So I was texting Rafiqy, and I made a comment about why I didn’t like the panel of Love Park that I created. I told him that I didn’t like the panel because it is actually a bit too photo-realistic for me. I wasn’t really going for that look. Like I said, the drawing is almost 100% digital, and how I selected, applied, and blended the colors in Photoshop yielded results that I wasn’t really trying to get (it is good to know that I can get those kinds of results, however). Anyway, the frustrating part is that I created another drawing, using the same approach, and the results were completely in the opposite direction. The drawing looks like a complete cartoon–again, not a look that I was going for. These two panels really gave me fits for days–even interfered with my motivation for a while. Take a look at what I mean:
I tried to take advantage of Photoshop’s ability to incorporate texture into the drawing. Where I think I failed in this panel, ironically enough, are the two areas that are my strengths as an artist: value (greyscale) and line quality. But again, I was trying to actually draw in Photoshop instead of with traditional materials. But having completed these two drawings, I can honestly say that I learned quite a bit from them–even though I consider them failures.
Be back soon.
Maybe thinning out the outline of the pin a bit more will help. I think it’s from the shadowing too. Amp up the blending skills! (Need some tips with blending
)?
THe heavy lines are what makes this image a cartoon–too cartoonish. But I already told you that weeks ago. And thanks for the offer about the blending. I’ll just stick to my own skill for right. If I need help, then I’ll ask you to bring your make-up brushes to help me blend color.
You say that both were made with the same technique, which is evident actually, but they are quite different. It mostly is the background. Not sure why the elements in this image combine in such a way to make it look so cartoony. But, looking at certain isolated parts of the image gives a different view.
Also, it’s very interesting that this is what a failed image looks like
The unmuted, stark colors and heavy line weight make this image a cartoon. I liked the subject matter (the Clothespin is one of those unique Philadelphia sculptures that doesn’t really get enough play in my book). I have always loved that spot downtown (anyone familiar with Philadelphia knows exactly where I am talking about–15th and Market–right where City Hall centers downtown Philadelphia). It a spot of wonderful architecture and great energy. Now if we could just get rid of thoe militant preachers that stand right there at the EL stop (right near the Clothespin), then it would actually be perfect, lol.