SOTD (or yesterdays)

sketches

Okay okay by the end of this week. I will post one finished piece rather than just daily sketches. I'm also going to start more indepth studies and sketches of environments and really start nailing composition. and adding tones to my drawing. LOTS to do LOTS to improve so little time.

drawings from class

Some are classmates some are just from my head. I've got to start drawing fully body drawings that are finished! and not just small thumbnails either. finished drawings. that's another new goal. so many goals....
so little sleep...

end of the day sketch

DUMP!

dump dump

"Not to feel exasperated or defeated or despondent because your days aren't packed with wise and moral actions. But to get back up when you fail, to celebrate behaving like a human—however imperfectly—and fully embrace the pursuit you've embarked on" - Marcus Aurelius

and this:

"Once you have a bigger purpose to drawing than learning how to draw,
you will learn faster. You will be more eager to understand
force, perspective, anatomy, and everything else that goes
into becoming a great draftsman,it starts with you and your humanity. Become hyper sensitive and present, live in the moment, When you drive,
feel the speed of the car, the weight. What happens when you go into a curve at fifty miles an hour? Don't talk on the phone, eat, or listen to the radio while driving.
Drive your car when you eat or drink, feel the food in your mouth,and the sensations that occur, while it travels down your throat into your stomach."


- Michael Matessi


and how this relates to that:


"Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present;
inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the
intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness,
and equanimity right here and right now.”
- Jon Kabat-Zinn,"


and of course


"Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


oh and these words I promise to live by from now on!


"Draw ideas, not things; action, not poses; gestures not anatomical structures."

- Walt Stanchfield

tokyo story

I watched Tokyo Story(1953) last night, which was directed by Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu. I had been meaning to watch this for years now and I'm so glad I did. The compositions are breathtaking. everything is so well composed, shots are meticulously planned. Y'know I read plenty of essays, and sat in on lectures about mise-en-scene but I didn't really get it. Now I think I do! Anyway It's fun to see the origin of certain styles of cinema and techniques. Ozu's influence can be seen in directors like hou hsiao hsien, koreeda hirokazu, and hayao miyazaki. lots of quiet still shots of ordinary every day life. clouds, a bit or architecture, trees blowing in the wind, empty streets, and neighborhood rooftops. Ozu's film style is very still, mature and subtle. It evokes a sense of mindfulness that is rarely seen in film. He also interestingly enough doesn't follow the 180 rule which I think is pretty interesting to see. it actually works really really well in spite of it.

I really could go on forever about this... anyway I painted this shot which was one of my favourite of his "tatami shots" in the movie. so beautiful. I'm a shitty painter but it was fun, and I felt compelled to do it!