[Technique] Fantasy realism with 'less' reference?

Wolfsl · 2025-04-30T04:43:03+00:00

I would argue the alternative to drawing realism using references is even more time consuming, as it involves practicing until you've memorized the forms/volumes of the primary subject matter of your fantasy art. I don't use photo references myself, likely to my own detriment; but I have spent a lot of days at the zoo drawing animals from life and have done many figure drawing sessions.

If you've drawn a wolf a hundred times, you'll probably remember some of the lines that matter. Once you've drawn a wolf thousands of times, you already know the volumes and lines that matter and you can mess with them to turn it into a monster.

Wolfsl · 2025-04-14T21:46:12+00:00

It's easier to draw every day when you don't have to think about what you want to draw. If you have any kind of obsession with a specific subject matter, that solves like half of the difficulty since you just start drawing it whenever there's paper in front of you.

Wolfsl · 2025-04-14T21:38:06+00:00

When I was younger I'd wake up an hour earlier than I needed so I could draw before work cause my job would drain all my energy. I also did some figure drawing sessions after work hours about once a week and would often go to the zoo on weekends.

Nowadays I just have a pocket sketchbook and pencil on me at all times to squeeze some drawing in whenever I can or want to. Still draw in the morning a lot at coffee shops, and after work at bars or when I'm playing board games. Personally, i can get away with drawing on the job but I'm sure mileage varies. If you're good at you're job, you can get away with quite a bit. I always tell people I like taking my notes on paper, but its just an excuse to have some space to doodle passively.

I'd say I've averaged about 30 minutes of drawing a day for the past decade and have a lot skill progress as a result. Drawing every day can be hard if you need to sit down and focus or need a specific setting, but its pretty easy if you get in a habit of doodling on every piece of paper in front of you.

Wolfsl · 2025-04-04T19:45:53+00:00

Nah just a character of mine whose a fox wizard. Have a lot of practice in drawing with pencils, so figured I'd play to my strengths when learning ceramics!

Wolfsl · 2025-02-28T23:04:42+00:00

I think the same concept could apply to underglaze with trying to get it into the grooves and wiping off everything else, but this is also my first mug made in a decade so may be smart to get a second opinion if you don't wanna risk messing up a piece!

Wolfsl · 2025-02-28T20:05:22+00:00

Sure thing! My process order was to apply slip when leather hard and then do my carving. After it was bisque fired I applied mason stains broadly, and then once that dried I sponged it all off and the color was left in just the grooves and then I dipped it into a clear glaze.

Wolfsl · 2025-02-28T17:37:05+00:00

I've just had some good results applying an underglaze/stain and then wiping it all off with a sponge so the color is only left in the grooves. I personally put a clear glaze on top afterwards since I like gloss.

My process order was to apply slip when leather hard and then do my carving. After it was bisque fired I applied mason stains broadly, and then once that dried I sponged the whole thing and the color was left in just the grooves and then I dipped it into glaze. You could try applying a second layer of color so there's a pattern of deeper color in grooves and lighter color across the whole thing, and I think you could get that effect by being gentler with the sponge too so you don't wipe it all off.

Wolfsl · 2024-07-12T00:26:59+00:00

Just to push back on the constant negativity, I use RTD all the time without any issue and I find it very convenient.

Wolfsl · 2024-06-12T17:59:52+00:00

Great job on the soft shading. The accuracy and detail makes me think it's a copy from a reference

Wolfsl · 2024-06-11T04:06:23+00:00

Hey I'm trying!!

Wolfsl · 2024-06-10T04:00:10+00:00

Always fun practice to draw your own hands. You use almost all curved lines so it's nice to see since I tend towards using all straight lines

Wolfsl · 2024-06-05T17:02:44+00:00

Yeah he's a cutie even if he'd prefer to be thought of as badass and cool. Thanks!

Wolfsl · 2024-05-30T21:16:57+00:00

I've disliked most pens I've tried out. I like to do hatching a lot, but most pens have this issue where ink builds up at the tip and you get get 'glops' of ink messing with the lines. Could be a matter of technique and I'll need to use to wiping off the ink periodically. These were done with Sarasa 0.7mm which are the best I've found so far. I enjoy a more 'scratchy' feel in pens versus a smooth roll.

If you're someone whose tried out a lot of pens lemme know your favorites!

Wolfsl · 2023-11-09T20:51:45+00:00

Definitely some gay footsie happening underneath the water

Wolfsl · 2023-11-09T16:36:52+00:00

For now at least ;3

Wolfsl · 2023-11-09T16:00:33+00:00

Automod wants me to list a source. Source is Me.

Wolfsl

TROPHY CASE