Artist-A-Day: Jane Gardner

So, this has been floating around on tumblr. I like it.

It's very simple and creative, and my 2D Design teacher would also appreciate it. This shows rhythm and progression, and doesn't need anything else to provide the viewer with. The use of high contrast illustrates the power of the message, and the low contrast areas coincide with a dreamy state. Pretty obvious, my sentences are.
Here's a link to the rest of this artist's work.
I want to make stuff like hers one day.
ps. I don't know how often I'm suppose to post these things.

BG Sketch

Just drew this in like 5 min.
It is meant to be unsettling, as an event just occurred.
My biggest challenge will be to illustrate the overturned table; I have to disobey the perspective. Goody!

Again, it's just a sketch, it doesn't have to make total sense.

Late Night Outing

I wanted to do some research of my own, so I drove out to the Hollywood Riviera down by PCH on the edge of Torrance. I was expecting more outdoor seating, which is what I was looking for, but didn't capture much. All photos were blurry, not a surprise, but I got a good enough look-around of what I wanted to recreate. Sadly not enough of it was photographed. Tables. Utensils. Napkins. Candles. Chairs. I think I can handle that. I went out, mostly to feel the vibe.

Also, the reason I drove over there was because I had my dad's car for the night, and I just love driving that car. Stick, of course.

'87 BMW 325i, parked next to Torrance Beach, were I sat for 10 minutes listening to the sounds of the waves. Such a dream needs to be lived every so often.

Digitized!

Here's to show I've made progress on ze computah.

I've done the hat, head, hair, skirt, and legs.

Next, the hardest one of all, and the one that's caused my the most trouble on paper:

The torso.

And then a chair, and so on.

Alandria's Nightlife

I earlier posted about background images for my character, but I recently changed what I had in mind. Those posts are gone for their irrelevant purposes, but all you need to know is that she was sitting on a crate behind a brick building next to an alley.
     Now I want her to sit at an outdoor café. She will be alone at her table, with one other figure in the distance, probably sitting down at another table.

The lighting! Very desirable. Especially the lights and trees. I will try to include them.

I could elevate my scene and place her near a balcony, as shown here.

I want to illustrate using this 1-point perspective and arrangement of tables.

This demonstrates a similar desired nighttime vibe.

This has a nice setting.

This, like the others, has a nice setting. Simply a point of reference.

The Sketch is Complete

Her name is Alandria. It's a beautiful name I picked up from the Foo Fighters. I originally named her Violet, but she doesn't look like a Violet anymore. So here she is, sitting on a stool (for now). I've gotten comments saying she's busty, which was purposeful, but her shoulders are too broad and her boobs shouldn't look like that.
     In my defense, I don't stare at/study boobs/women's chests. I drew this from imagination. I mostly like it for what and who she is, I think it defines her well. Mysterious for the most part. Well built, I guess. Makes it look like she can kick ass in an instant.

Character Design Sketch

Here is my one-of-a-kind lady. We can best see her poise in this illustration.

As you can see, I started with the legs. I don't mean this to sound perverted, but I like when women sit with their legs crossed. Well, specifically, whilst wearing short shorts or a skirt. I like female legs, and I like that they're hiding something. Obviously I already know what, but mankind itself is naturally curious. I certainly don't try to imagine things. I'm not weird, I promise.

The reason she's sitting like this is because she is patiently waiting for someone or something. Calm, strong, dignified, not slouching, an patient. She's always aware that someone may be looking at her, so the way in which she chooses to present herself is always maintained.

Clearly the drawing's not finished. It's a start. The photo isn't truly accurate to the real thing, but comments on this would be nice. 

Since I have an interest and are pursing a career with cameras, I know a thing or two (or like, a whole bunch) about camera angles an perspectives, and I would just like to say, yes, I purposely focused where it is because I want you to think about what I see. The mystery. The potential.

 

Back to the unfinished part. 

 

These two faces are my inspiration. Words are at a loss to me; I can't describe why this is my goal, but it just is. Surely my character description below would answer that, but I haven't a specific reason for Eva's and Nora's expressions. They just work for me.

Character Design Beginnings

I find the female figure fascinating. The smooth skin, the shapely curves, the silky hair, its movement, and the like. Her body is a marvel to me, and I want to explore it. She can conceal just the right amount, leaving anyone guessing what's more. I love that they can do this; keeping me curious about how special she truly is underneath. The way she talks, the way she looks at me, how her eyes can say so much more than her words... her body language is astounding.
     Of course, this doesn't apply to every girl, because not every is fit or dresses in that special way, which is what I find attractive. But don't assume I'm that shallow, I do find much more attraction within her personality: I prefer to listen than to talk, and when I do, I want to enjoy having a conversation. I want to enjoy the laughs and the tough times we go through. Crying is necessary, and that's why I'm not afraid of it. I want to hold her and be held back, most of all.
     Among my interests, film & video is one of my favorites. I analyze a movie more than I should, but I do so because I want to make my own. Part of making a movie involves directing the characters. I think I would enjoy this part the most because I want to connect with them in order to bring out the best for the film.
     I have started writing my own indie film, purely for the sake of self-fulfillment. It's in its beginnings, and this is where I design the characters.
     You can see how I'm tying this together. One of the characters is named Violet. Although she's not my "ideal mate," she is the kind of person I would love to have as a friend. She has the qualities I've described earlier, and then some. For other film lovers out there, Violet is much like the character of Eva Green (Vesper) in Casino Royale, and like Nora Zehetner (Laura) in Brick.
     Violet is smart & witty; able to read people; very dignified. She's quiet and only says what's important to the conversation. In this way, she's excellent at avoiding arguments because she knows what is worth fighting for. You can tell that her words have "depth" as she talks to you. Her smile is constantly subdued by the "big picture" and how the situation can always be turned in her favor. That's who/what she is: a manipulator.
     You can always find her wearing a red coat, or red shoes, scarf, gloves, hat, or simply a red bracelet or earrings (but certainly won't wear all red at once). Red lips, usually grinning. Eyes a bit squinched, as if she's always looking for something.
     She talks with a little sass, but tries to keep it to herself. She walks with a strut. She's a looker, and she knows it. Violet does love a good laugh; she looks for a strong-willed man with poise, but doesn't have any trouble cracking a joke to lighten the mood.
     She's looking for a better life: a life better because of its simplicity. That's what she aims for as she manipulates. The pure-hearted simplicity in a man that can take her away to that distant place. Interestingly, the more complicated the man, the more fun she has trying to break him.
     There's more within the journal I keep of all aspects of the movie I'm writing, but that's what you need to know. I really like this girl, and would love to see a real life fictional creation of her.
     I hope this says enough about me and my character. Enjoy the inspirations.

Her eyes...

Her eyes say a lot to me.

Fantastic figure and smile.

This is the kind of moment I wish to always share.

This is strangely sensual.

Short summer dresses are my favorite.

The fedora. Violet needs a fedora.

I especially like the coat here.

Artist-A-Day: Muse

This one doesn't really count because a band isn't a visual artist in the sense that the rest of these are, but my god, this band is bloody fantastic.

"Survival," written specifically for the 2012 Olympics, is one of my favorites, for its inspiration and momentum that it gives me (or anyone with ears). Good gracious.
It's not my favorite, I couldn't possibly with so many choices, but I think I would go to great lengths to say they are my favorite. Mind you, I have a large music pallet, from classical to rock to jazz to dub to classics (but I effin' hate rap with a passion), so choosing this one band means quite a lot.
Thank you, I just wanted to share this.
♫ Muse ♪ ♡

Artist-A-Day: Nathan Sawaya

 This first artist should say a lot about myself.
The artist's name is Nathan Sawaya, and he has been a big inspiration of mine. I do too love to play with Lego, so seeing someone that takes this playful brick and turn it into a serious artwork is truly influential. His subjects aren't totally out of the norm, but his unique choice of medium is what has made him famous.

I too want to be like him.

(It's my Plan C of career choices)

Bring Forth The Words!

Good evening,
I shall now impel this fine webpage from a void existence to a prosperous collection of artworks, created during my college experience.

I wish you well in your experiences here.
~Kevan