Face drawing is content of tomorrow's video.

April Live Discussion for Drawingforce.com subscribers

Just completed the first monthly live video event for drawingforce.com.  Amazing that I can speak with people around the world and answer questions with video in real time.  I want to thank the attendees!  Great questions!  Looking forward to next month's video discussion.

third drawing

That's the last one ...have a great weekend.

second

this week's figure drawings

This is a blind drawing of the model's back with his hands clenched behind him.  Never got to the head. :(

Gladiator boards 03

These are studies in my search to further understand film making.

Galdiator Boards 02

Galdiator boards 01

For you Steffen.

Sample of Blind FORCE drawing

So this is an example of drawing without looking at the page.  This is not for the sake of style but for the sake of seeing.  For some it is an exercise and for others the end all.  Either way, I post it as something to think about.

The truth

While instructing at Pixar this past week,  I discussed the concept of drawing as an experience.  We were drawing the model without looking at the page.  This sounds like a cliche, first year, college art class exercise...and it is if executed that way.  THE GOAL of the exercise, the way that I conduct it,  is for the artist to have as RICH an EXPERIENCE with the model as possible.  The drawing that is created on the page is the record of that experience...in essence the artist's journal entry of those precious minutes gone by.  To assist in living a rich experience, we use the concept of FORCE for it is the life of the model that we are in awe of...the vehicle that drives us through the story of the model!  The model is not a plaster cast but someONE who is alive and making choices, feeling and thinking while on the platform.  Your job, as the artist is to experience the model as best you can!  Train you eye, mind and hand to move in unison.  How often do we draw with one of the three components not coinciding with the other two?  Learn to see the truth.  It is far richer than the piece of paper in front of you.  Through this, you will become a fuller person.

fifth drawing

I pushed for the length and weight of the ribcage here and then the compressed legs.

More to come in upcoming weeks.

fourth drawing

I remember this one feeling aggressive and fast!

third drawing

I like the depth in this drawing and the hips.

another

Quick Figure drawing

Been teaching at Pixar and every week our first set is a warm up.  Sometimes I sit and draw during the warm up to wake me up and prepare for class.  All of these drawings are Caran Dache on smooth newsprint.

Enjoy!

Gladiator Film Studies

I love observing film through the act of drawing shots...I find that I learn so much from the layouts, tones, editing, lighting etc. Enjoy!

This week's Force preview video.

Click here.

Superman forces

I took stills from the "extras" section of the Superman Returns DVD and drew different levels of force on top of these chronological images.  Fun to watch how the forces work and change through time. Understanding how FORCE functions could allow you to manipulate it and understand it for your own animation.

Safari West

Heading out this weekend to do research for the upcoming Force Animal Drawing Book. So excited!!!
Click here for Safari west Site

Captain America

Did this a looong time ago but I still like it!

Check out this week's video.

Force preview video on drawing body trunk.

Abstract Pirate Character Design

Playing with priorities-The texture of the dirty shirt played a role in this design...This image is from FORCE- Character Design from Life Drawing.

Minority Report Studies

I love drawing from film..the characters, poses costumes, layouts etc...so much to learn from!

Some old favorites- Dennis Miller and David Spade

Wonder Con

Went to my first Wonder Con today with one of my daughters.  It was great seeing faces I have not seen for the past two years.  There was Andy Ristaino, Pascal Campion, (my daughter loves her print, thank you!), Dean and Barbara Yeagle, Steve Silver, David Coleman, Joe Weatherly, Donnachada Daly, Brittney Lee, Fabian Molina, John Loter (taught me when I was at Dis Consumer products in NYC and thanks for the book!) and Mark McDonnell.  Great seeing all of you again.

I bought some books at Stuart Ng's booth also.  He always has such a great selection...Darn you, Stuart!
Gruau by Hersher
Todo es Posible by Tha and Joan Tharrats
and a Severin Sketchbook.

If you are in the SF area, go to the con..Smaller than San Diego with some real gems found within!

Frazetta using same concepts

Here are some examples of Frazetta using forceful surface line.

Second hand out.

Force handouts for Pixar class.

Teaching form at Pixar this week and thought I would share some of the stuff we will be covering.  These are pages from my second FORCE book, "Force, Character Design from Life Drawing."  I will be discussing how to draw without looking at the page so you get your eye, mind and body in one place at one time.  Your hand should move with your eyes' movement and what your head is thinking about.  See the truth and get out of the way.  Enjoy!

some old wolvie sketches.