Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Do you have to create?

I ask this question because I wonder how many of us feel the burning desire to be creative and to take an idea from beginning to end? For me the creator in me may go dormant from time to time but he, she, it, whatever will always wake, tap me on the shoulder and say, "it's time". Sometimes it happens when I'm sleeping - other times when I'm day dreaming or when I see art that really does it for me.
This piece came to me while I was doodling the other day and even though I have paying projects that I need to be working on I really feel that it's important not to let the burning desire to create be squelched by routine.
I carry my sketchbook with me where ever I go because I hate being caught in some boring situation twiddling my thumbs - which I'm not very good at anyway but my A.D.D. is so painful that I can't stand not being able to entertain myself and inevitably I'll think of something that I need to put down on paper and my thoughts begin to run together like this sentence if I don't have something to record each one and so the birth of this piece came from one of those potentially boring situations.
I wanted to show part of my process here in how I refine my sketch before I begin the rendering. I'm going to be teaching my picture book class next week and part of the reason for this post is to give my students a reference for process.
Unlike using traditional paint I can zoom into the detail areas and work on shape much easier. Another technique artists use is to step back from their paintings so they can focus on the entire composition to check for design, contrast, emphasis, etc. With digital software you simply zoom out and you can do this so quickly that you'll probably do it more often than if you actually had to get up out of the chair over and over again.
I feel so blessed to be able to create fun images for a living. I only hope that enough people enjoy them enough so I can continue to avoid having a real job. :)

15 comments:

  1. Hey Will! Thanks for a glimpse into the non-thumb-twiddling creative process. This is so cool! I love how you use light in your work. The contrast is so appealing and the colors become so vibrant. I've been trying to give my work a little more vibrance (thanks to you). I'm getting there. We are blessed being able to gaze upon your work. I think I'm gaining weight because I don't have to get out of my chair as much to step back ;O) Great post Will and God bless your teaching endeavor.

    ReplyDelete
  2. nice one Will, glad the fire is burning again. Now if I could just get jumpstarted somehow.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I feel the same way about my sketchbook. I'm glad that I have the ability to entertain myself and give my brain a workout at all times without the aid of an electronic device. A blessing indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Will this is wonderful and yes I absolutely have to create, something, anything, all the time

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this – the way you portray light is so awesome! I feel the same way about creating (and I need to not feel guilty when the muse isn't there.) Good luck with your new class - you're a great teacher!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Will! Gosh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has this craving to create something! A doodle a day keeps the doctors away, don't you think? Well, I've been free from shots in a long time...hehehe...

    Anyway, thanks for leaving a nice comment on my last post. Now I can see all your wonderful work! I love the luminosity in this particular one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Exquisite! I always enjoy looking at your creations. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I glad to know of other artists who have A.D.D. (I'm sure there is a lot more of us than many choose to admit) and glad to hear that taking your sketchbook everywhere helps you put your thoughts together. Thanks for sharing your process! You have beautiful art!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice write up and details. I love the colors, and especially love the lightening bug.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Really beautiful work! I love the glowbug..!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Will, this is wonderful! I just love your work. I love how you get your digital work to look so painterly.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Came across your blog through illustration Friday website and I am so glad that I did!
    I love your work and specially enjoyed the videos you have posted from your process.
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you all for the nice comments - I think artists in general are somewhat insecure. We need positive feedback to keep going - I'm not sure why but it's curious.

    One of the principles I've always believed in is that you're only as good as your latest work. Each time I complete an image that I'm really happy with it gives me a high - a high that I live on for a short time. When the high is over I know I need to create another image to replace it. I hope I never lose this burning desire.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I absolutely love this Will... I'm glad you paid attention to that little voice inside your head and decided to work more on it.

    I hear you.. my creativity is like that too. Sometimes is pretty quiet in my head but suddenly out of no where it starts screaming and I just have to stop whatever I'm doing and go find pencil and paper.

    I love it when that happens.

    I adore your work! Keep doing what you are doing. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just discovered your work thanks to Alica and what a wonderful surprise it was!
    Love the colours and the overall mood!

    ReplyDelete

Feel free...