Well, this has been a couple of weeks. Apologies for the delay, but I got laid up with some kind of flu virus, then tooth issue and now I’ve gone some kind earache that’s like having a nail stuck in my head. Still, the weather has improved so that’s good! So, The Dog King Lord Milo Merrylegs is happy as we are going for long walks, and those walks are important for both of us!

The sketch cards of doom are coming along nicely, and I have been adding more detail to my most recent ones again. I’ve been using them as a silhouette project for a while now as I was it a bit of a block. It’s a great way to practice your monster making. Just get some random shapes down in your sketchbook and move them around and play with them. Remember these are monsters, so forget all that realism stuff. Let your imagination go wild. Look at the work of Shapecarver, it will give you idea.

I’ll do several of these before I work on a couple in more detail. So, rather than trying to figure out colours and details, concentrate on the shape. The silhouette of a thing is really important. You can make something giant and terrifying just by using the shape and adding teeth and eyes. If you look at some of the work of the ever excellent Mike Mignola and how he uses those shadows, you will get the idea.

The best thing about the sketch cards is not to get to stuck on detail as they are only small. Grab your favourite paper, just a sheet and cut them up into 6.5 x 9 cm or you can buy ready to go on eBay. Just make a shape, draw eyes and teeth, or just eyes and just teeth, get a black marker and make those creeping shadows. Use any kind of pen, you don’t need fancy brush pens.

I tend to pencil a few cards beforehand, so I can have them to hand whenever I’m feeling a bit rusty or not sure where to go with larger worker. Theya re a great way to get the art brain into gear that doesn’t take up much time and you can fit I in between the trials of “real life” that does have a terrible was of getting in the way of things you want to do. Give it a go, let me know how you get on!

Remember the rules!

1. They are not real, so draw them any damn way you want.

2. Forget stuff like anatomy. Who cares.

3. Use any tool and as many as you like as long as it makes an unholy mess.

4. Most importantly, have some bloody great fun!

Tharts all for today! ENjoy!!!