Future Tutorials

[Bruce Lee]

I want to add more tutorials to my Lab Tech board in the near future, so I thought I'd ask you guys to throw out some suggestions regarding the sort of tutorials you'd be interested in seeing. While I can't promise that I can work up everyone's suggestion, I do hope to be able to find a little extra time to create a couple of the tuts you guys might suggest.

I welcome good and interesting ideas, but please don't ask for the sort of "how to" tuts you can easily find in a drawing book on a store shelf. You really don't need me to show you how to draw the human head, when Jack Hamm can teach you that for $10. Also, I have no interested in doing perspective tutorials, so please don't suggest those. Again, there are a number of good books available on perspective already.

That said, the floor is open.

Loston

[Chico Blue]

Maybe a basic composition tutorial?

I'd like to see what you're thinking about during the initial stages of a drawing that you intend on taking to a fully finished illustration.

[e_t_i]

Old school comic coloring.

[Bruce Lee]

Old school comic coloring.

If you mean how to color using Dr Martins watercolor dyes, which were used in the color guide part of the old school comic coloring process, that might be doable. I make a distinction, because the Dr Martins phase was only the initial part of the old school comic coloring process called the color guide phase. In the old days, colorists used Dr Martins colors over a reduced photocopy of the black & white art, adding letter and number codes to the color guide artwork. These letter and number codes were then used by the separaters at the printers to determine what inks to use in the final printing. Rubylith and later, amberlith films would overlay a black & white production stat of the original art, and there would be a separate sheet of ruby or amberlith film for each layer of individual color.

So I'm assuming you're talking about a tutorial on how to use the Dr Martins colors--correct?

Loston

[Bruce Lee]

Maybe a basic composition tutorial?

I'd like to see what you're thinking about during the initial stages of a drawing that you intend on taking to a fully finished illustration.

That might be better to convey in a "step-by-step" sort of post, instead of trying to do that as part of a tutorial. I have plans to post a few "step-by-steps" somewhere on my Lab Tech board at some point in the future.

Loston

[e_t_i]

So I'm assuming you're talking about a tutorial on how to use the Dr Martins colors--correct?

Could be. I don't really know it that well, thus the want for a tutorial :)
That does sound good, though.

Was also thinking something like how to emulate the old school coloring techniques with modern tools like Photoshop. That would include things like; what the limits of the color palette were, and what sort of effects were attainable. People who want to do an authentic retro look would like this.

[Dri]

I'd like to see a tutorial on figure(male/female) foreshortening (similar to your Spider-man pic where he has his hands extended to shoot his webs)and exploring different camera angles for the sake of a story.

I wouldn't mind seeing a lighting tutorial. Lighting scenes from different lightsources and so on to make an image/composition work.

[spidey976]

I'd like to see a tutorial on figure(male/female) foreshortening (similar to your Spider-man pic where he has his hands extended to shoot his webs)and exploring different camera angles for the sake of a story.

I wouldn't mind seeing a lighting tutorial. Lighting scenes from different lightsources and so on to make an image/composition work.


OH OH OH ... I second all of these ... foreshortening kicks my tail. Also, some on spotting blacks on the figure ... and just in a scene to make it look more dynamic would help too.

Loston ... this is an awesome contribution to the PJ community ... thanks m8.

[jeremy dale]

I'd prefer less the foreshortening option in lieu of DYNAMIC foreshortening, myself.

[Dri]

I'd prefer less the foreshortening option in lieu of DYNAMIC foreshortening, myself.

Well, that's what I meant. :) Just didn't articulate it properly.

[Carter]

Rather than a technical tutorial, I'd be interested in the step by step process of a piece from start to finish.

[jeremy dale]

Well, that's what I meant. :) Just didn't articulate it properly.

No worries, I assumed as much. :)

[spidey976]

No worries, I assumed as much. :)

Okay ... I fess up ... I wrote it badly too ... ;)

[Bruce Lee]

Rather than a technical tutorial, I'd be interested in the step by step process of a piece from start to finish.

That's already in the plans, Carter.

Loston

[Nerdface]

I'd really like to see a step by step/tutorial on getting a likeness down properly. I know you posted some steps in another thread a while ago, but I want me some visual aides, dammit! :D

[MEPsketcher]

try this one step by step process of the punishers skull/emblem

[Bruce Lee]

try this one step by step process of the punishers skull/emblem

Is the Punisher's emblem that difficult for people to draw? I created the Superman emblem tut because I saw a lot of people struggling to figure out the "S" symbol on the boards. Since the "S" emblem is an extremely important part of the Man of Steel's costume, it's not the sort of detail you can afford to get wrong when drawing Supes. Struggling with the "S" is pretty understandable though, because as super hero chest emblems go, Superman's is a little complicated. The negative spaces are crucial in getting things right.

I haven't actually seen many people stumble on the punisher's skull emblem though. Most people seem to do alright with that one. Do you personally have trouble with that one, MEP?

Loston

[malachimanson]

I've never had trouble with emblem myself but what you could do is expand on the superman one and do all the basic hero symbols like Batman, Spiderman, Punisher, GL, Flash ect. Just give

[spidey976]

I've never had trouble with emblem myself but what you could do is expand on the superman one and do all the basic hero symbols like Batman, Spiderman, Punisher, GL, Flash ect. Just give

That seems like an odd one to me ... Bats/Flash are easy ... and vary greatly with the artist ... I am sure Loston could draw 20 different Batman logos ... and they would all be great ... and look good. There is really only ONE Supes emblem.

[Bruce Lee]

Most superhero chest emblem designs shouldn't really be too tough. I'm much more interested in preparing tutorial that might prove a little more universally useful to people who post on PJ.

Returncamelot recently posted an interesting tutorial of sorts on TIPS & TECH involving capes, which was basic, but pretty good. I'm much more interested in doing something a long that line. I don't mind getting a little specific, mind you. I think I could do a pretty decent and detailed "how-to" tutorial on how to draw a specific character like the FANTASTIC FOUR's Thing, a character whose complex rocky-skin and brow can prove difficult to draw at times. Byrne did a brief tut once, but it was very basic, and didn't go into much detail--just an image and a couple of notes, as I recall. While I'm fairly certain that I would want to do an "old school", "classic" example of how to draw Ben, that doesn't mean that people enjoying a more modern, stylized approach to the character couldn't garner some information from such a tutorial, since even the modern approaches are still derived from the classic Kirby version.

While this sort of specific character tutorial might be a good possibility, I wouldn't care to limit tuts to characters and insignias. A tut on foreshortening would be good. REALISTIC foreshortening would absolutely be required as part of such a tutorial though, because it's important to learn both realistic and exaggerated foreshortening. There is a time and place for both, and knowing one can help you when drawing the other.

The suggestions so far have some possibilities. If you have some fun ideas or helpful suggestions, post them here, and I'll take them into consideration.

Thanks,
Loston

[lost-spartan]

I know I'd be most appreciative of a tut on various styles and textures of foot wear(i.e combat boot, those ninja slippers, regular superhero knee length boots, etc), with a few common angles of each. I find I spend quite a lot of time trying to get the angles to look right. That's what I'd like to get some help with.

If you have the time of course, Loston! :)

[Vivat_Rex]

I think maybe how to do dynamic action/ fighting panels. That is tough to teach, but it would be very beneficial.

[sdowner]

I just want to see Loston's Big Book o' Kirby Kreatures, and its sequel, How To Draw a Million Awesome Ninjas (and Get a Hot Girlfriend At The Same Time). I'd buy extra copies of that.

Ooh ooh! And the cover should totally have a caveman ninja making out with Shanna The She-Devil while racing his dinosaur through a WWII battle zone! It would be bigger than Harry Potter.

*edit*
Loston Shmoston! I'm gonna go draw that. Right. NOW.

Caffeine is bad. Mmm'kay.

[Bruce Lee]

I just want to see Loston's Big Book o' Kirby Kreatures, and its sequel, How To Draw a Million Awesome Ninjas (and Get a Hot Girlfriend At The Same Time). I'd buy extra copies of that.

Ooh ooh! And the cover should totally have a caveman ninja making out with Shanna The She-Devil while racing his dinosaur through a WWII battle zone! It would be bigger than Harry Potter.

*edit*
Loston Shmoston! I'm gonna go draw that. Right. NOW.


Caffeine is bad. Mmm'kay.

[hydekomiksink]

I only recently joined PJ - so if this stuff is already out there just let me know. I'd like to see something on page layouts, and use of proper camera shots. My stuff always comes out like the "don't" side of the do's and don'ts. I'm always using the wrong agles and it really messes up the pacing and flow of my sequentials. THANKS!

[Bruce Lee]

I only recently joined PJ - so if this stuff is already out there just let me know. I'd like to see something on page layouts, and use of proper camera shots. My stuff always comes out like the "don't" side of the do's and don'ts. I'm always using the wrong agles and it really messes up the pacing and flow of my sequentials. THANKS!

Hydekomiksink,

With every sequential script situation, there are opportunities to work the layout for creative storytelling, but there are no set rules for specific circumstances. Each circumstance in a script is unique, and determining when or when not to use a specific camera angle or layout for each situation depends on a lot of variables and factors. The SEQUENTIAL ART forum is a good place to get feedback on the "ins" and "outs" of panel to panel storytelling. That's why the board exists. I can give you feedback on your work on that board, but I can't develop a specific tutorial that will help you understand how to tell sequential stories in a compelling or dynamic manner. I'm afraid that it would take an entire book just to scratch the surface!

I can give you some advice though. It's far more important to have clarity in your story than to have dynamics. Naturally it's ideal to have both, but without clarity, the message is lost, and you have no story. A lot of people who are new to sequential art make the mistake of thinking that dynamics are the most important thing. In an industry that in recent years has produced flash = cash artist superstars, I can understand why many are confused about things, but trust me when I say it is far better to have clarity. You can develop dynamics as you go, but from the get go, as a sequential artist, the first mission is getting the story across in the clearest way possible. I recommend that you concentrate on achieving clarity first, before moving on to visual dynamics. In the mean time, keep posting your work on the sequential boards, and ask for tough crits.

Loston

[Robrocker]

Please make a step-by-step tutorial for drawing hands!

[Relaxed Brain]

video tutorials! that's what we need!

Oh and my query: storytelling/choice of a angles, etc during a scene?

It would be cool if you gave a "sample" of a screenplay for a page or whatever and just showed us what goes into one scene? How you choose an angle on a specific shot? or whatever?

hopefully you understand what I mean... EDIT: should have read... I see you were already discussing it. But I think a page might be too much to ask for, which is why I asked for one panel. I guess it all goes back to story telling and knowing what panels/shots are usefull and why... which is a course unto itself...

so, in this case... VIDEO TUTORIALS!

[sadman2000]

If you're still up to it Loston, I was thinking the connection between the chest and shoulder muscle in a couple of positions and angles would be fantastic since I know it's a trouble spot for most artists. Thanks man. :)

[Relaxed Brain]

ah, something on eyes might be interesting... some people have difficulties making them appear 3 dimensional.

[Craig DeBoard]

A tutorial on various hatching and shading techniques and the materials and objects the techniques should be applied to would be nice (much like when Buscema tried to explain in the How to Create Comics the Marvel Way) but with a Loston spin on it.

[sdowner]

If you're still up to it Loston, I was thinking the connection between the chest and shoulder muscle in a couple of positions and angles would be fantastic since I know it's a trouble spot for most artists. Thanks man. :)

I second this.

[NickRocks]

Im gonna throw one out there....

I know you had the idea of doing a book before...instead of doing that, why not just make a thread that only you can post in, and make it "HOW TO DRAW COMICS THE LOSTON WAY" or something, and just go nuts and reveal all your tips and tricks?

[Bruce Lee]

Im gonna throw one out there....

I know you had the idea of doing a book before...instead of doing that, why not just make a thread that only you can post in, and make it "HOW TO DRAW COMICS THE LOSTON WAY" or something, and just go nuts and reveal all your tips and tricks?

Thanks for the response, NickGuy. Just a few things to point out to you regarding the sort of tutorials I'm likely and unlikely to do.

Many of the tutorials I post were done because I noticed a few PJers repeatedly having trouble with certain things--like Spider-Man's costuming and mask, or Superman's "S" emblem, or the "Kirby" krackle. Those things seemed like the sort of tutorials that would be fun and unique. I don't think there a whole lot of information available on those particular things, so I was happy to step up and provide some help.

I'm not overly interested in doing the sort of tutorial that provides the sort of information that any good anatomy book or artbook can help people with. Yeah, it's true--a lot of people do have trouble drawing the shoulder and pec connection, for instance. But there are hundreds of visual images and anatomy pages on google, and a ton of anatomy and "How to" books that can answer questions about things like that-right?

I'd rather do a tutorial about superhero capes (which someone beat me to already on tips & tech), on how to draw Ben Grimm's rocky flesh, or something a little more exotic. Maybe a tut on drawing chain mail armor or how to render shiny metal textures might be worthwhile. Those things aren't too commonly available, but we all have or want to draw those things from time to time. That's the sort of tutorial I'm interested in doing, and I'm likely to do, so keep that in mind. I'm glad to help, but if Jack Hamm or Andrew Loomis has already covered something pretty thoroughly, I'm not likely to cover it here.

"How to Draw Comics the Loston Way"? LOL. Seriously...that's frightening... :skull:

XLostonX

[NickRocks]

Maybe a tut on drawing chain mail armor or how to render shiny metal textures might be worthwhile. Those things aren't too commonly available, but we all have or want to draw those things from time to time.

XLostonX

i see what you mean. maybe "HOW TO DRAW THOSE RANDOM THINGS IN COMICS THE LOSTON WAY" would be a better idea :p

i would be down to a tut on shiny metal, as im drying to draw 60's style iron man right now and his arms look too flat.

[ScottEwen]

I'd rather do a tutorial about superhero capes (which someone beat me to already on tips & tech)

Searched for this and couldn't find it. Do you have a link?

[benrosa]

A Tutorial on " How to Be Like Loston" ?

;P

[Bruce Lee]

Searched for this and couldn't find it. Do you have a link?

Returncamelot had a link to a sheet of helpful hints when drawing capes that he'd prepared, but the link to the art seems to have been taken down:

http://www.penciljack.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84195&highlight=capes

The image is still up on his blog though:
http://bp2.blogger.com/_HuqrdAL2eII/R_bG9TKhlMI/AAAAAAAAA84/kqsN2HG0SUY/s1600-h/CapeInstruction.jpg


Maybe I should do something like that one though with some tips on how to get the most drama out of characters' capes and cloaks. Hmmm

Loston

[Bruce Lee]

A Tutorial on " How to Be Like Loston" ?

;P


Drink a lot. Of soda. Never get enough sleep. Try to convince yourself that your massive brow is the product of noble breeding. That's all I got.
:skull:

[benrosa]

Drink a lot. Of soda. Never get enough sleep. Try to convince yourself that your massive brow is the product of noble breeding. That's all I got.
:skull:


wow, I got this tutorial down!

[DevinC]

I think a tutorial on capes would be really helpful.

[Ugga Bugga]

cartoon hands.

[Bruce Lee]

cartoon hands.

Pick up the Jack Hamm book, CARTOONING THE HEAD & FIGURE. It's got all the info you need, Uggs.

Loston

[Ugga Bugga]

I forgot to look at that. Thanks. I have it already in my collection. I probably should rework my way right through that one.

[NickRocks]

im seconding the shiny surface tut

[Bruce Lee]

im seconding the shiny surface tut

Hmm. Might be cool to give a few pointers on a few things like how to render shiny leather/rubber/latex catsuits, and maybe reflective metals like Iron Man's armor, Cap's shield, etc. Could be fun to show a couple approaches to the same surface image, using different mediums, etc. Anything specific you'd like to see within the realm of reason?

[shaunofthedead9]

Hmm. Might be cool to give a few pointers on a few things like how to render shiny leather/rubber/latex catsuits, and maybe reflective metals like Iron Man's armor, Cap's shield, etc. Could be fun to show a couple approaches to the same surface image, using different mediums, etc. Anything specific you'd like to see within the realm of reason?

That would be a great tutorial topic!

[NickRocks]

Hmm. Might be cool to give a few pointers on a few things like how to render shiny leather/rubber/latex catsuits, and maybe reflective metals like Iron Man's armor, Cap's shield, etc. Could be fun to show a couple approaches to the same surface image, using different mediums, etc. Anything specific you'd like to see within the realm of reason?

yeah like colossus, cables arms, old school iron mans armor

[NickRocks]

and also, how about how to draw rocks/mountains/rubble (pick one)?

[Bruce Lee]

and also, how about how to draw rocks/mountains/rubble (pick one)?

This is another good suggestion, NickGuy. I'll give this one some thought as well. :pj:

Loston

[Buff]

I'd like to see a tutorial on drawing hair. Not that I am good at much, but I am even more awful at drawing hair...mens', women's, kids's, old crazy guys' (Einstein).

I'd also like to see something in the way of energy beams/light/fire,etc... that are emitted from a body, or gun or whatever. Stuff like Cyclops' eye beam, or Human Torch shooting fire out of his hands, or even just an eery glow coming from a shadowy figure (Dr Manhatten maybe). The blast from a photon laser cannon, or a bullet coming from a simple gun.

[Bruce Lee]

I'd like to see a tutorial on drawing hair. Not that I am good at much, but I am even more awful at drawing hair...mens', women's, kids's, old crazy guys' (Einstein).[quote]

There's already a tutorial on how to draw highlights for hair on this lab board, but I might consider doing a basic hair tutorial at some point.

[quote]I'd also like to see something in the way of energy beams/light/fire,etc... that are emitted from a body, or gun or whatever. Stuff like Cyclops' eye beam, or Human Torch shooting fire out of his hands, or even just an eery glow coming from a shadowy figure (Dr Manhatten maybe). The blast from a photon laser cannon, or a bullet coming from a simple gun.

Seems like a lot of this stuff can commonly be seen in a typical Marvel or DC superhero comic book. Other than throwing out a few useful hints, I'm not sure how much more I can offer in regards to those things, but I might put together a few helpful hints or something that might be useful. Is there something you'd want to see that you specifically want to know about that an existing comic book panel couldn't help you with?

Loston

[Buff]

Nothing in particular. Personally, I'm trying (for the 1000th time) to start drawing again and the hair and "beam" thing were items I could never quite get a handle on. To be honest, I have not practiced much and like I said, I am trying again. So, figured I'd throw it out there.
I appreciate all the help you've given other PJ'ers as I've been a lurker on the forums for a while. If the suggestions i had aren't really worth a tutorial, it's understandable and that's cool with me. I'll just have to buckle down and do some better research.

[Bruce Lee]

Nothing in particular. Personally, I'm trying (for the 1000th time) to start drawing again and the hair and "beam" thing were items I could never quite get a handle on. To be honest, I have not practiced much and like I said, I am trying again. So, figured I'd throw it out there.
I appreciate all the help you've given other PJ'ers as I've been a lurker on the forums for a while. If the suggestions i had aren't really worth a tutorial, it's understandable and that's cool with me. I'll just have to buckle down and do some better research.

I can do a basic summery of hints, observations and helpful ideas regarding hair and energy beams. Let me see if I can put something together in a few days, Buff.

Loston

[jedi34567]

I could still use some hints on hair, especially women's long flowing locks. I've been using my Paul Smith swipe and "just blacken it" shortcuts for too long and would really like to adopt some new techniques. I have trouble with the wispy strands and how to make them look natural falling on the body or flowing in the wind.

[Bruce Lee]

Information about how to draw hair is available in a number of good art books currently on the shelf at your local bookstore.One of the best books out there for such helpful info is Jack Hamm's DRAWING THE HEAD AND FIGURE. I feel certain that I cannot produce a tutorial that is any more informative than the information Hamm provides in this book. Hamm's DRAWING THE HEAD AND FIGURE IS COMPLETELY AND ABOLUTELY UNDERRATED. This book is a well-spring of information that any artist wanting to draw comics or illustrate for a living should seek out. I fear this book often gets passed over by some of the younger artists who are only concerned with books that teach you to draw in more stylized and modern approaches. Hamm's books are like Loomis' books. They are timeless because they provide information on the fundamentals of figure drawing. This information is universal, and should be helpful to any artists. The basic nuts-n-bolts of figure drawing are in this book, as well as a lot of great observations and secrets to successful figure drawing. If you're serious about learning to draw, this is the best $10 you'll ever spend. I have about 40 "How-to Draw" books in my personal stuido collection. I have actual Loomis volumes, Bridgman books, manga books, Ben Caldwell's art books, Wizard's books, Joe Kuberts book, How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, and many other volumes. DRAWING THE HEAD AND FIGURE has been the most helpful to me, and is the one I most frequently refer back to. In terms of basic figure drawing facts, tidbits, hints and overall useful information, this book might just trump them all. Look into buying it, and more importantly: read it. The benefits are there.

I scanned a couple of pages from DRAWING THE HEAD AND FIGURE for you guys to print out for your own personal use, but I highly urge that you to go out and buy the actual book. Amazon has it for sale for under $10:
http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Head-Figure-Jack-Hamm/dp/0399507914/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226478682&sr=8-1

Anyway, I hope these links help you guys with drawing human hair. I'm not sure how long I'll keep these links up, so if you want to print them for reference, I recommend that you do so ASAP:

http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm1.jpg
http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm2.jpg
http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm3.jpg
http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm4.jpg
http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm5.jpg
http://www.lostonwallace.com/hamm6.jpg

Loston

[Morganza]

Hamm's book taught me most of what I know, It my Bible.

[Buff]

Thanks for the hair posts Loston. I'll have to look into getting that Hamm book. I've got Loomis and a few others for now.

[Bruce Lee]

Thanks for the hair posts Loston. I'll have to look into getting that Hamm book. I've got Loomis and a few others for now.

The Hamm book is very thorough. It's a MUST HAVE.

Loston

[50%grey]

Good thing about Hamm's books is he gives you multiple ways to solve the same problem.

It's probly one of the best tips and tricks set of books out there.

[Bruce Lee]

Good thing about Hamm's books is he gives you multiple ways to solve the same problem.

It's probly one of the best tips and tricks set of books out there.

I absolutely agree, 50%grey.



Loston

[e_t_i]

I agree 100%.

[Bruce Lee]

So I'm trying to figure out a good way to do a "sound effects by hand" tutorial and thinking out a "shiny metal" tut, just to keep everyone up to speed. Ideas and suggestions are still welcomed, but please don't suggest things could easily be found in an artbook on the the shelf today. As much as I'm sure I could produce a tutorial that would be beneficial and useful on the subjects of anatomy, perspective, etc, I feel like these things can be obtained by buying a few good art books, so I'd like to stick to more unique topics if possible.

Loston

[OldNoob]

How about motion lines? Judicious and attractive placement of same is an art in itself. Another idea is a composition topic, controlling the planes of depth in comic images. Specifically using it to lead the eye. For example, It seems to me that if you put a speech balloon not only at the top of a panel, but behind the uppr half of a character's head, it tells the reader that this is the "oldest" speech and should be read first. I'll bet they have a whole class about that at the Kubert School. Just ideas.

[Bruce Lee]

How about motion lines? Judicious and attractive placement of same is an art in itself. Another idea is a composition topic, controlling the planes of depth in comic images. Specifically using it to lead the eye. For example, It seems to me that if you put a speech balloon not only at the top of a panel, but behind the uppr half of a character's head, it tells the reader that this is the "oldest" speech and should be read first. I'll bet they have a whole class about that at the Kubert School. Just ideas.

Good suggestions. I think a "Speed, Motion and "Zap" Lines" tut might be in order soon. Thanks!

Loston

[MEPsketcher]

here is an idea how about rinkles in clothing not in capes. i been finding out i have trouble with that.

[Bruce Lee]

here is an idea how about rinkles in clothing not in capes. i been finding out i have trouble with that.

There are artbooks that can help you with wrinkles and folds. Here's 4 pages or clothing folds info that are worth printing out:

http://www.lostonwallace.com/folds1.jpg

http://www.lostonwallace.com/folds2.jpg

http://www.lostonwallace.com/folds3.jpg

[Bruce Lee]

http://www.lostonwallace.com/folds4.jpg

[MEPsketcher]

thank you loston your the man!!!!!!!!!

[Ugga Bugga]

very useful.

[Bruce Lee]

thank you loston your the man!!!!!!!!!

No problem. These sheets have benefited me a lot over the years.

Loston

[chia]

Awesome reference, although putting a magnet under ladies skirts just to see how the cloth hangs is a little creepy.

What book are these from?

[Bruce Lee]

Awesome reference, although putting a magnet under ladies skirts just to see how the cloth hangs is a little creepy.

What book are these from?

I honestly don't remember what book these are actually from, but they're very good reference. These pages were handed out as referemce in one of my Joe Kubert School classes.

[chia]

Please forgive me if this has been proposed already.

I really liked your rendering rocks tutorial, and I think that it would be awesome to have a complimentary one on plants, foliage and general masses of nature.

This would be awesome for two reasons: 1/ you are pretty good rendering that kind of stuff and 2/ you are very good at explaining your process and breaking it down.

[OldNoob]

Please forgive me if this has been proposed already.

I really liked your rendering rocks tutorial, and I think that it would be awesome to have a complimentary one on plants, foliage and general masses of nature.


Although I agree all of Loston's tutorials are awesome, Jack Hamm's Drawing Scenery: Landscaped and Seascapes does this breakdown method very well, and the book costs like $10. Just get all of Hamm's books. You won't be sorry.

[chia]

Thanks for the tip, OldNoob.

I recently bought Hamm's cartoon and head / figure books, and I love them.

I can't imagine that I wouldn't feel the same way about the landscapes one.

[Bruce Lee]

All of the Hamm books are very good. You can't go wrong on them.

As for doing a tutorial on landscapes, I do enjoy drawing organic stuff like trees, rocks, mountains, etc, but it'd be hard to cover all kinds of different landscape environments in one tutorial. That's really too broad a subject to cover with any degree of thoroughness. There's all sorts of landscape environments--mountains, forests, deserts, tundra, swamps, jungle, the frozen wastelands--just too much to cover and do any real justice to the topic. Something more specific might be a better way to go. I might be able to do a decent tutorial on Drawing different types of trees or something like that though. Let me think on that for a bit.

[ArmstrongArts]

I need help with something That I have never been able to do well and I am doing a book that I have a big "sceen" with. I hope you can give me some tips.

I have to draw a guy holding back a tidal wave. Drawing the water is holding me back a little. I am inking this book to but not coloring I wanna give the colorist something to work with that at least looks like water.

[Bruce Lee]

I need help with something That I have never been able to do well and I am doing a book that I have a big "sceen" with. I hope you can give me some tips.

I have to draw a guy holding back a tidal wave. Drawing the water is holding me back a little. I am inking this book to but not coloring I wanna give the colorist something to work with that at least looks like water.

Are you asking for a water texture tutorial? I might be able to throw something together in a few days, if that's the case.

Loston

[ArmstrongArts]

Perfect, Ya I am having issue with the texture with the pencils and since I have issues with the pencils it of course translates to inking issues.

Thanks in advance.

[Bruce Lee]

It might be better though, if you posted your artwork on the lab boards and asked help there. That would reveal the exact nature of your problem, and you'd get more input and feedback too.

[Ugga Bugga]

I'd like a how to draw like Ugga Bugga tutorial please.

[Bruce Lee]

I'd like a how to draw like Ugga Bugga tutorial please.

You'd probably need one.

[ArmstrongArts]

It might be better though, if you posted your artwork on the lab boards and asked help there. That would reveal the exact nature of your problem, and you'd get more input and feedback too.


Hmmm, I could try but basically it is just two pages of a guy standing infront of a blank white space with a few scwiggles. :)

[Bathill8]

Loston, just saw the overlay on Shawn's (Spidey976) work that you posted, and wanted to throw a request out there...... the fact that your overlays are the best in the biz and extremely helpful, not only to the person who is receiving them on their art, but the rest of us as well lead me to thinking that a thread here with nothing but overlays on other artist mistakes might prove extremely useful to all. I think someplace where they are all together would make these little gems more accessible.

I know your a busy guy so it might not be possible, but I'm crossing my fingers! Thanks for any consideration on the matter....and please, no ugga bugga tuts. :)

[NickRocks]

i want to know how to draw the zlorgmans.

[Ugga Bugga]

i want to know how to draw the zlorgmans.

yes! me too

[Ugga Bugga]

matter....and please, no ugga bugga tuts. :)

you don't know what you're missing :D

[spidey976]

Loston, just saw the overlay on Shawn's (Spidey976) work that you posted, and wanted to throw a request out there...... the fact that your overlays are the best in the biz and extremely helpful, not only to the person who is receiving them on their art, but the rest of us as well lead me to thinking that a thread here with nothing but overlays on other artist mistakes might prove extremely useful to all. I think someplace where they are all together would make these little gems more accessible.

I know your a busy guy so it might not be possible, but I'm crossing my fingers! Thanks for any consideration on the matter....and please, no ugga bugga tuts. :)

UMMMMM ... YES PLEASE ... I just said the same thing in my blog ... that would be one of the best resources here. There would be SO many of my pieces up ... lol ... but that is because Loston rocks and helps us SO much.

[Bruce Lee]

i want to know how to draw the zlorgmans.

Here you go, Nick:

http://artpad.art.com/?kl6mgoxs6bw

Loston

[Bathill8]

How bout if a mod would be so kind as to create a thread in the tips and techs section with links to all of the overlays? Would that be possible? Sorry bout being adamant about it but the knowledge I learn from those are priceless....... just to expand on this, I learned/realized how the triceps and biceps react in an opposite manner when the arm is bent or extended just in Spidey976's overlay. I'm typically a slow learner and it's usually like "Wow, you dummy, why didn't you understand that before!" Another instance was a females stance you corrected on one of manjii's pieces that you did an overlay for! (Great stuff if you can find it, suckers!)

I know this may all sound elementary, but the overlays have really helped me improve on the anatomy in my drawings 100 fold! ....and again, Loston, appreciate all the advice and crits that you provide to all of us man, it really means a ton! I cannot stress how much I've learned within the last year under your direct and indirect tuteledge! :lml-: :pj: :-lml:

[VicM]

I really like Bathill's idea. Those overlays are GOLD. GOLD!

[Bruce Lee]

How bout if a mod would be so kind as to create a thread in the tips and techs section with links to all of the overlays? Would that be possible? Sorry bout being adamant about it but the knowledge I learn from those are priceless....... just to expand on this, I learned/realized how the triceps and biceps react in an opposite manner when the arm is bent or extended just in Spidey976's overlay. I'm typically a slow learner and it's usually like "Wow, you dummy, why didn't you understand that before!" Another instance was a females stance you corrected on one of manjii's pieces that you did an overlay for! (Great stuff if you can find it, suckers!)

I know this may all sound elementary, but the overlays have really helped me improve on the anatomy in my drawings 100 fold! ....and again, Loston, appreciate all the advice and crits that you provide to all of us man, it really means a ton! I cannot stress how much I've learned within the last year under your direct and indirect tuteledge! :lml-: :pj: :-lml:

Bat, I do believe that overlay style crits can be very helpful. There's nothing like showing something visually to make a point clear. Text critiques are often quite helpful, but it isn't always easy to articulate some aspects of drawing figures and objects. The instructors at the Joe Kubert School often provide overlays style critiques for just thar reason. While I won't pretend that I'm an art instructor, I do think the overlay method is a very sound way of critiquing artwork. Perhaps not everyone is a fan of them, but I think the majority of PJers relate to them. I've only had one real complaint about overlays in all the years I've been on PJ, and that was from a third party person who was on PJ for like a week before deciding to move on. I'm glad that you like them, and find them helpful to you. They have always been of great help to me as well.

As far as your idea about making a thread with links to some of the overlays I've done over the years, I would worry that the images alone would lack any sort of useful context without the original artist's posted work, and without the additional text that I provided in conjunction with the overlay. I've probably done hundreds of overlays on PJ over the years. I know I still have several of the overlays uploaded in storage, but these would range from simple things, like an overlays showing better anatomy for a foot or for a head, to some very complex things like complete anatomy overlays or panel constructions. I'm flattered that you'd be interested in seeing a thread featuring overlays I've done in the past, but would these really be all that helpful without the original art posted and the text commentary that accompanied the overlays? I wonder.

[spidey976]

Bat, I do believe that overlay style crits can be very helpful. There's nothing like showing something visually to make a point clear. Text critiques are often quite helpful, but it isn't always easy to articulate some aspects of drawing figures and objects. The instructors at the Joe Kubert School often provide overlays style critiques for just thar reason. While I won't pretend that I'm an art instructor, I do think the overlay method is a very sound way of critiquing artwork. Perhaps not everyone is a fan of them, but I think the majority of PJers relate to them. I've only had one real complaint about overlays in all the years I've been on PJ, and that was from a third party person who was on PJ for like a week before deciding to move on. I'm glad that you like them, and find them helpful to you. They have always been of great help to me as well.

As far as your idea about making a thread with links to some of the overlays I've done over the years, I would worry that the images alone would lack any sort of useful context without the original artist's posted work, and without the additional text that I provided in conjunction with the overlay. I've probably done hundreds of overlays on PJ over the years. I know I still have several of the overlays uploaded in storage, but these would range from simple things, like an overlays showing better anatomy for a foot or for a head, to some very complex things like complete anatomy overlays or panel constructions. I'm flattered that you'd be interested in seeing a thread featuring overlays I've done in the past, but would these really be all that helpful without the original art posted and the text commentary that accompanied the overlays? I wonder.

Hmmmm ... what if guys went back and FOUND what you have done for them ... Heck I know I could find a few for you that you have done for me. Also, I give FULL permission for you to use my work and the overlay ... I think guys would learn a lot.

[Bruce Lee]

Hmmmm ... what if guys went back and FOUND what you have done for them ... Heck I know I could find a few for you that you have done for me. Also, I give FULL permission for you to use my work and the overlay ... I think guys would learn a lot.

Sounds like it'd be more work than it would be worth, Shawn. Again, I'm flattered that you think a thread featuring my overlays would be so helpful, but my thinking is that proper place for critiques is really on the Lab Boards. I don't mind doing some tutorials and so forth, but my LAB TECHNICIAN board isn't really meant to be a forum showcasing my past critiques. I'm happy to critique the artwork of others, and to do overlays for those who want such things, but I think it would be best to keep that sort of thing confined to the Lab Boards, as those places ares specifically set up for that. The great thing about the Labs is that it is possible to receive MANY different critiques on those boards. It's good to hear from a lot of different artistic voices, not just the voice of one person. Again, I'm flattered, but I must decline. I hope you understand. :)

Loston

[Bathill8]

Bat, I do believe that overlay style crits can be very helpful. There's nothing like showing something visually to make a point clear. Text critiques are often quite helpful, but it isn't always easy to articulate some aspects of drawing figures and objects. The instructors at the Joe Kubert School often provide overlays style critiques for just thar reason. While I won't pretend that I'm an art instructor, I do think the overlay method is a very sound way of critiquing artwork. Perhaps not everyone is a fan of them, but I think the majority of PJers relate to them. I've only had one real complaint about overlays in all the years I've been on PJ, and that was from a third party person who was on PJ for like a week before deciding to move on. I'm glad that you like them, and find them helpful to you. They have always been of great help to me as well.

As far as your idea about making a thread with links to some of the overlays I've done over the years, I would worry that the images alone would lack any sort of useful context without the original artist's posted work, and without the additional text that I provided in conjunction with the overlay. I've probably done hundreds of overlays on PJ over the years. I know I still have several of the overlays uploaded in storage, but these would range from simple things, like an overlays showing better anatomy for a foot or for a head, to some very complex things like complete anatomy overlays or panel constructions. I'm flattered that you'd be interested in seeing a thread featuring overlays I've done in the past, but would these really be all that helpful without the original art posted and the text commentary that accompanied the overlays? I wonder.


I didn't get my hopes up on having an entire thread devoted to overlays, and knew that your section wouldn't necessarily the correct spot either, which is why I suggested the Tips and Techs section of PJ. And, as you stated, I still think overlays, even without original art untouched, are extremely helpful. Sometimes it's just something as simple as seeing the correct posistion of a muscle as it should be drawn flexed or extended. or seeing where the arch of the eyebrows peak that makes all the difference. You can talk about that stuff all day long, but for me, visually seeing the correct way to draw it, is worth a thousand textbooks describing it!

But, just to reiterate, all the effort you put into helping people improve is greatly appreciated, Loston!

[Bruce Lee]

I didn't get my hopes up on having an entire thread devoted to overlays, and knew that your section wouldn't necessarily the correct spot either, which is why I suggested the Tips and Techs section of PJ. And, as you stated, I still think overlays, even without original art untouched, are extremely helpful. Sometimes it's just something as simple as seeing the correct posistion of a muscle as it should be drawn flexed or extended. or seeing where the arch of the eyebrows peak that makes all the difference. You can talk about that stuff all day long, but for me, visually seeing the correct way to draw it, is worth a thousand textbooks describing it!

But, just to reiterate, all the effort you put into helping people improve is greatly appreciated, Loston!

I'm glad you think the overlays are helpful, and I concur with you that they are. It's nice to know that my extra time and effort doing overlays in Photoshop aren't wasted. It's nice to hear that my overlays have proven to be helpful to many PJers. I enjoy sharing my artistic experience with other artists. Exchanging ideas with other artists helps us all to grow, so I'm glad I can do my part every now and then.

[spidey976]

Sounds like it'd be more work than it would be worth, Shawn. Again, I'm flattered that you think a thread featuring my overlays would be so helpful, but my thinking is that proper place for critiques is really on the Lab Boards. I don't mind doing some tutorials and so forth, but my LAB TECHNICIAN board isn't really meant to be a forum showcasing my past critiques. I'm happy to critique the artwork of others, and to do overlays for those who want such things, but I think it would be best to keep that sort of thing confined to the Lab Boards, as those places ares specifically set up for that. The great thing about the Labs is that it is possible to receive MANY different critiques on those boards. It's good to hear from a lot of different artistic voices, not just the voice of one person. Again, I'm flattered, but I must decline. I hope you understand. :)

Loston

Of course I understand Loston and all of your points make perfect sense. I wouldn't want to make extra work for you and I understand your oppinion on your overlays staying in the labs.

I think I can speak for a grand majority when I say that the time and effort you take to do an overlay for us is ALWAYS helpful to us, and always appreciated. The help you give is invaluable. Not just to the artist that you are critiquing, but to all of us who get to learn something from what you are showing others. The cool thing is, that with time, I hope the rest of us can pay it forward effectively.

[Bruce Lee]

Of course I understand Loston and all of your points make perfect sense. I wouldn't want to make extra work for you and I understand your oppinion on your overlays staying in the labs.

I think I can speak for a grand majority when I say that the time and effort you take to do an overlay for us is ALWAYS helpful to us, and always appreciated. The help you give is invaluable. Not just to the artist that you are critiquing, but to all of us who get to learn something from what you are showing others. The cool thing is, that with time, I hope the rest of us can pay it forward effectively.

There's a lot of people on Penciljack who leave helpful critiques, and go the extra mile to help others. I'm proud that I've done my part for sure, but guys like Beastie and Dfbovey and many others have invested a lot of time helping others on PJ also. I just wanted to mention this because PJ has always been a community of artists helping other artists. Many here work hard to make these boards a better place on a daily basis, and we are all beneficiaries of their efforts. My thanks to everyone who tries to help others become better artists on Penciljack. That sense of community and helpfulness is what drew me to PJ all those years ago, and it's why I am still here today. :pj:

[spidey976]

Yeah totally true ... that is part of the reason I signed up as a PUMMEL commissioner, and why I try to pass on what I have been taught by the whole community.

[Bruce Lee]

I hope to finish the THING tutorial in late Spring to early Summer. That one is going to be a lengthy tutorial, so I hope you guys will enjoy and benefit from it. I'd never make the claim that I was a great Ben Grimm artist or anything like that, but I do know a few great tricks and insights that are sure to help you draw a bashful Benji Grimm that is familiar to all. Consider it a Thing 101 tutorial, meant to spell out some of the basics, point out some key observations about drawing the character from head to toe.

In the meantime while that one's awaiting the finishing treatment, I'm still interested in hearing more tutorial ideas, so lets hear 'em, folks! I'm not terribly interested in doing tutorials on anatomy and other things that can typically be found in a good "how to draw" book, so keep it interesting.

Thanks!

Loston

[Bathill8]

Hey Loston, always appreciate your tutties man! I wouldn't mind seeing a tutorial on drawing Captain America's shield from a couple angles. Us amatuers tend to draw it as a flat ellipse and can't quite get the beveled feel to it or wrap the stripes around the center star piece correctly----heck, even a lot of good pro's screw it up....any chance of getting one on that down the road? ....then Daredevil and horny heroes and villans. Horns can prose a problem as well. Just tossing some ideas out there. Thanks again for all you do with the help man! :lml-::pj::-lml:

[Bruce Lee]

The Captain America shield is an interesting one, Bat, but I think Jeremy Dale might know of a program or something that can be used to get Cap's shield just right. I'll check with him and see if he does or not. If not, I'll see what I can do. :)

Loston

[scmarooney]

Let me chime in as well, Loston, and say how much I enjoy your tutorials. (I've even printed a few out and posted them on the wall near my drafting table). I think a cool tutorial might be on "metallic effects" like the Silver Surfer's "skin" or the reflection/shine off of King Arthur's Excalibur sword.

[Bruce Lee]

Let me chime in as well, Loston, and say how much I enjoy your tutorials. (I've even printed a few out and posted them on the wall near my drafting table). I think a cool tutorial might be on "metallic effects" like the Silver Surfer's "skin" or the reflection/shine off of King Arthur's Excalibur sword.

That's a decent idea, and one I will certainly consider doing. Reflective metal effects sounds like a decent step by step tutorial. I could demonstrate reflections on some characters like the Silver Surfer, Iron Man, and objects like Cap's Shield. Wouldn't hurt to do a couple everyday objects like cars, guns, and bladed weapons either. Thanks!

[Macksamillyon]

Loston.. this one may be a bit to simple... but i have the hardest f'n time gettin the worms and birds eye view perspective right... ive tried the vanishing point like i remember from art classes but it always looks bad .

[Bruce Lee]

Loston.. this one may be a bit to simple... but i have the hardest f'n time gettin the worms and birds eye view perspective right... ive tried the vanishing point like i remember from art classes but it always looks bad .

Wormseye POV are the toughest to pull off, because it's rare that we view things from this extreme angle. Birdseye POVs are more commonplace though. For instance, you could look over the railing of the second floor of a shopping mall and see people walking below you, or you can simply look out of a window from a level above a person or object and get the gist of things. So if you have trouble drawing people from a birdseye pov, it's not too tough to figure out ways to practice such an angle. With a wormseye shot, you might try taking a few photos of friends. Lie down on your back with a camera, and shoot a few shots to practice from.

Naturally you can find reference photos at these angles too. Google is your friend, so don't be afraid to look for some visual help every now and then.

Don't discount sports periodicals for good photo reference opportunities. Sports magazines always have great photography of figures in motion. Magazines like rock climbing magazines might have great POV shots, and so might surfing, skateboarding, and other such magazines.

Photo reference isn't the answer for all drawing problems, but if you use it correctly, you should be learning from it. Tracing photos isn't helpful, but copying photos for practice is, and using photos to help you fill in the gaps in your drawing might teach you a thing or two.

Gene Colan was one of the best artists in comicdom for drawing great wormseye POV shots. He was one of the few brave enough to use them on a regular basis, so you might want to check out some of his comics, Macksamillyon.