Sketch-A-Day: Baloo [artwork]

[the_gneech]

Working on that whole "learning to draw" thing. Since I'm not doing strips every day, but I do need to practice every day (or as close to it as I can manage), I've decided to start a "sketch-a-day" for a while. The sketches will be whatever comes to me on a given day, whether it's life drawing, SJ characters, perspective, copies of other works, whatever. And I'll post the sketches here to keep me honest. :)

The first entry is a sketch of Baloo from TaleSpin!



Most of the artists I know and really admire are animators, and if I were to pick a style I wanted SJ to "look like," the Disney adventure shows from the early '90s are the closest single match (although there are plenty of anime influences as well). In fact, some of my earliest childhood sequential drawings were of Bambi, so when in doubt it makes sense to go back to those primal inspirations.

This image was copied (not traced) from the image on this page. I plan to return to Baloo over time until I get to the point where I can draw the character naturally in original poses and expressions.

-The Gneech

Comments

[rhanlav.livejournal.com]

I loved Tailspin.

--Salen

[kyyanno.livejournal.com]

I've done similar with some of the characters from "Circles" comic when I was toying around with trying to draw a few years back, but I found that whilst I could do reasonable freehand copies (not traces, like you said) of an original art, I found that putting something of my own onto paper was a heck of a lot more (try *insanely*) difficult. Really should try again someday, rather than keep putting off trying "because I can't draw".

I don't think you need to be told "You can do it", because with your work it's clear enough that you can. You just need to practise the different styles before they become natural. I guess it's kind of like driving FWD cars, and then going to RWD - it's similar, but different enough that you need time to adapt. Once you're there though.....

I've rambled on enough now :P All the best :)

[emsworth.livejournal.com]

The "Tales of the Gold Monkey" reference amuses me (and it's actually an apt comparison which never occurred to me before). Well done, sir. I spent a lot of time drawing from paused VHS tapes when I was younger, including the Disney Afternoon shows, Hanna Barbera, Eek the Cat, and the like. I've always felt it's good practice and helps to appreciate and understand design basics before settling on one's own style (and it can be fun and satisfying to draw favorite characters in new scenarios and poses, plus it was handy to do a quick Bullwinkle pen sketch in a niece's birthday card or the like.)

[sirfox.livejournal.com]

Neat idea. Mind if i try Tiffany in that style?

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

By all means, feel free! :D

-TG

[aj-hyena.livejournal.com]

Ironically enough, the simulator name that I live on in Second Life is called Cape Suzette. There's even a small Higher For Higher spot (complete with replica of the Sea Duck) there.

[aj-hyena.livejournal.com]

Great. Now you have me on a "Tiff = Rebecca" image in my brain. I can totally see it. Heh :)

[arakinuk.livejournal.com]

Neat :)
Unfortunately I never saw much of Talespin, guess it might have come late to the Middle East, or I was too busy distracted by other shows at the time. Summers back in the UK often saw us catch up on DuckTales though ^.^

[sirfox.livejournal.com]

I borrowed a little from rebecca, some from shere khan, and a little from that vixen archeologist.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Very cool! :) I like the bottled water, nice touch. :D

Since it's an artistic exercise, I will nitpick just a little: one thing re: the "Disney Afternoon" style (for lack of a better term) is that the eyes are usually egg-shaped with single dots for pupils and the feet, especially for females, are generally a simplified semi-oval.

In short, a little too much detail for the intended style. ;) But a very nice sketch of Tiffany nonetheless! Thanks much!

-The Gneech

[kyyanno.livejournal.com]

*beats you repeatedly with his Talespin DVD Boxset until you watch it all*

See, finally a reason to come visit :P