Saturday, October 10, 2009

Heh...

I really need to get into habit of taking screens of my WIPs and update this blog more often. Honestly, I'm the type of person who means to do things and then gets caught up in the everyday and forgets. Or I just can't think of things to post. I'm going to try to get better at this. I keep trying to get myself set up on a schedule...certain days work on 3D, others work on drawing and coloring, another day for comics...and a time everyday to sketch. So far I decide to do a certain project and get far too involved in it that before I know it 18 hours have passed and I want to finish the project so badly that I get angrily determined to finish it.

Anyway...I've been working pretty hard on a number of projects lately. Some drawings, trying to finish coloring other things, to using Poser, doing some 3D designs...I seriously try too hard sometimes.

I participated in 24 Hour Comic Day a week back. Unfortunately, I only made it 12 hours in before my fatigue set in(and I payed for it for 2 days later). My comic also only made it to 18 pages, but I did manage to pencil 15 pages in that 12 hours which blows my previous record of 7 penciled pages in 15 hours out of the water! I'm currently inking it and will post it here as soon as I'm finished!

I'm also working on trying to set up an extended desktop so I can broadcast a UStream directly from my computer screen! I'll also keep you all updated on that here(a well as on DA, Facebook, and Twitter).

Other than that, things are going along as best they can. I, unfortunately, lost feeling and reflex in my ankle a few weeks back which makes it difficult to walk, so my mood has sot of declined because of my frustration wit that. With being a new Godmommy to my best friend's baby boy, I'm sure things aren't going to let up anytime soon. That's life, though, I suppose. :)

Anyway, back to the drawing board!

Monday, September 21, 2009

>.> <.<

I will be updating soon. I've been busy and haven't forgotten this. Just been kinda forgetting the internets in general. Haaa~

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Sketching!

Going to be sketching live shortly to test things out for Saturday! Watch my twitter for when!

Twitter!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Of Programs and Resources!

Artists always get asked what their methods are and such. I came to a realization yesterday as I was working and figured I'd share the stuff I use to create my art.

My art is often switched from digital to traditional depending on my mood and available space to work. So I'll split this into each!

Traditional

My staple for my traditional work is generally my sketchbook. I'm not picky and have been using Canson 100% recycled paper sketch book for the 10 years I've been drawing. While markers bleed through(which is usually remedied with a scrap paper under it), I love the way the markers blend so smoothly on it.
For sketching I use a 0.3 technical pencil, modified with a grip because it's more comfortable. Sometimes I use the blue animators lead for sketching, but not very often.
I erase with Magic Rubs and a Pentel automatic eraser. They erase with less pencil residue than anything else I've tried.

I've recently come to a realization that my original pencil sketches are really important, especially in this modern age of digital art. So I've changed my methods of inking in order to preserve them.
I use Copic Multiliners for inking. If you're ever looking for them, look for the metal ones(you'll know them when you see them). Multiliners are not only refillable, but their tips and nibs are fully replaceable, so don't let the $5 price tag scare you away from them.
Many people use Microns for inking. I will admit, I was a solid Micron supporter for awhile. After all, they were readily available, didn't bleed with markers, and helped avoid the messes that were made with my previous method of quill pens and India ink which still do well when coloring with Prismacolor colored pencils, but didn't do so well when I moved to marker. I learned quickly, however, how quickly Microns dried out and, more importantly, how quickly the nibs wore out, split, or bent.
I went through a journey to find good inking pens.
I loved my Rapidographs, but after a while, the ink dried up and clogged my nibs. They also liked to tear into my paper.
I tried Faber Castell, Ziqs, you name it I tried them, and most either bled too much into my paper, or bled with my markers. So once I found Multiliners, I was hooked. They were perfect for me.
I recently bought a Pentel ColorBrush brush pen, which I have yet to try, but I've heard good things about.

To ink, I actually use simple computer printer paper. It's smooth and the pens take well to it. Most of the time, this inked picture is never my final...just an inked draft.
I use my light desk(bought at Hobby Lobby for like...$30. Awesome investment!) to create my inked draft, so that my pencils are preserved.

At this point, I decide how I'm going to color the picture, either traditionally or digitally.

I like using markers and water colors the most, though I do use acrylic paint or colored pencils from time to time.
I use Copic sketch markers for the most part. I used Prismacolor Markers for a long time until I saw the beautiful effects and blending of the Copics. The investment was much more cost effective as well, since Copics are refillable. A Copic marker at $5, while more than a $3 Prsima, can be refilled about 7 times with a $5 refill. $10 for Copics compared to the $35 needed to buy the same amount of Prisma markers...well, I was sold.
I love using Windsor and Newton Watercolors, though my collection ranges from that to Crayola. I also adore Dr. Martin's Inks for awesome washes! I use cold pressed aquarelle watercolor paper, with my awesome(and expensive) field Watercolor board, which I happily bought with birthday money this year.
Other than that, I use Liquitex acrylics, and Prismacolor pencils for other methods.

Or I go digital, scanning my inked(or sometimes just the sketch) drawing into one of my computers using my Canon LiDE 30. Little and outdated, but it's one hell of a tough scanner.

Digital

I've been coloring digitally since 7th grade, when Photoshop was Mac only. My school was one of the first schools to offer computer imaging as an art course, and I'm forever thankful for that.
Since then, my programs have expanded and I use a good mix of all of them to make a finished piece.

If I scan an inked drawing, I always start off in Photoshop. I have more knowledge of adjustments and settings to prepare my lineart in Photoshop, so it's all pretty much second nature.
Lately, though, I've been sketching directly onto the computer. The undo is an awesome tool and it saves trees!

My digital drawing tools consist of my two laptops and tablet. I own a Mac Powerbook G4 Titanium, which I've had since 2002. The battery is dead, the disc drive no longer works, and both hinges of the screen are broken so it needs support to stay open. Despite all this, it multitasks better than any other computer in this house, and for that I love it. And Macs are pretty.
With my Mac, I use my Wacom Graphire 3 tablet.
I also have a Fujitsu Stylistic TabletPC, which has been taking the bulk of my work lately due to the ease of drawing in the computer directly.

While I prepare lineart in Photoshop,a lot of my work lately(sketching, inking and coloring) has been done using Corel Painter X. I like the painterly effects and natural feel of Painter.Photo shop is used for special effects, text, and other things I can't find equal methods to do through Painter.And my brush library is extensive.:D

I also use Illustrator in times when I need a more graphical effect to a piece,such as solid outlines or things only vectors can work with. The pen tool is SO much easier in Illustrator.


That's pretty much what I use once I have a piece planned. Lately I've seen the wonder of using stock resources, and have just gotten Poser to use when I can't find what I'm looking for. Working on a lighting model right now to help finish my picture from below.It's become a staple for my art and I likely will continue to use it as a drawing resource.

And, well...that's it!

I have a web camera in the mail coming to me, so I'm expecting to have my first artcast on Ustream next week! I'll keep you all posted here!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Seriously...I'm working!

So...I'm beginning to get frustrated at the fact that I've set so many projects and pieces before me that I've been lacking in actually finishing anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving my advances, and adore the pieces I've been working on, but silly little me wants to FINISH something. I've been trying so hard to catch up with what I missed with my mother's wedding in Texas.

I've been working non-stop, essentially. At least 8 hours each day...save today, which I'm using as a day of rest for my hand. I've been told to make Sunday my day of rest no matter what...because even though I love drawing, my body needs a rest.

For those who don't know, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand when I was 18. To have it so early was unusual, but because I was drawing and looking at art as my profession at that point, me, my parents, and my doctor, though it a possibility to reduce further damage.
Previous to my drawing, I typed a lot, hand wrote stories a lot, and played Oboe for 5 years, so stress to my carpal tunnel didn't seem too out-there.
I was drawing within a week of getting my stitches taken out, and while the constant ache went away, I felt over time that the surgery didn't do anything but give me extensive scar tissue.
I decided to get over it and just deal with it.
There's a really long story that follows this that comes back to last year when I was dealing with some numb spots and burning in my leg. After a long summer, I was diagnosed with an unknown Neuromuscular Disorder/Disease. Could be Multiple Sclerosis, could be Muscular Distrophy, could be something new...we don't know and I don't have the money to get further tests needed. In any case, I deal with a lot of muscle pain and fatigue daily, and this can put a damper on my work, though I try to not let it get to me.
Recently I've had to resort to taping my pinky to my ring finger when I draw due to the Myotonia in my hand. This keeps my hand from cramping up as quickly, and I'm glad to have thought of it. I think once I get a Cinteq stylus, I might be able to reduce my pain and inflammation due to the grip on the pen, and might not get numb fingers anymore. Hoping for this very soon.

I'm also hoping to get a web camera soon(I've got a good and affordable one picked out already), so that I can get on Ustream and join the art movement of having a drawing channel.

Anyway, without further ado...I give you part of what has been my task for about two weeks now.
Photobucket

She's undergone a few skin re-colors and such...and this is probably far from what the final will be, but I'm loving it and learning SO much during this. Doing a lot of experimentation with colors and color theory, lighting...a TON of research and looking at references. This picture here, I think, has marked a moment in my life where I'm really working hard as an artist. And loving every minute of it.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Progress!

So, upon the simultaneous depression of considering throwing in the towel to disability and the thought that focusing on my artwork would possibly open me up to doing what I've always dreamed of, I've been working every minute of everyday that I can on artwork. Through this, I've gotten the confidence to work on my independent stories (Fallen Angel Recruits, which has a new name; Miko, My Monster and Me; Demon City/Angel Night), to realize it's all about the art , and that I'm going to definitely need a better stylus really soon if I'm going to keep this up.

I've also decided that once I finish these pictures I'm going to start with FAR and start outlining and working on concept sketches. Also paneling. I'm also going to work on drawing more fan art to get better at doing so, so that I can start working on the RP comics I want to do for the chats.

Anyway, that's just about it, so onwards to the WIPs!


Photobucket
(Ignore the boobs *shifty eyes*)

Photobucket
Being a shameless fangirl

Photobucket
Update to one of the previous WIPs.

Photobucket
Various works I've sorta started/almost finished

Photobucket
And the current bane of my creativity.

I suppose you can expect more stuff soon! As for now, let's party with Doogie and Elmo! Cuz I wanna party with them!
doogieandelmo

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sensual Art? Pr0nz?(some dirty words...and dirty subject)

So...I've come to a realization lately.

For 11 years now, I've been roleplaying in my chats and drawing my characters. A huge appeal of this for me was to not only interact in that world I was playing in, but the characters in that universe. As such...a lot of my art with canon characters can be viewed as being Mary Sue-ish. And you know what? I don't care anymore.
Seriously. People have a problem with Roxie coming between the Remy/Rogue crap that should have ended ten years ago? People can just close the freakin' window and move on. Because it brings me joy...it's the reason why I worked with drawing for so long so far; the ability to draw my creations...interacting with canon. If that means that in an RP, Remy got with Roxie, or Vulcan got with Siri...WTF-ever. I'm gonna draw it if I feel like it.

Once I finally obliterated that "OMG don't wanna get flamed!" thoughts...I was free to work on other "taboo" thoughts I had that I feel has held me back from drawing things for me. And thus we come to our real discussion.

I've been drawing porns. Yes. Hentai, pr0nz, whatever you wanna call it. I'm 26 years old. It seriously took me long enough, and I've seen 14 year olds draw things MUCH more raunchy and nasty than the stuff I've been doing. I haven't even drawn genitals yet...so, in actuality, my stuff is only IMPLIED porn. Like many things, I like to leave things to the imagination...to let the mind wander...not OMFGIHAVEWETPUSSYINMYFACE pictures. Because, my pictures are most of the time RP characters...and events that likely would have been shared between them.

I have to say, it's like a weight lifted off of my shoulders as an artist. I've always liked artistic nudes, I've always liked that romanticism style...silk sheets, taffeta ribbons and sheer curtains. To me...that's beautiful.
It's been a step by step process to get to this point(which, as said, has mostly been flashing boobies and implied tenticles. XD). And I haven't been happier.

In all honesty, porn, like art, is subjective. I find most of the stuff on Deviantart lacking in artistic taste and merit...to me, if it tells me a story...if something strikes me thinking...that's art to me, whether it's of two characters making out, or just a portrait...that's what I look for in art: Inspiration and EMOTION.
Sex, sensuality, lust, and true love. These have been emotions that I have HAD with my characters...partly with myself...but have never been able to convey before.
I think it has to do with my own maturity...in a way, my own relationship and how comfortable I am in my own sexuality/sensuality. If things don't work out in your head, how are you supposed to deal with it outwardly and release it?

So...what makes an artist actually comfortable doing pictures like this? I mean...I was once part of the Yaoi fandom. So the crazy boy on boy pictures on Deviantart don't really phase me more than the overexcessiveness of it, though I used to wonder how people have the guts to post it up without worrying about the backlash.
I sort of know now. While I likely won't be posting these pictures on Deviantart, since they've been drawn for myself and RP friends(Though, I'll post 'em up here under NSFW links if people REALLY wanna see them...), I can see the freedom that comes with being able to do it. It comes, again, to the "I don't care what other people think" mindset.

I also think an artist has to be comfortable with their own sexuality/sensuality to pass over this line. Goes for writers, too. Of course, never go outside your comfort zone unless you WANT to. But yeah...

Maybe this is a long worded way to explain my deviancy...Ali's been a bad and dirteh girl...
In any case...I'm loving it.

What are your views on "Sensual Art"? Do you think people who draw it are just sad fanboys/girls needing to get laid or are people comfortable with what they have?

Would you ever cross the line? :3

Saturday, May 30, 2009

For Your Consideration...

We have yet another blog that will make me have to check yet another site. My OCD behavioral therapy isn't doing so hot, it seems.


Cutting to the chase; This, I have decided, will be my art and general pointless ramblings( like right now, the thoughts of someone who has yet to sleep at 6am. Curse you, insomnia) blog, where I shall update people on my creative endeavors, projects, and overall strange and random thoughts on life and this crazy world.

Most of tonight(and most everyday now) was spent coloring sketches I've been working on in Painter X. I cannot express how much my love for this program has been lately. I love doing everything in it from sketch to finalization and am only learning more new things as I go along. While I've been working with Photoshop since middle school (5.5 people!) , it's actually really refreshing to use a program that I feel is virtually like putting my pencil to my sketchbook. I don't feel like total fail when I'm able to do the things I've been doing and utilizing my Photoshop knowledge to make the two programs wonderful bedfellows...and my pictures as their messed up love-child (hey, it worked for Disney and Square-enix) .


So, I sit here, actually watching Henry Selik's Monkeybone, which isn't that bad of a movie if you have a twisted sense of humor (like me!), but really shouldn't be watching in a sleep deprived state. Hot, sleepless nights do this to you...

I think I'm going to put in Mallrats.


So... in short, come here to catch up on stuff, ask me questions, whatever. I shall try to keep you amused.
Sorry, no refunds if I'm defective.


I seriously need to sleep. Like ZOMG now.