and a sculpture I did for the gnome's face (his ear was later eaten off by my rabbit. Bad rabbit!)