New Tools: Part 2

A small series I've been messing with. A combination of loose sketching to familiarize myself with the markers, and the practice of subject matter.

Most of these are photographic reference...

My angles/shapes/proportions are a bit off here. Of course error comes with practice...but so does excellence.

Tones and my use of the markers has create a kind of graphic art look. Definitely a new style and take on how I am seeing the subject matter.

For the few of these that have a loose cartoon feel to them, I take as a practice run. I'd hope to find the time to be accurate in value and proportions to then create a final product with these markers. Hopefully that post isn't too far in the future.

New Tools

I recently recieved some art supplies in the mail for the coming anticipation of training exercises and artwork. Shades of Grey is a set of tonal markers made by Faber-Castell. It's a 6 marker pack, with 3 values each for a warm and cool grey. I've attached a small little sample of work with the markers... So far I love them and hope to sharpen my hand, eyes, and work using these markers.

Side Note: I didn't do a preliminary sketch and think that if I lay down proportions with a hard graphite (2H or 4H) it would be all the better.  Similar concept to the pencil markings found under light watercolor washes.. which I also hope to do more of in the field.

Designation Letter

It was a few weeks ago that I posted about my interview with the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  The Art Curator and the Deputy Director have been evaluating the decision to include me into the Combat Artist program, and after discussing it with the Executive Director it was unanimously decided to bring me on the team.  It's an understatement to say I am humbled by this opportunity to be a part of this unique and hidden treasure of the Marine Corps.

 

This letter of delegation from the NMMC is a humble reminder that while I serve my primary billet in the Marine Corps, I have an opportunity to use my gift in a greater way than I could have imagined coming in.

"Taking a Knee"

This is the final product from a piece I started a few months ago.  I was finally able to use the extended weekend to catch up and finish it... And with the focus on the Sgt Weybrew and his weapon, this serves as an unconventional portrait of his time and service over seas.

Illustrator Introduction: Richard Johnson

Some artists hide beneath the flow of mainstream media.  Even with extreme talent, they seem to be hidden in the corners of coffee shops, studios, and galleries. 

Richard Johnson is an artist who deserves to have his work displayed for ALL to see.  This is not to say that his work doesn't get attention, but that it deserves more than it already has.  Richard is the Graphics Editor for The Washington Post (former) and works almost strictly from life.  He was introduced to me by Mike Fay, a former combat artist.  Even with the exceptions of working from life, his work is uniquely simple and masterful all in one.

During some email traffic I had with him, I took advantage of the connection to pick his brain and ask about his perspective and his thinking process during his sketching hours.  His encouragement was simple, Practice..Practice..Practice. Additional tips in his media use and gear choice helped me to navigate the ropes as a young combat artist, and after looking at his work from his tours over seas, you can't help but be drawn to his work and the stories behind the drawing. 

Please check out his work at http://newsillustrator.com/

Combat Art Studio

During my visit to Quantico to shadow the current Combat Artist, Colonel C. Streeter, we studied the Military Working Dog Unit (MWD) and took a studio approach to our references (sketches and photos). This was also my first attempt at the graphite wash pencils, toned paper, and white chalk highlights.

My finished work in the studio. It was presented to the Director, Deputy Director, and Art Curator of the National Museum of the Marine Corps the last day of my visit.

Marine Combat Artist Interview

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to present my portfolio to the Art Curator and Deputy Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.  The experience was humbling and opportunities of future work as a combat artist seem to be on the horizon.

I chose to present my work chronologically so I could show my growth over the years, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest.

Critiques, discussion of concepts, and suggestions are always helpful.

I explained my choice of steps in creating artwork.  The Deputy Director of NMMC, Charlie Grow, also a former combat artist, was interested in my design and thought process for color and composition.

Recent Work

Sergeant Adam Weybrew deployed to Afghanistan during the backend of the recent war and was captured by Combat Camera setting up security for a convoy halt caused by a possible IED.  He made the cover of Leatherneck Magazine, August 2012 edition.
                                                                                                                                  

sketch layout

refine layout and establish hard rifle angles

 My focus is to establish the proportions and line angles of the rifle to make is convincing to the viewer.

 The shadows established on the left arm and rifle help compose the upper body, direction of light source, and feel of the heat he's experiencing.

 The drawing is not complete and the shadow cast on the ground hasn't been laid out yet. The final drawing will have a cast shadow, foreground detail, and simple background.

Look for final post...

Career Collage

Career Collage and Speaking Gift for Retired USMC Lieutenant General Jeff Oster

11x16in

Graphite

"Security"

This work is attributed to the marine infantryman at the point of the operational spear, posting security for their fellow patriots, and ever so accurate in their execution of the mission.  

This is their profession.

 *This drawing was done from photographic reference and is laid out in steps.*

The challenge with much of this drawing was to make the equipment and weapons have straight, realistic edges.  Even with guidelines laid out, any wrong angle in your lines will be noticeable (as you can see with the two barrels - I correct this later in drawing).  This portion of the drawing was tedious as you could guess but a very encouraging start to this piece. 

A few hours later progress was made and a real sense of light from the security team's right is beginning to show.  Having contrast and accurate value are key for realistic pencil work and the results here are demonstrated.  Keeping a sharp pencil while you work allows you to create the proper value without applying too much pressure to your paper.  Both soft and hard edges of light are seen here.

The light is beginning to really have a presence in the drawing, especially since the most dramatic areas are on the marines and their uniforms.  The guidelines I put down prior to starting the drawing can also be seen.  I highly recommend some sort of sketch before starting.  It's the chance for you to edit any foundational errors. 

The shadowed side of the marine required me to work within a small range of values, and the well lit right sleeve helps to reinforce the dimension of this piece.  I quickly learned from my initial mistake and made sure to make this weapon appear with straight edges (and using a straight edge is not cheating). 

After finishing the maine and his M203, I started on the rock formation he was posting security behind. This was challenging, because though natural objects are more forgiving when you draw them (ie. a minor error in drawing a tree is less noticeable than an error in drawing a persons face.), I wanted to make sure I captured the light and show the extension of rock he is resting on.

Finishing the rest of the rock was a tedious process and took many hours.  Once the foreground was completed, less detail was required in the background to reinforce the depth and focus on the two marines.  I emphasized the dark area behind the marine of the left to increase the contrast on his sunlit side.  This is an overall tight knit drawing, consequently from too much focus on the photo and not allow myself to be a little creative.  This is not an 'artist sin', but I am personally trying to be less dependent on photos and more on real life subjects.  This of course was an exception for demonstration.  Below the finished details and corrections are shown.

The Finished Product

"Security"

Graphite 8x10in

United States Marine Corps

"Eagle, Globe & Anchor"

Graphite 8x10in

The symbol that embodies the values, history, and pride of the United States Marine Corps.