Drawing Connections #22
Podcast with Ryan Claytor, Coffee Shop Art and a Zoom Gathering
Greetings Art Enthusiasts,
I hope you are doing well and finding space for yourself in this hectic time for so many of us. Please continue reading for a chance to devote some time to your creative journey.
It’s been a busy few weeks with a new podcast episode, some art (big and small) and prepping for the next episode coming out next week. Working with video is taking more time but it’s fun and I am wondering what you think of the YouTube version?
Let’s dive in!
Starting my day with art
I have been practicing more regularly in my sketchbook with graphite and watercolor. My day job has me on site a few times a week, so to avoid traffic, I leave home around 5:30 AM and head to a coffee shop near work for 6 and draw or paint for 90 minutes, then go to work.
I choose a few references in advance and place them in a new document in the Freeform app on my iPhone, which is available for free from Apple. I prop my phone up on my desk and sketch/paint while sipping a coffee. I will often field questions from patrons, but typically, people just sneak looks and say nothing. It’s nice to have the white noise around me.
I have a wonderful pencil case from Peg and Awl that holds everything I could possibly need in the field. Here are some samples from the past couple of weeks. All rendered in my Etchr A6 hot press sketchbook except the walruses which was done in a Moleskine art book over a couple of sessions.
The betta fish was certainly the most challenging with such bright colours and numerous layers. I really did enjoy the walrus piece because I just love pencil. My pencils are Pentel Graphgear 1000 (2B and 4B leads as well as a blender), my brush is the Pentel Aqua brush and the palette is from Art Toolkit and filled with primarily Golden Paints.
I have been also spending some more time in the evenings with this Siberian Lynx that has been sitting on my drawing table for some time. Sure I love drawing the cat, but I absolutely love getting lost with the rocks, lichen and the shadows. You can see see I am pretty rough with the initial sketch. Just need a basic outline to begin and measure and balance along the way.
Episode 107: One Bite at a Time: 20 Years of Comics, Illustration, and Design with Ryan Claytor, Cartoonist and Professor
I enjoyed introducing the exceptionally gifted Ryan Claytor, a true luminary in comics, illustration, and design. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Ryan offers a captivating fusion of storytelling prowess and artistic brilliance.
In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of his latest project, 'One Bite at a Time,' a remarkable Kickstarter book that not only showcases his remarkable artwork but also unveils the intricate processes that underpin his creative genius. Prepare to be enthralled as we journey through the creative insights and experiences of Ryan Claytor, an artist who masterfully breathes life into his visions, one bite at a time.
This podcast is also available on my YouTube Channel.
Upcoming Zoom Session Announcement
The paid tier of my Substack includes access to regular Zoom sessions to create and chat together. I am opening this session up to everyone, but spots are limited to just 10 more people.
Title: "Drawing Connections with Mike"
Details: Sunday, December 10, 1 PM EST (90 minutes)
Get your brushes and coffee ready for an exclusive art session this Sunday! With limited seats available, this Zoom session is a unique opportunity for us to create together, share techniques, and draw inspiration from each other. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this session is a perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon in the company of fellow art lovers. This isn’t a course, and there is no requirement to create anything. In fact, you can just leave your camera off but we would love to see you.
Registration Info: Zoom seats are limited, so make sure to RSVP! Click below to register and secure your place.
Take care of yourself and each other, and keep drawing!
-Mike