- Squid Update #6 - Finito
- 29 December 05
- How to
- 20 Comments
OK we are in the home stretch now!!! This has been a marathon, I thought I could polish off this squid in 3 posts, but instead it has taken 6 thus far. Either I'm slow or verbose or both. Anyway, when I last left you I was starting the fins. Again, it's case of rubbing in graphite with a rag, then adding further layers with graphite and then rubbing etc etc. It is important to use your judgement as to how much graphite and pressure to apply so as to get a nice curve and gradation happening. Likewise, the respective edge of the contour needs to be handled carefully, to make it "pop". In ths case I've used a 4B for some of the darker areas and line work. The odd shadow line is also useful in this regard....I guess you can have shadows underwater. Anyway, the result of about a 1/2 hour's work gives us this.
More so by accident than by design (unless it was subliminal) I'm quite struck by how this fin reminds me of a stylised Concorde airplane....that's pretty nifty in my view. The next step is start on the partially obstructed fin on the other side of the body, I had considered not putting one in but in the end thought the drawing need some balance and interest. I've also commenced shading the underside of foreground fin using the same technique as before but using 8B as my darkest shading. Another 1/2 hour of effort (I am slow ain't I?) produces the following.
Now we really are into the closing stages, just a case of completing the underside of the hood. Again I begin with putting down 2B, using a rag to rub it in, and then building up tone through more layering - if required using a 4B where appropriate. The photo below shows what it looks like after the original 2B has been applied.
For some unknown reason this bit of the drawing is reminding of a blue whale (does anyone else see this?). Already this drawing has in it elements of an elephant, blue whale, trout, pterodactyl, and Concorde....what would Darwin make of it? The only thing left to do is finish the front underside of the hood, lighten and darken where necessary, add splotches where necessary and hey presto we have a squid. I decided not to add splotches to the fins, I'm not sure they would've added anything and I could only see them competing for space and detracting from the overall dynamic flow of the fins.
A marine biologist would probably take me to task on a number of aspects of my interpretation of a squid, hey too bad this is what artistic licence is all about. Besides this is not a strict scientific illustration, this is an attempt to bring some beauty, grace and poeticism to a marine creature that most people would normally recoil from. Before I reveal the final I'll just add that I'll get a better photo of it when I enter for a certain competition in mid-2006 - just think I'm running 5 months ahead of schedule for the competition. And, here it is.
comments
GLORIOUS, detailed, EXQUISITE!!! I applaud your patience, your work, your fine attention to detail ... INCREDIBLE!
Posted by Lin on 29.12.05 at 08.05am
Stunning. You have succeeded - the squid is quite graceful.
How large is this drawing? I’ve enjoyed the drawings on your website but I’m having a hard time getting a grasp on how large they might be.
Good luck with your competition!
Posted by Lisa on 29.12.05 at 08.11am
This is just ama-a-azing!! I’m in awe of your patience and skill! Thanks for leading us through your steps.
Posted by Nita on 29.12.05 at 08.20am
very cool…wonderful work
Posted by Margaret Hunt on 29.12.05 at 08.20am
Lisa: This drawing is on a piece of paper that measures 1000mm x 700mm (approx 39 inches x 28 inches). This tends to be the size I draw at for these more artistic pieces.
To All: Many thanks, kudos always gratefully recieved….as are constructive criticisms for that matter.
Posted by Detlef on 29.12.05 at 08.35am
So beautiful. I love the expression you’ve captured in the eye. 8-]
Posted by Ellen Shipley on 29.12.05 at 08.42am
Detlef, you astound me in every way ... for your choice of intriguing subject matter, to your dedication in pursuit of a creative goal, to your patience, your exceptional rendering skills and artistic sensitivity. Charlie is a real wonder. I hope he brings you as many kudos as he has pleasure in the drawing.
Posted by Karen Winters on 29.12.05 at 09.51am
I think that your squid is awesome. I really enjoyed watching the progress. Can’t wait for your next adventure - whatever you decide to draw next….
Posted by Laurie on 29.12.05 at 10.26am
Congratulations Detlef, this drawing is a credit to your talent and dedication to your art. I’ve really enjoyed watching this develop, so thank you for sharing the process with us. It looks so alive - I just expect to see those fins ripple as it glides through the water. Fabulous work!
Posted by Terri on 29.12.05 at 11.38am
Wow, you are a master with a pencil—amazing work.
Posted by joyce on 29.12.05 at 02.50pm
I am an echo of those before me. Speaking of which ... your Concorde airplane comparison to the fin is correct! If you look closely at all things made by man they are merely an echo of that found in nature
Brilliant work Detlef!
Posted by Anonymous on 29.12.05 at 03.26pm
It’s fabulous! You’ve made something I would probably recoil at into something that looks sensitive and beautiful. I’m amazed at the size of this drawing!
Posted by Felicity on 29.12.05 at 04.26pm
Detlef, Charlie is simply beautiful! You’re a wonderfully talented and patient artist—here’s a bet that you’ll win the competition!
Posted by Linda on 29.12.05 at 09.36pm
Love it Detlef. I just have to imagine your drawings gloriously large - it would be so great to see them in real life.
Posted by Julie Oakley on 30.12.05 at 09.58am
Oh My! Charlie is a thing of beauty. You have far more patience than I do. Applause - no - a Standing Ovation!
Posted by Pink FiFi on 31.12.05 at 05.43am
It’s hard to describe what viewing this is like. I mean it’s just amazing. And the eye is something else entirely. It really does remind me of the Elephant Man. There’s so much emotion in it. And the technique of course is perfect. But once you look this creature in the eye, you forget about the technique because you can’t look away.
Posted by janey on 31.12.05 at 11.17am
You did it!! (I knew you would ;D). Another piece of rare beauty. Felicitations, mon ami!
Posted by Laura on 04.01.06 at 12.54am
WOW! That is amazing looking!
love
Posted by The Unknown on 04.01.06 at 04.58pm
I can only imagine how much more beautiful this is at actual size - and to add to the comparisons I see plant forms in it everywhere - this is so fluid and gorgeous Detlef - thank you so much for sharing it.
Posted by Elaine on 05.01.06 at 10.08pm
You - Are - a - MASTER. Bravo (deafening applause), Bravo (cat calls), Bravo (Hooting & Hollaring). Thanks so much for sharing your proces with us! (More, please.)
Belinda
Posted by Belinda Del Pesco on 04.02.06 at 02.36am