I'm ill no more!

Man, what an awful week that just ended. I was sick twice with two different illnesses, and I have been working so much because of the end of semester. I'd love to say it's finally winter break, but my school's still going until Thursday...

But anyway, at least I'm recovered and ready to attack my end-of-year projects and tests. I've also finished my DIY project, so why not show it off?

Okay, so there's a few things about this that bother me. The bow is...awkward. I also really dislike the background, but I don't know what to do to help it, really. Also, I might color it, but only in a toneless sort of way. That's the only way I could since I shadowed with ink.

Alright, so...I'm also working on the Stocking picture, still. I'll probably post on DA, too.

...Yeah.

Also, Megamind is awesome.

Oho! Another fan art for Naka is done. I know, I know, I should really pick up the pace with these. I've just been so busy. It's also frustrating that I'm stuck waiting to see whether or not I'm even going to get into the AA here, which is really annoying since I'm working on a chance here! Hopefully the person in charge will see that I am determined and serious about getting a table.

Anyway, I'm still working on the DIY project, I got the hardest inking part done, so I'm confident about the rest of it getting done in time. It's really nice to draw something that I can actually look at and say; "How cute! I want this on a shirt!" Or something like that. If only Rococo was back in style!

Okay, well, letting me talk this much at 2 AM probably isn't going to yield the best results sense-wise. I've got to go to Shana's and meet up tomorrow anyway.

Okay, so, I'm totally not dead. I just look that way.

So, I feel I've been posting a little too much stylized art and not enough of my observation stuff, which is actually a huge focus for me now, because if I can't draw people realistically, how am I supposed to make a likeness when I stylize them? Also college. I mean, they need to know I can draw from observation too, because that's what I'll mostly be doing there.

Anyway, I hope that image mashup isn't too...awkward. It was just a couple minutes in Photoshop.

Okay, I'm back to drawing cookies and other random stuff from life. I hate to say this, but I actually do enjoy drawing like this. When I said I loved drawing, I meant it.

Alright I'm blabbing. Bye bye!

FINALLY.

(Click the picture to see it all!)

So I'm finally gonna post a new picture. As some of you might guess, that picture up there is for Naka-kon, so it'll probably be a print...however, I'm not sure if I'll use the picture for anything else...

Also, I'm not sure if you can tell, but this is Ciel from Kuroshituji. I'm thinking of making Grell next, because I actually (gasp) have an idea for a picture of him! I still need to go back to this picture, though, because I seriously need to extend the background or SOMETHING. I also am not digging how small the mouth got, but I guess it's much to late now...maybe chalk it up to "style"?

And remember the Artist Self Portrait?(maybe you don't?) Done. Finally. But I dislike it sooooooooooooo much. Horrible mistakes everywhere, but it's passable if you look at it far away, preferably so far you cannot see it at all. But the good thing is that life can finally move on.

Okay then, I'm off to do some of that good ol' drawin'. But before I go, how about I link you to where I'm posting my artist alley work, for those who are interested in exclusively that?

Link

Dead I am not

Why hello! Sorry about the post delay. There just isn't much to write about or not enough time to. How frustrating!

So, I've made a couple things, as you can see. They're going to end up being cell phone charms. Right now, I'm incredibly...nervous. About my art in a setting like this. I don't know if it'll appeal. I don't make these perfect and sparkly computer drawings, and my marker drawings don't look as clean as I want them to. It's really frustrating, because this just isn't the time for stuff like this, even if it's for an experience that's "just for fun", it bothers me.

Anyway, I'm also almost finished with a picture of Ciel for a print. I'd like to make a supplementary one of Sebastian and then a picture of Undertaker because he's awesome :D

After that, I'm either moving on to High School of the Dead or Sailor Moon. I want these done quickly, so I'm dedicating a ton of time to them. I'm using mostly Copic markers to make them, but I'm not as good with Copics at other people are...

Work, ho!

Painting project!

This is the one time I can successfully say I wish I would have begun this later. Why? Because then I could have made it work for the current AP assignment, too.

Anyway, the idea was supposed to be a bit more whimsical and all, but I think it went through alright. I was trying to recreate a black and white cartoon scene in the background behind me, and if you look at this piece in person it really does have that effect! You know, every time I draw realistically the head always seems too small to me. Same goes for here. Also, that weird spot on my face was really just supposed to be regular shade, so I might tweak that a bit. Other than that, and the fact I look angsty as heck, this might be an okay piece.

Also, in other news...

Shana seems to be okay with getting an artist alley table (at Naka-kon) with me, and I'd really like that. However, I've already expressed interest in making things for Mangacandy, so would it be rude to get a table then? I've been wanting have a table ever since middle school, it'd be a shame to graduate high school without ever even trying, in my opinion. Shana seems really enthused and willing to work just as hard as I will. This makes me really, really glad. I know that it all doesn't sounds very AP related, talking about stuff like this, but I plan on turning my artwork into tangible merchandise, and I feel that can really impress an admissions councilor, but maybe that's just me.

Another thing, I really wish I had a light box, it would make making these comic pages (for my concentration) much easier. I have had some progress with tweaking and editing what I've inked so far, though.

Okay, well...yeah.

How Comical!

( Oho! Another wonderful pun! )

So, today is the day I begin to seriously think about making a comic. And I swear, it better be amazing: This one's gonna be seen by a lot of people!

I'm hoping that I might even get to go so far as to bind it into a book myself. That would be really cool, but let's save the finishing dreams for later.

Now, I've got to find a story. Here's some I thought of today:

• Eccentricity : A story about a girl who is completely normal except her obsession with Lolita fashion.

• Something starting with the quote: "What is it that makes me unique?"

• A wordless comic...not sure if I'm good enough to tackle that.

• A comic that has a poem of lyrics to a song be the only narration. Though I see this happening really easily and successfully, I worry this is a bit juvenile and overdone. Lyrics are an overplayed "trick" people use to inspire their art, and I just feel like the message wouldn't communicate unless I was using the right song...one with lyrics that are pleasant to hear and read for most everyone.

• And of course, basing it all on my real-life experiences. Always a good fallback. I may even try doing this anyway to see if I can get my brain in the comic-making funk.

Can you read me now?

Good.

(cheeeesy!)

Anyway, so here you can see that the background is much less annoying. Good, yes? Yes!

So, I've been making some good progress on re-doing my rhythm project, and I'm really glad.

I've also got really good progress on the "Together We Can" project. My idea is "Together we can find a balance".

There's actually a lot of things I'm working on right now, I swear! But every time I try to talk about them I end up looking sort of pathetic...

So, can I please get some picture of my work now? D:

Another awesome addition!

See that thing at the top there? On the top of the page saying "Detailed Candy"? Just added that. It's a banner I made, I mean, gotta show off the awkward name of this blog in style, right?

Anyway, I've got some things done for once. Feels good, man.

UGH. Okay, so every time I try to upload these huge pictures, they seem to only show up huge. I am so sorry! so here are the links:

First one

This is one I did on my own time, sort of playing with patterns and stuff.

Second one

This is my portrait assignment. I really got in there with the detail and did my best to really make it express the person. Most people seem to favor this piece over the other stuff I've done, even me. I'll have to keep on thinking about what makes this so much better feeling than the others I've done, besides the obvious.

Cool, so, I think it's time to get working on all that Rhythm now.

Just letting you know...

I put a couple new things up on the right over there. The "diary" link is to my Jugem, it isn't really art related, but my smaller art stuff get's on there, and so does my unfinished stuff...

also, there's an e-mail me link, right under that. Just click it! :D

I also put a set of buttons up for material sites. They are pretty cool, definitely a web design inspiration, and they offer free web material to use.

Anyway, I'm off to school. I hate mornings...

Blah blah blah blah blah blah...COLLAPSE

Anyway, I feel like showing some awesome artwork that's been recently inspiring me, in tune with tomorrow's self portrait assignment. Just sort of a thing to do.

I've been browsing DA more than I should, being as it's sort of a black hole to anyone who wants a serious career (in my opinion) but...

So many pretty pictures...

Okay, the only one not from DA. Actually, from a charcoal artist in Overland Park. Amazing. Flawless. We should totally meet this guy. He's working on a Clint Eastwood film.

I'm loving how this has so many "old" elements yet is done in a very modern way.

I love the coloring for this one. It feels like the sun is rising or something.

This is my favorite. I love everything about it. The colors, use of whitespace, the subject matter and the detail...amazing, I love it.

Cute, great concept, good use of color, too. Yeah.

(I won't be biased just because we're friends! xD)

She did a great job with the creativity and colors. Really set the mood well.


I really like the detail and colors...the tones are really nice, too.
Okay, I'm done blabbing about things, finally.

Title of post is just a reference.

Also, as some practice, I'm thinking of doing some drawing/art memes. Like the ones I see Pixiv users do, where they draw what's in their pure or bag, and/or draw their workstations, rooms, etc. I think it'd be fun, too. I'll have to search online for some.

In other news that is very minor and matters little, my sketchbook is 2 pages from full. Wow. Most of that work was summer and end of last year. I think I should go back to it and look for some stuff to finish, work on, of maybe scan.

HEYGIRLHEY

I really love these Prisma Colored Pencils. They rock, but I need to find a way to make them not look like some 7th grade art project or something. Hmm. Collage elements? Different color schemes? Maybe some funky unconventional thing to draw them on with? I don't know, but today I practiced just using them and getting used to their mojo. Or maybe I was just geeking out about them, same thing.

Critique rouuuunndup

(Picture is of an antique shop in Parkville...totally not freaky or racist at all)

So the two things I've noticed everyone was saying on that critique thing on Friday was that:

-Get better values and shade like a real man

-Keep your dang artwork clean

So, I'm not gonna disagree. I mean, the second one is for sure true facts, and the first one is something I didn't even know people wanted. Anyway, I'm obviously going to work on those.

Now for that second project.

Peace.

What I've done today...

Er, yeah. It's a lot better in person, I think. But here we go: a piece made of the given materials (office supplies).

Jokingly, I call it Post-it Modernism. I know, I'm so funny it hurts. Look at me and my wit. So wit-wit-witty.

PREPARING FOR BATTLE

FOR IT WILL BE THE LONGEST FIGHT

...Okay, well, whatever. I just thought I'd say I'm ready for AP Studio. Obviously these are not very good for documentation purposes, but hey, I can't just go weeks without posting.

Sorry about the wait...

I seriously am sorry, everyone. I really am.

While I was gone, I got a lot of art done, including....

~THE BOOOK~

I'm actually satisfied with it, too. Sadly, I'm kinda paranoid someone could steal my idea for it, so I probably won't post about it until school starts.

I've also gone through the class I spoke about in my last post, and it was very helpful. How about I make a big ol' post about that later?

This picture is something I did with watercolors. I think I'm getting the hang of them. I wanted to make something that was more abstract than what I usually do, so hopefully I got that. The emphasis was on design here, really.

I think it looks better in person, though.

Guess who's back?

Yep, I'm back from a long 2-week trip from Georgia. The change of pace was pretty nice, but I'm really glad to be back. As for my artwork, I've got SOME things done, but I really haven't got too much. I just tweaked a few things, but I didn't do much else, as I didn't get the time. You see, this wasn't really much a vacation as it was a trip to see family. Which is fine, but I can't afford too many of them, as I need to get to work! 

I got a KCAI book in the mail, which I really liked. The thing came with 3-d glasses! They were meant to be used for viewing the cover, which was in 3D, obviously. It talked about the majors, famous alumni, and such. It was nice, but since I hold the college in such high regard, I was pretty critical of the design of the book. I guess I just have different taste, but I feel like the whole design was really cluttered. It just was tying too hard to fit in so much to please everybody, that it forgot to look attractive overall. Is that rude of me to say? To critique a place that, ultimately, will critique me in the end? I can't help it, I guess. But I wouldn't say such things unless I had something better in mind: I think that they could make differently designed books/covers for sending out that vary depending on what the person who ordered it is interested in majoring in. I know this may require a little extra work, upkeep, and expense, but it would be really neat. You could order for a book online and specify which one you want. You could even say you don't care which one so they could send out one from an overstock pile.

Okay, enough about that. I'm probably boring you now. 

Also, notice that fancy new background? I made that!

But anyway, apparently the scanner works now, which is wonderful and all but I'm still watching that stupid thing like a hawk. There will be much more pieces to arrive on here and I'll be making some for sure. I've done some stuff for "the book" but I really have no idea where I'm going with it, and I'm sure as heck not gonna know when I get there. I've got a portfolio class at KCAI on July 17th coming up, and I really don't know what to expect. But I'll probably blab about it on here. 

See ya!

So, here's what I've made today. It's not as clean-looking as I would've liked, but oh well. I'm also not sure what I'm going to do with the background.

But! I really like the bright colors I used. That's what make this so fun to make.

This is one of the few times that I've made a piece with meaning behind it. It's about a person who, like many of us, looks to their screen for refuge to a different world, one that, in her eyes, has no flaws. Or maybe it lacks the flaws that her world has? This type of desire for escape is for sure something I used to have. Now, not so much. I'm happy with my life, and I'm not really into anime/manga that much. The manga-influenced art style still interests me, though, all art styles do...

I have no idea what Bou! and So~ mean...I just noticed it on a mousepad I have (Japanese one, of course) .

Hopefully I conveyed the idea well and attractively?

Oi, it's colored?

Yeah, I did something colored this time. I think I'm getting the hang of coloring, too. I'm not really sure why I drew a girl who was in a garden, though. I think I'm drawing people like this because I'm back to playing WoW again, that's probably it.
Anyway, this picture didn't take to long to do, about an hour or so. I just finished it. I colored it with a combination of Copics and Prismas, I used Prismas on the skin and hair, and Copics on the rest.

Personally, I think the hair could look much better. I should have used Copics to color it, because the Prismas killed the detail.

Anyway, I'm really not sure what I'll do with this later on, if I add I background or not. It's more for the coloring practice and to keep me drawing every day I can, no matter what.

Oh my.

You're probably a bit confused. What is this messy, grungy...THING?
I know, it looks like something I didn't do. Personally, that why I sort of like it. It's got more the feel of a good design, opposed to some picture of a person that looks a little wonky and just like everything else I draw, ever.
Also? It's ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE ART. It actually looks like something framing worthy.
On the other hand, it's looks pretty freakin' bizarre. (By the way, the face is centered, but my scanner cut it off. Boo hoo.)
And I'm having second thoughts about the OBEY on it. Kinda too Andre the Giant, yeah?


Well, to explain why this exists in the first place, it was an assignment. I had to draw myself without looking at the paper (blind contour), and use an ink-glue mixture to trace it. Once we finished that, we took watercolors and colored it however the heck we wanted. I tried for a gradient thing going on, buuuuuuut.
Oh, and by the way, summer is officially here, so I should be drawing/creating and then blogging about it more!

So.

Just another thing I drew while I had a million other things to do, don't mind me. It's inspired by Alfonse Mucha. I really am not digging the neck. And I'd like to work on the form of the hair to make it flow better in a more natural way.

Also, as a side note: I'm gonna see a movie called Exit Through the Gift Shop on Friday. It's gonna be about the popular street artist Bansky, others, and street art in general. I'm really excited. Here's a link to the site and trailer: http://www.banksyfilm.com/

It's at the Tivoli. I went there last Friday for Waking Sleeping Beauty and loved it. Cheaper than AMC, too!

Oh, lawdy, is dat sum new artz?

....Sorta. I mean, the one at the top is sorta old, for a comic I never went through with. The bottom one I made like JUST EFFING NOW and I don't even know why. I'm probably sick of studying. I've been doing so all week, but it's been paying off. ;^;

I don't know if I'll be using this blog much, but I like the idea of having something I can direct people to when they ask about my artwork, or whatever.

Also, AP, MAN. AP ART IS GONNA ROCK AND SUCK AT THE SAME TIME.
Or at least, that's my guess. I've been working on my summer stuff already.
There's an assignment where we have to alter an old book artistically (and preferably geared toward our portfolio), and I'm actually not dry for ideas. I'm hoping that my teacher won't mind the whimsy I'm gonna put on mine. Like, a Candy Land sorta feel. When I'm done with it, I'll be sure sure to post for some feedback!

I've begun the ten other summer assignments, too, which are less "OMG GET IT DONE NOW" priority. I mean, I'm still gonna get them done, but they're number 2.
Now, when I say I've begun...what I mean is I've circled the ones I think I can do well, and I've sketched one out. It's...a good sketch, though! 8D

Alright, I'm heading out. If you have any comments, thoughts, or suggestions, be free to tell me! Just click that comment button below!

Thanks for reading!