Monday, May 27, 2013

Week 5 - Fundamentals of Character Design

      "Creating Forms From Abstract Shapes".  Starting with a simple, appealing abstract shapes, we're to create three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional plane. This technique utilizes an understanding of the fundamentals of tone, value, form, lighting, texture.   Carter Goodrich's work best demonstrates this technique.  So we're to do a master copy of one of his work.  He's now my new favorite.   I copied his drawing of one of the rats in Ratatouille. 

     Combining our previous understanding of shape language of visual association, character personality using body/facial expressions, we're to design using this technique, two characters -  1)  a proud, confident, heroic cowboy/cowgirl.  2) an unmotivated, lethargic, depressed four-legged animal character.

     So, here's what I've done.... (click to enlarge)






Friday, May 24, 2013

Week 4 - Fundamentals of Character Design

     Week 4 was about Character Personality. Starting with correct gesture, a clear silhouette plus understanding the character from within would help design or draw the right body poses to express character's personality and/or emotions. So that week, we were given a number of descriptive scenarios to draw.  

     Heinrich Kley was the one of my favorites and the inspiration for that week.   We're also to do a master copy of one of his drawings while studying the loose and gestural quality of his characters' poses.   I chose his famous dancing elephants.  I've always admired Heinrich Kley's drawings, but not until I was copying them that I got to see it more clearly how much personality, energy and anatomy he integrated in those anthromorphic characters. Simply awesome!  I got a glimpse of how a master artist like him thinks. I'll definitely be doing more master copying on my own after the course. Simply a fun way to learn.

      So, here are my assignment drawings.... ( click to enlarge)















Sunday, May 19, 2013

Week 3 - Fundamentals Of Character Design

     Week 3 was about Visual Association.  Using the shape language of square, circle and triangle, we're to design three barbarians, one male, two females, describing the following archetypes:
- Routine, orderly, rule follower - but also timid and shy.
- Leader, proactive, aggressive -but also selfless and warm.
- Peace keeper, kindhearted - but also slightly sadistic and cynical, including their props.
Plus more sketchbook drawings, designing from life.

     David Colman always tell us, drawing or designing is more thinking than actual drawing.  By using the shape language of square, circle and triangle and combining them will achieve the design that conveys the personality and appeal of the characters. Each of the primary shapes is associated with certain meaning or evoke certain feelings, that we consciously or unconsciously perceive and understand. And if the right combination is done, good design results.
 
     So I spent most of the time thinking about the designs, poses, shapes, their meaning and doing rough sketches in the process. Part of  the challenge was to illustrate what seemed to be opposing or contradictory character descriptions like,
"kindhearted but slightly sadistic and cynical".  Wow, that really got me thinking. Nevertheless, that week's lecture have been very enlightening for me.

     As for the sketchbook drawings, I drew some animals from videos, as I didn't have enough time left. Fortunately, there's a good resource for artists like me, who sometimes can't go to the zoo. That is Rhino House

     I was really tired after that week's assignment.  And  in spite of my right hand becoming sore after, I totally enjoyed doing them,  (click to enlarge)



Leader, proactive, aggressive -but also selfless and warm.

Routine, orderly, rule follower--but also timid and shy.

Peace keeper, kind hearted --but also slightly sadistic and cynical.










Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Kung Fu Panda -Legends Of Awesomeness

Here's some of the shots I did for Nickelodeon's Kung Fu Panda - Legends Of Awesomeness TV series.

 Enjoy!  (Password: KFPDemo)

  

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Week 2 - Fundamentals of Character Design

     For week two, the topic was about Designing from Life.  Curve lines convey rhythm or softness  while straight lines convey structure or strength.  A balance of both  results in good design.

     So for the assignment, first, we're to do figure drawings from the photos provided, starting with loose gesture, then design them using curves and straight lines.  Secondly,  do more coffee shop sketches, focusing on designing the people we see, than just simply drawing them. Then thirdly, we were to design the adjective "Depressed". 
   
     I'm not used to sketching in public, but since week 1, I think I'm getting the hang of it.  It was raining that weekend, so no zoo this time. Just went to the indoor foodcourt nearby.

     Here's what I've done for week 2.... (click to enlarge)















Monday, May 6, 2013

Week 1 - Fundamentals Of Character Design


       I have been wanting to get back to drawing regularly, to improve my drawing skills.  So I decided to take another class again at CGMA.  I'm  presently doing David Colman's Fundamentals of Character Design. I have been an admirer of David's artwork for years.  So I'm really excited to be one of his students this term.

     So far, I'm really enjoying it, I just have to balance my schedule between my work and this course. I only  have weekends to really get into this.

     Here's what I've done, Week 1 assignment.  We're asked to do some outdoor/cafe sketching and copy Milt Kahl's Shere Khan. Copying drawings of Master artists like Milt Kahl is a great learning method.  I enjoyed doing them. Ooh... how I miss those Disney days....

   As for the sketches, I went to Auckland Zoo and different  foodcourts during the weekends. (click to enlarge)