Capturing Movement - Step by step tutorial

This is the original image . ((Thanks for the amazing shot! Photo credit - https://www.facebook.com/shankar.dipak ) .)

Always remember what attracted you to this image initially. Your job is to bring out that element in whatever you do with the image, using whatever style you use - line drawing, water color, acrylic, digital whatever.

If you observe this photo has captured the movement where the animals are running diagonally towards the camera. It is NOT a side view, since we can see the chest part of both the animals.
The red lines capture the EXPLOSIVE ENERGY WHICH ATTRACTED ME TO THE IMAGE WHEN I SAW IT. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO CAPTURE . THE REST ARE MERE DETAILS.

These lines are the ENERGY LINES which connect both these animals in a poetic fashion. SO I SHOULD NOT LOSE THESE ENERGY LINES IN MY SKETCH.

These are the PROPORTIONS. I took the length of the antelope's body as the basic measurement scale. I measured all the elements using that base length.

Now I measured the VERTICAL proportions using the same base length.

Now I have full clarity on the proportions, scale . So whatever is the size of my paper, If I fix the centre point I can draw the outline of both animals in the centre of my paper.

Here is the defined outlines using a thin pen

Once the outline is defined I try to bring out the VOLUME of each part, since that round shape of legs, heads and bodies will make the animals SOLID.

Now I am fixing the VALUES OF LIGHT on the animals' bodies. Some parts are dark, some capture the light. I study which are the DARKEST DARK and LIGHTEST LIGHT . Throughout the process after this, I have to MAINTAIN THESE VALUES OF LIGHT.

Now, I work on the details like the Cheetah's spots, the eyes , the colouring

This is the last process, where I used a thicker PEN BRUSH to increase the CONTRAST  and HIGHLIGHT whatever I want to dominate.
.....................................................
S.SreeRam
NATHAN'S MEDIA GROUP
Mobile: 0 9380000555
Email: nathansmedia@gmail.com

Giving life to a sketch! Is it ART or SCIENCE!?

This post is for budding artists to whom I wish to demonstrate in a few simple STEPS that "Bringing life to a sketch is NOT only just ART but also a SCIENCE"  

STEP 1 - The Foundation
Sometimes when we look at a scene or a photo, we think, " Hmmm...This will be interesting to sketch." But when we sit down with a pencil, we will keep staring at the paper wondering where to make the start.

TIPS-

• If the face is straight like a passport photo the sketch will be boringly stiff. If the face is tilted and the look is elsewhere, the picture will be dynamically natural.
• Decide how much space the picture will occupy on the paper. Based on that, if you fix your approximate measurements, it will be simple.

Since the subject in this sketch is extreme close-up, I took my base measurement scale as the forehead height, hairline to middle of eye-brows.

Some artists prefer to draw a grid of squares and base measurements on that grid. But. learning to visually judge measurements holding the pencil is a good practice.

Courtesy - http://www.beginnersschool.com/2015/05/04/measuring/

STAGE 2 - CONSTRUCTION

Once the measurements are fixed, you can start sketching the outer-lines of each element. DON'T FOCUS ON BEING 'PERFECT' at this stage. Now your objective is to understand the important elements of the final image.
After sketching the outlines, mark the DARK AREAS of the image.

The objective of marking the DARK AREAS is to add dimension to the flat pencil sketch. The sketch now acquires a 3D feel, which will increase your energy and confidence.

TIPS - 2 Artistic Devices 

1. ANGLE OF LINES 

If you observe the lines defining the dark areas, you will notice that they run in the same direction as the slope of the raised areas. This enables us to feel the VOLUME of the parts we draw. The sketch also becomes alive by rising from the surface of the paper.

2. ENERGY LINES 

The other subtle and mature artistic device are what I call the ENERGY LINES.  These lines help us to understand the flow which connects the various elements and make the whole image function as one unit.

You can draw these lines to understand the flow and later erase them before or after finishing the sketch.

When we look at the ENERGY LINES separately we can appreciate the lyrical life of the image. Here they are. Have a look!

These ENERGY LINES are like the basic musical Raga which underlies all the elements of a song.

STAGE 3 - POLISH & FINISHING 
Now we have all the elements in our control. It is time to drop the pencil and pickup the pen or brush to apply confidently.

STAGE 4 - GIVING CHARACTER
Define the dark areas and bring them out in full contrast. If you hesitate at this stage the image will fall flat and become insipid. The CONTRAST is a major catalyst in giving an unique CHARACTER to the image.

You can wrap up and close the sketching at this stage. Or you can continue to add a few flourishes if there is a specific need or if  your are in a mood to experiment.

Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan ! Pen & Pen-Brush. by KravMaga SreeRam

........................................
NATHAN'S MEDIA GROUP
Mobile: 0 9380000555
Email: nathansmedia@gmail.com
MARCOM BLOG -  http://marketing-communications-ksr.blogspot.com/
FACEBOOK - http://bit.ly/nmg_fb
LINKED IN -  http://in.linkedin.com/in/ksr960
TWEET - @kravMagaSreeRam

The metamorphosis of creating!

I prefer to draw manually, but drew this on a freeware GIMP so that I can explain the progress, to some friends who specifically asked me to explain the progress.
1.. is the reference image.
2. GETTING THE PROPORTIONS
When we work on computers, the easy way out is to trace the image, But there is NO learning in that. To teach myself to observe the proportions, I took Morgan's face length as the base measurement scale. So his shape in this photo was roughly 3 faces height and approx 2 faces width.

3. BASIC SHAPE ON LAYOUT
Now that I had the measurement references, i fixed the centre line of Morgan, approximatly cutting him vertically down from the centre of his eyebrows and along his jacket's edge /lapel.
Once these parameters are defined, it is reasonably easy to draw Morgan's outline on the overall layout.

4. COLOR BLOCKING 
In another layer, I started fixing the color hue (color) and values (light to dark). At this stage I am not getting into the details, as my intention is to get the image's unique character in place. I know if i get this stage right, it is only a small step forward to ...

5. FILL IN THE DETAILS
This is more or less the last mile of completion. One can leave with this version or add some drama with....
6. COLOR CORRECTION
add some personal flavour in the color, make the tones richer, remove some unwanted details.
This is more or less the thinking and execution process when working on an opaque medium like oil, acrylic or crayons..
While using water colors we have to be more deliberate while blocking the colours, since no camouflage is possible
..........................................
SreeRam
0 9380000555

Composition - Decisions to make before you start painting

Composing a frame 

One of the WOW factor is how the artist has composed the art, whether it is a painting, movie scene or a photograph.
Positioning the main subject in the centre of the canvass is common, but it is so boring like a passport photo.

So, before starting to sketch, while the artist is looking at the reference, he is doing some mental cropping. He is making quick decisions on which elements to highlight, which ones to sacrifice so that the main subject is the protagonist. The artist is also trying to make the composition aesthetic.

Reference shot in my mobile

For instance, this was the reference I shot for painting "The Narcissist". If I had drawn the same. the viewer would have seen the scooter as the main subject since the bird is insignificant. 

But the whole drama was in the bird looking at the mirror! So, I zoomed in; but not too much.

There were those interesting reflections on the polished surface of the helmet. Also, the angle of the handlebar was dynamic and taking the eye towards the main subject - The Narcissist

Bangalore BHEL guest house - Light & Perspective

Light & Perspective study by KravMaga SreeRam

I was in Bangalore yesterday and staying at the BHEL guesthouse. Suddenly i realised the room had some interesting light and lines. 
Perspectives of the bed, table and sofa were in contrast to the horizontal perspective lines of the floor and door ways.
The external light on the floor was also bouncing of the walls give a glow on the walls and curtains. 

Note the bouncing lights and the different hues of shadows

....................................
Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on paper board

Size without border -13 x 26cm

Ref. No. 23

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Triplicane Market - A quick acrylic

Triplicane market - Acrylic by KravMaga SreeRam

WHAT IS THE DOMINANT THEME ?
Every art has a dominant theme, which the artist has to decide before putting his pencil to the paper. The theme could be Character study, Light study, Perspective study or an exciting treatment like charcoal, water color wash, pen lines and so on.
In this painting even though there is a typical Indian color palette, which itself is an attraction due to its ethnicity, the drama is provided by the strong light contrast and the deep perspective.

LIGHT PERSPECTIVE - HUE  
The normal perspective is based on the gradual reduction in size and height when objects go towards horizon.
Another interesting device used by artists to indicate depth is "Light perspective'. Objects going towards the horizon gradually lose their natural hue and  acquire the hue of the atmosphere.
This light perspective is very obvious in fog or mist. Even in hot weather the shimmering atmosphere provides the gradual feeling of depth. In cityscapes the pollution will give that depth.

Light perspective by KravMaga SreeRam

LIGHT PERSPECTIVE - VALUE
Generally, CONTRAST is a great device to produce that WOW as soon the audience looks at art. The objects nearer to the viewer will be darker. The gradual CHANGE IN VALUE -Dark to Light, gives the viewer the gradation of distance.
..........................................................

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on paper board

Size without border -33 x 46cm

Ref. No. 21

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

1 subject - 2 treatments

Line vs wash. Weiwei by KravMaga SreeRam

Taking one subject and doing 2 different medium is a stimulating exercise. Especially if the artist chooses to experiment with 2 contrasting styles, like -

Line vs Wash

Water color vs charcoal

Pencil vs acrylic

Many of the great artists are versatile. They did their initial study in quick chalk, charcoal sketches before going for the formal oil paint.

Sometimes these casual strokes have more life and vibrancy than the final product which is executed with lots of deliberation.

....................................................................................................

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Pen and Water color

Size without border - 27 x 30 cm

Ref. No. 20

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Market - சந்தை

Based on a click by Mr Henk Oochapan, His picture was in 'landscape' mode. I took the basic theme and adapted it to 'Portrait' mode.

When staring at the picture, I found interesting planes going into perspective and decided that will be the holding element for the work.

Plane and Perspective study

The colors of the plastic sheets was a winner. To achieve that saturation, I applied the paint thick . Once the paint was dry, the strokes of white did the desired sheen effect.

The light upward angle of the front road is deliberate. I didn't want the visual to sit heavy and static. That slant will add to the drama.

Juxtaposition is another element - 

Solid vs Gradation, 

Closed end vs open wash ends, 

Bright saturation vs earthy colors.

'CONTRAST' is always a big eye-ball magnet. 

....................................................................................................

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on 300 gsm board

Size without border - 50 x 70 cm

Ref. No. 19
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Contemplation - A mental snapshot

Acrylic by KravMaga SreeRam

Mental snapshot and painting from memory
A camera does not make distinction in recording what it looks at.
The major shortcoming in painting from a photo reference is that the artist ceases to create. He is just copying.
When one is learning the basics, this is acceptable practice; as this improves the confidence of brush strokes and also the aesthetic sensitivity.

But, true creativity is creating something new.
To develop that unique ability to create something new, OBSERVE. Then paint from memory.
Painting from memory is more challenging and rewarding than even painting on location. Unlike a camera, you remember only what is worth remembering. Paint only that, Rest of the elements are mere support devices.

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on scribbling pad

Size without border - 20 x 15 cm

Ref. No. 18
Not For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

A quickie on terrace

Watercolor by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Water color on 130 gsm paper

Size without border - 25 x 17 cm

Ref. No. 17
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Wash in quarry pond

Wash in quarry pond by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Pastels on Textured paper

Size without border - 63 x 40 cm

Ref. No. 16
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Evening dip in Vaigai river, Madurai

Vaigai, Madurai by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Watercolor on 130 gsm paper

Size without border - 20 x 25 cm

Ref. No. 15
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Pen and Water color on Paper

Size without border - 25 x 20 cm

Ref. No. 13

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Nehru

Nehru by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Poster on Paper

Size without border - 20 x 25 cm

Ref. No. 13
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Singer P Suseela ( P சுசீலா )

P Suseela by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Crayon on 130 gsm Paper

Size without border - 24 x 20 cm

Ref. No. 12
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Manicure to Grand Ma

Manicure to Grand Ma by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on 130 gsm Paper

Size without border - 56 x 40 cm

Ref. No. 04

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Vallabhbhai Patel

Vallabhbhai Patel by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam

Acrylic on 130 gsm Paper

Size without border - 20 x 27 cm

Ref. No. 09

For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Vaali Tamil poet (கவிஞர் வாலி)

Tamil poet Vaali by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on 130 gsm Paper

Size without border - 20 x 27 cm

Ref. No. 08
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Diwali at home

Diwali at home - by KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on 300 gsm Paper

Size without border - 56 x 40 cm

Ref. No. 10
Not for sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter. 

Lamps on Ganga

Lamps on Ganga - Copyright of KravMaga SreeRam

Artist - KravMaga SreeRam
Acrylic on 130 gsm Paper

Size without border - 24 x 20 cm

Ref. No. 07
For sale

...................................................

Ph;  0-934 000 66 00

Please don't reproduce in any medium, in any form without formal permission of the painter.