Kilillan's Sketchbook

[Jephyr]

Due to my work-load (and honestly, burn-out) I haven't drawn anything in over a month. I'm trying to get back into it. BTW, I failed the class where I turned in the above drawing of the room; apparently, I needed to color it. Aw well.


I wanted some advice though: My favorite artist from a long time ago is Android Jones (who was a celebrity on CA back in the day). I've always wanted to try drawing the surreal, psychedelic art he does, for example: https://androidjones.com/tag/dreamscapes/

I was wondering how would I even start drawing this stuff? Are there tutorials/methodology? Do I just try copying his style and figure it out myself?

That BLOWS about failing that class.  Dunno if this will apply to you — but I took college art courses over the years and found some instructors really enjoyed destroying students and crushing their artistic spirit. Unfortunately there are a lot of miserable people who call themselves teachers.

If so, just know you are in good company.  Most of the artists I know (myself included) have been through it and I've read many biographies about MASTER artists and ALL had someone trying to destroy them — Dali, Frazetta, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, etc. 

Anyway I could go on and on about it — but failing someone for not understanding an assignment seems extreme and for what it's worth I think your room pic is very good.

As for burnout — I think that is common to all as well.  When that hits me — I've learned to just listen to it — and take some time away from art (assuming you can).  Usually I find when I do pick up the stylus or pencil etc again — I feel rejuvenated.

As for Android:  There's a very good article about him here:

witness-this.com/art/android-jones

It's an interview with him and there are several time-lapse vimeo vids of his painting process (I put on 'em half speed to see better what he's doing — 'cause they really rocket by). 

He uses Painter, SketchUp, Photoshop and ZBrush — A HUGE amount of 3D models, tools and sculpts for his 2D stuff — and pattern brushes, layer modes, warp tools, filters, overlays, etc.  He sometimes teaches workshops and does tutorials so maybe you can find something like that.

So maybe this would get you started — and even so — he suggests in the article that people don't try to copy him and develop their own thang.

Sorry to have gone on a bit.  I'm really tired and perhaps a little too chatty. 

Anyway — wishing you the best