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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Illustration Friday - Chicken (Rooster/Chooster?)



"You cluckin' to me?"

A chicken with a little attitude maybe? Could have more, we'll see. This was an experiment, so maybe I'll do more with this character. Push it further. It's a bit more realistic than I like, although it looks rather roosterish. Perhaps it's a chooster. But, in the meantime.....

It was mostly a digital experiment. I've always thought that even if I started working digitally, I'd still always draw on paper. But, recently, someone suggested that I try Sketchbook Express. It's an Apple App. (Hah! If nothing else, it's fun to say!) The Apple App store icon appeared on my dock recently, so it was easy to find. This version is free, so why not give it a whirl?

I like it. Specifically, I like the pencil tool. (So far.) It's simple and intuitive and felt pretty natural - with a Wacom, of course. It's no substitute for Photoshop or Painter, but I like how direct it is for drawing. Of course, there are the advantages of being able to select areas, rotate them, move them, etc., all of which I did in this drawing. So, maybe I'll like drawing this way after all. I'm not making a commitment yet, but so far, so good. Another tool in the toolbox.

14 comments:

Ann Marie DiVecchia said...

Wow, Marion! It's hard to believe this was drawn digitally..even close up!! Seems to be a great tool.

Marion Eldridge said...

Thanks, Ann Marie! I never liked drawing in Photoshop or Painter. Maybe because I didn't know what I was doing. But, Sketchbook Express is quite simple and direct. You can then take the drawing into PS or Painter and go from there. I'm experimenting.

Leanne Franson said...

Fantastic! I like hearing about your process. From where did you download this Sketchbook app?
Leanne

Marion Eldridge said...

Thanks Leanne! For me, I just had to click on the icon on my dock and do a search in the app store. I have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 - The icon just appeared one day. I think apps used to be just for devices, but Apple decided to make them available for computer use. If you don't have the App store thing on your computer, I'd just try a google search for the Apple App store. Once there, do a search for Sketchbook Express and then see if it's works for you! Hope it does!

Sue Rundle-Hughes said...

Wow, I love this! I will have to try and download that app too. It doesn't look digital. I love his character :)

Liza Woodruff said...

What a gorgeous drawing Marion. I love it.

Karen Lee said...

Wow - I love the motion you got going in this chick! Rock on! I am going to have to check out the app. I haven't dome much sketching on the Wacom yet. A friend showed me a felt nib for the stylus that I will try also - it gives the surface a bit of a toothy feel and doesn't slide around so much.

çan't wait to see more!

michele said...

Hi Marion! I'd say this was a great "experiment..." but I hope you don't mind me saying I love the funny handle, "Chooster." Either way, a success! Your talents know no bounds! :o)

Jennifer Thermes said...

I love this, Marion! It's got a nice, loose feel to it. Keep going with the digital experiments... great seeing your process!

Phyllis Harris said...

Really gorgeous, Marion!

Marion Eldridge said...

Thank you SO much Sue, LIza, Karen, Michele, Jennifer and Phyllis! Your comments really mean a lot to me! Sue, my fantasy/goal is to be able to do digital work that doesn't have a slick digital look. But, the only way I'd commit to it is if I can do it faster. So far, I can see how this could be faster, because it's so easy to make changes! Karen, now you've got me curious about that felt nib - I'll have to look into it. MIchele, I'm so glad you like Chooster. I think that's the official name now. (HAH!)
And Jennifer, I promise to keep you posted. Maybe my digitial baby steps will be blog posts!

k.h.whitaker said...

oooo, he's got great feet, love it

Marion Eldridge said...

Thanks, Karen! I love big chooster feet!

Nancy Cote said...

Marion,
After reading your post about Sketchbook Express I decided to try it. I really liked it and found it to have a very nice and natural feeling. I love your chicken but I especially loved the title, "Are you cluckin to me?" You are so funny!