Utilizing that art degree part 1

Well I think that a significant key to being productive in art involves having many different projects so you don't get burnt out with any specific one. They even have to be very diverse. (although oddly, at this moment I am dealing with the inking of all 3 of these projects- a testament to the slow process that inking can be... nonetheless a very graphically rewarding process)

So you're sitting around and want to make another cool watercolor drawing. Well the theme is already set- perhaps futuristic or alternative-contemporary human inventions... I have made a tank, a rocket and a submarine... now imagine a futuristic highway.

Why a highway? Well originally I had envisioned putting humans in an insignificant scale in relation to a big shiny train- but a highway if quite similar, if not larger in scale. So this creates a visually fun. interesting an often awe-inspiring visual effect. I like how concept art posits small interdicting humans in a massive environment. Because that is essentially what we are everyday- but i digress. Take this idea and apply it to several thumbnail sketches and pick one that grabs your attention- for whatever reason- and run with it. There are no right answers- this is explorative sketching- the uglier the better (because you are supposed to be challenging yourself, not impressing philistines!)

So here I sketch several thumbnails... and refine one of them. Perspective is a big elements- as is composition. this is with a hand-sharpened pencil and I do about 6 sketches or so in 30 minutes.



Once I have a general idea of the layout I choose what size the piece will be- the robot one went so well I've chosen a similar size). I then sketch the biggest shapes first, while keeping in mind foreground and background, I am also thinking of how big the humans will be in relation and also making sure the complexity is only added once I have everything in perspective. I Also choose my vanishing point,which is just below the lower right corner. All major shapes are based on this vanishing point.



I refine the blue drawing even further...



Finally one I am satisfied I start to ink directly over the blue drawing. At this point I have to be sure to understand fully what will be in the foreground and what will be behind these objects- I tend to draw in that order... up close first, then things behind after. I also like to take risks by being as lose as I can when possible... but this one is pretty tight.