Progress Report

      Wow -- time sure flies! 

     As everyone else, I have had A LOT of extra time at home for the past few months. Although I haven't been blogging, that does not mean I haven't been busy. I've been writing, drawing, painting, and still working on becoming more proficient with digital art. I have taken online classes in Photoshop and Illustrator, perspective, composition, and lighting. 

     So far, I am not what I would call confident with my digital drawing and painting, but I am progressing. I was able to successfully edit some photographs (chewing gum is a BIG no-no in wedding pictures, just so you know) and have learned a few tricks in Photoshop. With the new driver update for my tablet, I feel like I'm definitely heading in the right direction.

     For those who believe that digital art is easier than traditional mediums or cheating somehow, I beg to differ. The learning curve is just as great as with other mediums, they are just different applications. To make pixels on a screen look like a painting takes some real skill. There are specialized brushes and techniques that can enhance the artwork, but one still has to know how to use them.

     As I see it, there are a few advantages to digital, such as the ability to make changes quickly or correct mistakes without starting over, the ease of sending digital files, saving paper and other materials, and no toxic chemicals. The biggest disadvantage to me is not having an original, frameable piece of art. It can be printed, certainly, but is that as desirable? I don't think one will ever eclipse the other, both are valuable, just different.

     As promised, I am posting a few of my practice images -- as rough as they are -- so you will be able to see some improvement as the months pass and progress continues. 

     Take good care and do something every day that makes you smile!

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Coloring in one of my mermaids.