I finally found a way to finish off my cat drawing. See the video below - the solution involved Chinese White paint. Also, it has a name now: Innocent Kitty.
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| Innocent Kitty watercolour version by Heidi Bada |
My comments via YouTube video:
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Finally trying out a Wacom digitizing tablet for drawing and photo editing
My first impression is that it's very easy to use. I didn't know what to expect. They were simply on sale, and I've always wanted to try one, so I got the medium Intuos Pro. I'm still waiting for it to charge so I can go wireless, then I'll give it a better look.
Meanwhile, it's still useable (of course) while it's plugged into the USB. However, my desk is very small so I plan to use it on my lap, thus also keeping my arm relaxed, so I'm prepared to wait. People online say it takes 6 hours for a full charge.
Some people on Amazon, etc, complained about the cord between tablet and USB. I agree it's a bit loose at the tablet end, but basically it works. The wireless feature requires plugging in a little USB wireless port to the back of my Mac, and I've decided to remove it when not in use, because I think it might keep the tablet in semi-sleep mode. I'm just not sure, and there's no instructions about whether you are supposed to leave it affixed to the computer. My rule of thumb is to unplug anything not necessary, to prevent wasting power.
Here's a sense of the size of the item - it's almost as big as its box, but weighs less than you might imagine. It's like having an oversized iPad on your lap. The specs say 12x15" and 2.2 pounds roughly. Check out the specs of the various sizes at wacom.com if you're concerned about this. Also note that the sensitive drawing area is only between the four little white 'corner marks' on the surface - not the whole thing.
I was shocked with delight when I started up Photoshop. The pen must contain something that the tablet can sense without the nib having to touch the surface. The mouse moved when I moved my hand (with the tablet pen in my grip) towards my trackpad! You can move the mouse as usual, without setting anything at all, or in my case a trackpad, PLUS whenever the pen is hovering above the tablet, it moves the cursor on screen.
Until I purchased a table, I had been wondering how this works - how does the tablet and Photoshop know where the brush strokes are going to start. It's so obvious now. Hold your pen above the tablet and orient your position where you want it to start drawing, then drop the nib to the surface. Then your pen handling controls kick in. Right away I could tell that Photoshop brush strokes range from barely noticeable to quite thick strokes, depending on how firm I press with the pen.
That's all for my initial reaction to the product. I can't wait to sit back a bit, cordless in another hour or so, and try out some more features. I don't even know what the buttons on the tablet do, nor the button on the pen.
It's an exciting addition to my drawing tools for sure.
Meanwhile, it's still useable (of course) while it's plugged into the USB. However, my desk is very small so I plan to use it on my lap, thus also keeping my arm relaxed, so I'm prepared to wait. People online say it takes 6 hours for a full charge.
Some people on Amazon, etc, complained about the cord between tablet and USB. I agree it's a bit loose at the tablet end, but basically it works. The wireless feature requires plugging in a little USB wireless port to the back of my Mac, and I've decided to remove it when not in use, because I think it might keep the tablet in semi-sleep mode. I'm just not sure, and there's no instructions about whether you are supposed to leave it affixed to the computer. My rule of thumb is to unplug anything not necessary, to prevent wasting power.
Here's a sense of the size of the item - it's almost as big as its box, but weighs less than you might imagine. It's like having an oversized iPad on your lap. The specs say 12x15" and 2.2 pounds roughly. Check out the specs of the various sizes at wacom.com if you're concerned about this. Also note that the sensitive drawing area is only between the four little white 'corner marks' on the surface - not the whole thing.
I was shocked with delight when I started up Photoshop. The pen must contain something that the tablet can sense without the nib having to touch the surface. The mouse moved when I moved my hand (with the tablet pen in my grip) towards my trackpad! You can move the mouse as usual, without setting anything at all, or in my case a trackpad, PLUS whenever the pen is hovering above the tablet, it moves the cursor on screen.
Until I purchased a table, I had been wondering how this works - how does the tablet and Photoshop know where the brush strokes are going to start. It's so obvious now. Hold your pen above the tablet and orient your position where you want it to start drawing, then drop the nib to the surface. Then your pen handling controls kick in. Right away I could tell that Photoshop brush strokes range from barely noticeable to quite thick strokes, depending on how firm I press with the pen.
That's all for my initial reaction to the product. I can't wait to sit back a bit, cordless in another hour or so, and try out some more features. I don't even know what the buttons on the tablet do, nor the button on the pen.
It's an exciting addition to my drawing tools for sure.
New advancements on my watercolour cat drawing today
I just discovered that cell phone will share to Blogger! Let's see how this works.
Newest cat drawing made into pastel and watercolour
This post is a catch-up to get my blog caught up to my Facebook and Twitter feeds.
During the past few days, I've finished several pieces, and used my cell phone to get them quickly announced on Facebook, Youtube, etc. It's just so easy to do it that way. However, the blog here allows a more thorough explanation and the ability to label my posts. So here goes.
First of all, I created and completed a pastel cat painting recently that I want to show off. I like the drawing it's made from, and I made two copies - one for pastel and one for watercolour. The watercolour is still in progress today.
I also recorded a bit of commentary regarding the pastel version which was uploaded to YouTube:
During the past few days, I've finished several pieces, and used my cell phone to get them quickly announced on Facebook, Youtube, etc. It's just so easy to do it that way. However, the blog here allows a more thorough explanation and the ability to label my posts. So here goes.
First of all, I created and completed a pastel cat painting recently that I want to show off. I like the drawing it's made from, and I made two copies - one for pastel and one for watercolour. The watercolour is still in progress today.
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| Pastel cat painting by Heidi Bada |
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| Watercolour version still in progress |
Sunday, 14 September 2014
New cat drawing in progress, waiting for daylight so I can trace it
I really like how the first version worked, made from a sketch done earlier today as an experiment and test of my memory of cat features. It turned out so likeable, that I want to wait till tomorrow to make some copies. My method is to tape it to the window and trace onto watercolour paper taped over the initial good drawing. It's quite late now, so I'll wait for daylight.
Meanwhile, I made a video (in two short parts) that show the work off a bit. I plan to make a watercolour with traditional washes, to practice my watercolour paint handling, and a pastel version using my new Pan Pastels, and also probably a charcoal drawing or ink version.
I'm still not sure which media I'd like to specialize in, so I feel compelled to try all with this cute drawing of a cat.
Enjoy my comments about the drawing below.
Meanwhile, I made a video (in two short parts) that show the work off a bit. I plan to make a watercolour with traditional washes, to practice my watercolour paint handling, and a pastel version using my new Pan Pastels, and also probably a charcoal drawing or ink version.
I'm still not sure which media I'd like to specialize in, so I feel compelled to try all with this cute drawing of a cat.
Enjoy my comments about the drawing below.
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Explored an art group in Victoria today: Pandora Arts Collective in Fernwood
On a spur-of-the-moment enthusiasm urged by an email from a friend, I decided to check out Pandora Arts Collective today. My friend had told me about a number of events and groups in the area, and I was familiar with this one's location and impressed by their pro-art website.
I was greeted with warm smiles and a thorough orientation. The studio is wide open space with tables to draw, paint, and do crafts. I believe easels are also available if needed. The drop-in fee is obviously very reasonable at $2, and I had a pleasant and productive time!
The mix of eight or so artists included an artist-in-residence interested in animation, a painter, a jewelry duo, and a few pastel and pencil illustrators. I think I made 8 new friends today! It was fun, and I didn't know what to expect, at $2 a session, so I only brought a sketchbook and pencils.
I see now that the place and the people are suitable for doing any combination of serious, fun, collaborative, and therapeutic art.
The reason I'm sharing this is to encourage people to visit their local community groups and even venture out of their usual circles to meet new artists. I was encouraged to keep working at my confident skills, and indirectly try new things, too.
Sounds like a very good deal, eh?
I was greeted with warm smiles and a thorough orientation. The studio is wide open space with tables to draw, paint, and do crafts. I believe easels are also available if needed. The drop-in fee is obviously very reasonable at $2, and I had a pleasant and productive time!
The mix of eight or so artists included an artist-in-residence interested in animation, a painter, a jewelry duo, and a few pastel and pencil illustrators. I think I made 8 new friends today! It was fun, and I didn't know what to expect, at $2 a session, so I only brought a sketchbook and pencils.
I see now that the place and the people are suitable for doing any combination of serious, fun, collaborative, and therapeutic art.
The reason I'm sharing this is to encourage people to visit their local community groups and even venture out of their usual circles to meet new artists. I was encouraged to keep working at my confident skills, and indirectly try new things, too.
Sounds like a very good deal, eh?
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
Places to host a portfolio: Carbonmade is no fuss, no cost
Carbonmade is one place I show off my work. It's free, allows up to 5 categories, and 35 total images. A paid account is also available that offers more space and features.
I'm happy with free! The layout is beautiful and clean. The first thing viewers see (when you give your "you.carbonmade.com" address) is photo-icons of your categories. When they click a category (a "project"), they'll see whatever images you uploaded, in a simple gallery viewer, with or without thumbnails at the bottom.
The free account also includes an About page, where I tell how to reach me, hire me, and what my artistic interests are. I get to have fun there, because I'm only sharing my best work and not trying to sell it. Some buyers just need to see a portfolio, and I agree it's a good idea to provide one. Sites like Fine Art America make your artwork look great and clickable, but don't allow a traditional portfolio viewer.
While it's a pain to upload to both, the combination of these two serves my main purposes to show and sell my work, and provide methods to contact me.
And on that note...
Check out my portfolio and prints for sale!
I'm happy with free! The layout is beautiful and clean. The first thing viewers see (when you give your "you.carbonmade.com" address) is photo-icons of your categories. When they click a category (a "project"), they'll see whatever images you uploaded, in a simple gallery viewer, with or without thumbnails at the bottom.
The free account also includes an About page, where I tell how to reach me, hire me, and what my artistic interests are. I get to have fun there, because I'm only sharing my best work and not trying to sell it. Some buyers just need to see a portfolio, and I agree it's a good idea to provide one. Sites like Fine Art America make your artwork look great and clickable, but don't allow a traditional portfolio viewer.
While it's a pain to upload to both, the combination of these two serves my main purposes to show and sell my work, and provide methods to contact me.
And on that note...
Check out my portfolio and prints for sale!
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