Starting with some brief thumbnails in the sketchbook. Going through Nalini Singh’s second installment in the Psy-Changeling series for some inspiration. Admittedly these tiny drawings look like a bunch of chicken-scratch, but it has been enough to save ideas nonetheless.
(below)
Starting the preliminary drawing on a sheet of vellum/drafting paper.
Taking the finished line drawing and creating a simple lighting/value study on Paintshop Pro; using various references as a guide.
Drawing in Progress
Line drawing transferred onto a sheet of Strathmore Bristol paper, followed by light applications of graphite; slowly building up to the darker values.
For this drawing I wanted to incorporate little things here and there from the show. I’ll avoid listing them all out, so as to not put out spoilers for those who have yet to watch the series or read the books. On a side note, drawing skulls, bones and such things haven’t ever bothered me; I’ve got so say I’ve never been more troubled by nature than while studying Snapdragon seed pods.
Killing Floor, graphite & white colour-pencil on paper.
I went on a bit of a binge-watch in February when I heard good things about Amazon’s Reacher series; starring Alan Ritchson, Willa Fitzgerald & Malcolm Goodwin. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it, dare I say it’s been the best show (live-action) I’ve watched in the last couple years (Arcane obviously did me in with its Art Nouveau & Steampunk visuals). The first 2 episodes of the show sold it for me with some seriously awesome fight choreography, and kudos to Alan all while filming through the magnitude of his injuries; I admittedly squeamed quite a bit this season with every ankle that Reacher broke. Bonus points as well for the mini Smallville reunion; I know both Alan and Kristin have been in other projects, but 2000s nostalgia just won’t let me forget.
I believe the second season will be skipping forward to book 11 Bad Luck and Trouble, so this gives me more of a push to get started on reading the rest of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. Thriller and crime novels haven’t really been on my list of things to read, as I tend to gravitate more towards Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Regency/Victorian titles. Shows like this and Jack Ryan however make me want to pick up some books in this genre. If you have any recommendations please feel free to leave them below.
UPDATES
EMBERS & STONES
I’ve been creating some new designs for the shop with a new toy in the form of a chasing hammer. If you’re new here, thank you for visiting, I also create jewellery and other crafty trinkets which can be found on my Etsy Shop Embers and Stones. I’m enjoying new ways to incorporate wire-work designs. The chasing hammer will definitely require some more experience, not to mention I’m now regretting not investing in a higher quality German brand I decided not to get at the time.
I’m slowly adding pieces to the shop as I get time to make them, and am grateful for everyone who has been purchasing items in the meantime. This time around I decided to go for some Norse and Greek Mythology themed Brass pieces. I’ve been giving my fingers a little bit of a break, but I have to admit I’ve been itching to attempt more complicated weaving techniques. Getting hold of supplies during this time has also been a nightmare.
SHOP | ORIGINAL ARTWORK
I’ve decided to close a few of my stores as they weren’t quite working for me. If you are interested, I now put up new originals that are available for purchase on Big Cartel and other studio clearances (as well as prints) on Etsy | Art of Shaima. A few original paintings and drawings have already found new homes, which I’m so ecstatic about. I think all artists say this, but nothing compares to packing up an order to send to a patron. Thank you very much for your continued support!
This week, I thought I’d do something a little different and go with a bit of self-promotion. I’ve been meaning to do an update whenever I have new prints and original artwork go up in the shop, or new pieces added to my jewellery store; although they seem to be out of place on a regular ‘new art’ type of post. If you’ve missed updates on social media or simply aren’t on any, I hope this will catch you up on some newer things going on in the studio stores.
OLDER PIECES LOOKING FOR NEW HOMES
Firstly, the new Etsy store of more art related content has been up for just over a month or so. I’ve decided to relocate some of my older pieces; I think many of my older followers will recognize the different style, as well as the pieces in question. It’s high time I parted with these, or as many as I could locate around the studio. Adding prints (and other miscellaneous items) is definitely on the priority list, as I’ve been wanting to have better quality control over what gets sent out to you guys for a while now (generally speaking I like to keep the process as much in-house as I can). So keep an eye out for those if you’re interested, but for the time being prints of my work can be found through INPRNT.
If you’re looking to add some new art to your walls or someone else’s, you can find the shop on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/artofshaima.
new creations
As you may know, I like to spend my time divided between my artwork and creating handmade jewellery. I’m happy that many of my pieces have reached new homes, as it definitely gives me more encouragement to make newer pieces; although ironically, finding time this year has been the most difficult.
Here’s a quick look at some of the newer pieces that have been added to the collection. I’d say the two brass pieces are probably my favourite that I’ve created so far. Wire-work is brutal on the fingers, but the results are always worth it.
Thank you for taking the time to drop by the site this week, hope you’re all keeping well. Feel free to drop me a message or email with any questions and comments you may have. Until the next one!
It’s been fun to do a few smaller works these past few weeks. I’ve added 2 new drawings to the shop section, so if you’re interested please do check them out under ‘Minis and Postcards’. As always thank you for your support, and feel free to contact me for any further info on originals. 🙂
A quick little sketchbook share. Taking inspiration from my favourite Norse/folk band Wardruna, and their latest release Grá. I usually have some sort of music on while working; although usually at the painting/working stage. It’s usually Wardruna, Heilung & Kati Rán, among a plethora of other artists. I’d love to know how you work as well. 🙂
Grá. graphite on toned paper sketchbook, 22.02.2020
A few drawings from the end of last month & this one, from shows that have inspired me enough to draw along. I mean anything Star Wars related is a no brainer, so that didn’t count I suppose. 😅
As I get set to do more paintings, I’ve been trying to use my Fabriano (5.5×8.5″) sketchbook a bit more. Trying to focus more on life-drawing with fantasy elements, I’m hoping to improve my skills; which I found had weakened somewhat since uni life-drawing sessions. The Shinhan Art Touch Twin Markers are pretty much a go to for me in this sketchbook, with a graphite lineart/under-drawing. I do find that the paper is very thin with this Fabriano sketchbook, but I don’t mind the results so I’m just putting a scrap paper on the back for any bleed-through. Anyhow, thought I’d share some snippets from this sketchbook so far. 🙂 Also a quick reminder, head over to my Instagram if you’re interested in more frequent updates on projects and processes. Instagram @shaima.art.
22.05.2019 sketcbook // Wardruna ~ Einar Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella
Art of Shaima 