Week 2.3

It's a good thing I've made so much progress on this in such a short amount of time because I'm catching the cold that's been going around and that I have somehow dodged for several weeks. I want this drawing to be as awesome as I can personally make it. So far, not so bad.

I'm weening myself of the "blur/smudge tool" little by little. It's not easy. I like my little digital crutch.

Week 2.2

I actually accomplished a lot last night while subjecting myself to the emotional masochism that is Downton Abbey. It's an interesting experience to watch that while working on a silly caricature of someone as a badger.

As was my goal, most of the background is done already. Saving the fun parts for last, you know. Though I don't like the thick lines in the background. I'll try to find a way to phase them out.

Week 2: COMMISSIOOOOOOONS. COMMISSIONS!

If you read that title in the tune of "Tradition" from Fiddler on the Roof then I don't know if you should be proud that you understood the reference or terrified that your brain is on the same wave length as mine. If it's the latter you have my deepest apologies.

Not long ago a friend's mom (whom I also consider my friend) commissioned me for a detailed piece that's a fun tribute to her late second husband.  I'm pretty honored to be part of it and looking forward to the challenges it will present, such as drawing a convincing car.

A lot of this is based on a running joke with them and when it comes down to it, I'll be doing a caricature of him similar to the badger in these commercials. They're pretty darn funny, actually.

Week One

This took a pleasantly short amount of time to finish after the blog entry I made yesterday. Time flies when you're watching Downton Abbey (though not necessarily having "fun"). I looked at it again this morning to make sure that everything was in order and I'm still okay with it enough to post it as finished.

I plan to start Week 2 today even though it technically doesn't start until the 7th. Might as well work ahead while I can.

Week 1: Growing Shadows

At first I thought the highlights and shadows would be obnoxious and tedious. They have been difficult, but enjoyably so. I've actually done his pants since this, and fixed his legs so they were more even.

Week 1: Mountain Man

After I thought about it, a torch made more sense than an ice pick. It will offer a lot more opportunity for dramatic lighting and a challenge. His facial expression is odd, so I'll fix it tomorrow.

Week 1: New Beginnings

Ah, January 1st. It's the day of the year where bloggers and Facebook users write about the value of a clean slate and either wax poetic about or bid a relieved farewell to the year behind. I'm personally okay with 2013 being hit in the rear with the door on the way out.

So here's to Weekly Art the 4th. It's hard to believe that it was really four years ago today that I sat in my studio apartment in Moscow, Idaho, and set out for the adventure of finishing 52 works of art in as many weeks. If I don't succeed, it's okay. I'll dust myself off and try for 2015. If I do succeed, I'll be proud and then attempt for two years in a row.

With that sentimentalism out of the way, let's dive right in.

I had the pleasure of seeing Disney's "Frozen" recently and am going to see it again this week. I'm just as excited this time, if not more so. I love all of the main characters, even the ones I thought I would hate. Predictably, Kristoff is my favorite.

Since I want to start this year off well with a proper background, I made myself finish it in one sitting so I can do the fun part tomorrow.