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. 😅
Tag: sketchbook
Celtic Knots & Viking Designs – Nov. Studies
These couple of weeks, I’ve added to the long list of artistic challenges for myself by exploring design once again. I used to include a lot of in my work in my high school days, from fabric to generally…..everywhere. Feeling that I’ve lost touch with it, I decided to take on learning Celtic knots and similarly Viking designs; which I may be able to incorporate into future work. As you may know I’m very interested in Scandinavian history and Norse designs, so I thought that if I’m going to do studies I might as well make it for something I’m very interested in exploring.
There are various resources to look at, from books, videos, to good old Google. The Book of Kells is of course recommended by most tutorials I’ve come across, as well as just looking at various Viking artifacts for inspiration. For reference purposes (for myself in my sketchbook) I followed an incredibly helpful playlist from a charming gentleman on Youtube, whom I’ll link below if you’re keen on learning various knots. Looking at images of Viking artifacts came in handy as well, because I could learn the knot-work but of course Norse designs differ in that they depict more animals, and have weaves which are more fluid among other differences. I’m by no means a professional of course, so it makes it even harder for myself without having a history background to learn merely on observation. It’s challenging, but quite fun.
RESOURCES:
There are a myriad of references you can consult on the web, so I wont bore you with google searches which I’m sure in this day and age everyone already knows about. Here are a few things I’ve been looking at. 🙂
Celtic Design by David Nicholls via Youtube
November 1 – Sketchbook
A slow end of October; in terms of sharing more work here that I had originally planned. Trying to get more paintings done for portfolio updates, as well as certain personal deadlines I want to meet. Hopefully I’ll get more new work up here soon. 🙂 Until then, a little toned paper sketch from ITV’s Sanditon. Little bummed we didn’t get a proper Austen ending from Andrew Davies. 😆 Still, a huge fan of Davies and love every adaptation he’s done.
Also, you can follow me on Instagram & Twitter if you’d like a glimpse into what I’m working on, I try to get more updates for you guys on my socials anyways. 🙂
IG: @shaima.art / Twitter: @shaima_art
WIP.
Back to Graphite – Sketchbook Oct.
Getting back to working with graphite again. I think I had gotten a little annoyed in the past because of smudging issues. Working with blending stumps has really bought back my love for it again; and its just refreshing.
Team-Bradley References & Sketchbook
I’ve been really enjoying working in my new mixed-media sketchbook from Stillman & Birn. On the other hand, getting back into doing life-drawing studies/sketches is easier said than done, as I sometimes find myself bored of typical poses that you find online; in terms of reference photos. Aside from my general admiration of their work, artists Noah & Rachel Bradley have come out with a bunch of reference photo packs on their website (which I’ll link below) that have been quite helpful. If you’re looking for some quality references I highly recommend you check out their photography.
Noah & Rachel Bradley Reference Photography Sets
Also, colour & hair studies for a new painting I’m working on; plus a few demons and horns.
Stranger Things – Sketchbook July
In between the painting I’ve been working on, I decided to take a little break – which basically meant binge-watching all 3 seasons of Stranger Things last weekend. I had some catching up to do. Naturally that resulted in some sketches; well one character in particular. I’m really looking forward to seeing the talented Dacre Montgomery in more roles in the future. As for Billy Hargrove, I knew I’d love the development of his character from the very beginning. And I’ll leave it at that for those who are still catching up. 😣
Sketchbook Updates
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.
Early Holiday Mode & WIP
Weird as it is for September, I’ve been on a little binge of Christmas/holiday movies that usually come out on channels like Lifetime. Although not known for their deep or complex storytelling (you should be watching for happy endings anyways 😁), I find they always cheer me up. Princes from made-up countries, handsome ghosts, and oh yes I believe they’re called chick-flicks. 🐥
Anyways, I’ve been at my sketchbook while watching one of my favourites; The Spirit of Christmas. Thomas Beaudoin in period outfits is a bonus too.
I’m working on several pieces at the moment, for a little change in pace in the way I work. This siren piece is still in the works, hopefully to be completed by the end of the month. 🙂 I’m trying to get better at taking photos during painting (sometimes I just forget…).
Art of Shaima 