Figures, Figures, Figures....

Hey everyone, thought that I should put something up since it's been quite some time since I've updated. I was feeling guilty and figured I should let you guys see what I've been up to. I was trying to hold over on a post until I got my huge portrait assignment properly photographed. I'm having a bit of trouble trying to find help in photographing it. On another note, I have plenty of figure work to show varying from paintings to conte charcoal drawings. Been checking out Steven Assael and Michael Hussar with their wicked painting styles. It really blows my mind how many colors that can be found in flesh. I just need to lay off that cadmium orange a bit and let those much more pale colors play against the darks. I've just been revisiting the basics with value and color in my work as of late, since I've realized I lack a lot of that basic structure in my pieces.

Also, for all of those who missed the Next Step Conference this year at Ringling; it really was a blast. Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio came the first night and gave a powerful testimony of struggle and failure that inspired and gave hope to a lot of people in the room. For sure it was very comforting and wonderful to see his process and it was a great pleasure to be able to skim through his sketchbook. Go and check out Chris' stuff out, it's great stuff!

Oh, and the pic at the bottom is from the conference where the concept guys, Chris Sickels and fellow Ringlingians (I guess that's what we are?) are conversing together and having a good time.

Cheers!

~Haylee

Rockwell & More Figures

Hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day week, it was quite the week for myself. I've been quite busy with figure work and illustration as of late, plus I'm getting used to being the new precollege liaison. Quite the dream job. So any of you who have been to precollege or plan on going to precollege over the summer, let me know. As for what I have posted up here, I've got a scan from my sketchbook on my most recent portrait assignment. We were able to choose between a student and faculty, and my subject is none other than Mr. Francis Vallejo. Rockwell is a great influence of his, so I thought it cool to have the big guy in the illo with him. Hopefully I'll be able to do both of these great artists justice! Also I have recent work from FEWS and a 3 hr. figure painting that I had fun experimenting with this past Thursday.

Your comments are much appreciated.

Until next time, Cheers!

~Haylee

Spectrum, Gifts and Inks

Sorry about not uploading in such a long time. Been hectic balancing six very demanding classes, but whoo am I learning a ton of knowledge about illustration. Well, I decided to be quite brave this year and submitted an entry into Spectrum. I'm real apprehensive about it, but wish me luck in getting into this year's annual. What I have here for you all is my refurbished "Insecure" portrait that I put in for Spectrum, a Christmas present to a friend here at Ringling, and a black & white page of numerous sketches complied all together. I've yet to know how to put together a nice sketch page, but these are figure drawings from FEWS. Except for the little guy in the corner with the shades and robe.

Also, I'd like to give out a big thanks to Francis Vallejo for telling me about Norman Rockwell's book: "How I Make a Picture" aka "Rockwell on Rockwell". It is the most insightful look on how to make successful illustrations, not to mention Rockwell is just the man when it comes to creating heartfelt images.

Well, take care until next time! Cheers!

~Haylee