Work on Illustration and Texture

Pencil Sketches by McKenzie Clarke

There is a definite use of cross hatching in these drawing. Cross hatching is basically stokes one way then strokes perpendicular. The second sketch based off of a picture of my childhood Hollywood crush, Cary Grant. Who also played the main character in North by Northwest, and Charades. 

The first image of the African girl I really wanted to focus on emphasizing features, not getting it down to right proportion. That is what illustration is all about, and it is so much fun. 

More Portrait Studies

Charcoal drawings by McKenzie Clarke

Portrait Studies from the past three weeks. These portrait classes on Fridays are such a treat for me. I have the great opportunity to watch artist who have set a career for themselves. I am the only one in the class using charcoal, so I get to learn from watching everyone use oil paint. 

Sketches for the Week

“Practice makes the master.” 
― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

Practice is the key for an artist to see beyond what is there. To see the principle and elements of design in art, the eye must be trained to look for those specific things. These sketches which I have worked on these past weeks reflect the idea of consistently disciplining my eye to draw with intent. Sketching will be the gateway to being a better artist. 

The human anatomy is one of the most complex element to understand and draw. There is always room for improvement for the human body. 

The second sketch was something I made up. I wanted to replicate the style of Arthur Rackham's artwork. His lines are very distinct and very detailed in design. He likes to use drapery in his work. Replicating masters is another part of improve skill and the artistic eye. 

The last piece was made from the left over paint from an assignment. I made it up on the spot, and I focused on making a fun texture.

There is a belief that artist should draw what they see, and then they'll gain more knowledge by that....BUT...

There is a professor that I met that told me, "To draw what I know, then your artistic eye will catch up."

So with that, I have really switched the way I have drawn.