Day 22 – Denim Girl

Digital artwork. Based on an online reference photo. I wanted to include more of the figure in the portrait drawing again. I liked the white and dark, and the clean lines. It’s interesting to note how much texture can be achieved even without lots of gradient areas.

Day 23 – Darcy

Digital artwork. I felt like coloring today. The black lines being visible with the hair but with color underneath (very watercolor-like effect) is something I really love. The white area on her lower lip also adds a painterly look.

Day 24 – Jill

Digital artwork. I kept this exercise graphite focused. Just a touch of some gradients really add a lot of life to a simple line drawing. The darkness of her hair adds a lot of weight and depth. I feel as if using an off-white background is sort of like cheating – making her look more ‘warm’ than she actually is – but I like the effect it has.

___

I am about a month into doing these exercises, and my comfort level with digital work has increased tremendously. I feel less as if I am fighting with tools, as if they exist to help me accomplish what I want them do. I feel as balanced with traditional drawing methods as I do with digital, particularly regarding simple line portraits – and that is a Really Good Feeling. The barrier to starting a drawing has also lessened – it feels more like play – exactly the emotional association I was hoping to cultivate.