Stranger Planet
Nathan Pyle’s Stranger Planet series of books is simple, clever, delightful, and hilarious.
Pyle’s humour rarely ceases to deliver a laugh. To see more visit this page and Nathan Pyle’s website.
Learning Composition
For an artist composition is debatably the most important skill to learn and employ in one’s craft. I have compiled a list of resources I’ve found helpful in learning this skill.
WARNING: there is a lot of contradicting information about composition available online. As Glenn Vilpuu says, Nathan Fowkes emphasizes, and the Draftsmen echo,
“There are no rules, just tools.” – Glenn Vilpuu
I’ve tried to list the sources in rough order of what made the biggest impact/impression on me. I’ve not watched every video here, but I am familiar with each artist enough to recommend them. Remember, too much head knowledge without application isn’t usually healthy (in any area of learning). Try to put what you learn into practice as soon as possible before taking in more information.
Free Internet Resources
Nathan Fowkes
Nathan Fowkes has some free content about composition on YouTube, but his most valuable offering is his paid course on Schoolism.
- The Core with Nathan Fowkes, Part 1: Pictorial Composition
- The (Not) Rules of Portrait Composition
- Composition conversations with artist Nathan Fowkes.
- Nathan Fowkes YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS
The Draftsmen Podcast
The Draftsmen podcast/channel on YouTube has at least one episode dedicated to composition; Marshall Vandruff is very knowledgeable about composition and often has great advice to contribute; Stan Prokopenko has good advice, but Marshall has more life experience; they have rather different backgrounds as artists and each offers a valuable perspective; they balance each other nicely.
- How to Learn Composition – Draftsmen S2E15
- What Are The Fundamentals? Draftsmen S1E04 (not strictly a composition episode, but they touch on how it fits into the rest of the art fundamentals)
- From Rocket Scientist to Professional Artist (ft. Jama Jurabaev) – Draftsmen S2E33 (Jama Jurabaev is a past student of Marshall’s and has some stunning work.)
Bill Perkins
Glenn Vilpuu (and Michael Spooner)
Glenn Vilpuu spews artistic wisdom constantly; he’s a great figure-drawing instructor; just be aware that as a classically trained artist, he works a lot from nude models.
- How to Create a Composition From Imagination with Glenn Vilppu
- There Are No Rules, Just Tools (Draftsmen talk about Glenn Vilpuu’s advice)
- Composition and Lighting, with SPECIAL GUEST Visual Development Artist Michael Spooner! (two veteran pros chatting about composition; both blew my mind)
- Michael Spooner is a wonderful illustrator. I love his work.
James Gurney
- James Gurney has much to say about composition on the Gurney Journey blog
Feng Zhu
Feng Zhu on composition (Feng has tons of free, valuable drawing instruction)
- Design Cinema – Episode 104 – Environmental Composition
- Design Cinema – EP 78 – Environmental Thumbnails
- Design Cinema – EP 89 – Just Draw! (I love this episode so much!)
- Design Cinema – EP 101 – Sketching 101 (I love this one too)
Trent Kaniuga
- Secrets of Thumbnail Drawing (Real-time) (Trent Kaniuga has a lot of good art advice)
Alphonso Dunn
- How to Draw Tips | What are thumbnail sketches? How to use them (Alphonso Dunn has some good art advice)
Kim Jung Gi
WARNING: Kim Jung Gi frequently draws extremely inappropriate content; so I don’t endorse all his stuff, but man is he ever good. He gives a bit of drawing advice and instruction, but one can learn much from watching him draw; I find his skill inspiring and something to aim for. The following content is safe.
Aaron Blaise
While I don’t find Aaron Blaise‘s composition advice to be very strong/helpful, he’s got a lot of other great art advice, especially when it comes to drawing animals; I will say though, that he composes very well intuitively through decades of creating on a highly professional level; I just don’t find that he communicates too strongly in the area of composition.
More Resources
- help-me-draw on composition (they categorize art resources from all over the internet; tons of great stuff)
Paid Internet Resources
Art Inspiration
- If you haven’t seen Syd Mead‘s art, you’re missing out 😉 – wild, futuristic concept art with stunning compositions.
- Joseph Clement Coll has absolutely amazing compositions in his ink work – so much energy: Image 1 & Image 2.
- Pete Beard‘s YouTube channel will open you up to new worlds of art and composition.
- Bobby Chiu‘s interview with Heri Irawan – if you’re struggling economically, this guy may inspire you. Bobby has tons of really interesting artist interviews and other great advice; listening to other artists talk about their lives is a bit like reading biographies; you can learn something from everyone.
- Bobby Chiu’s interview with Devin Elle Kurtz has tons of art advice and inspiration. Also check out Devin’s website.
Final Thoughts
A useful exercise is to try to break down other people’s compositions as studies; just do little 1×2 inch thumbnail copies (or go up to 3.5×5 inches); try to study how they structure the values (i.e. scale from light to dark) and the colours. What kinds of contrast do they use? How do they focus/move the viewer’s eye? etc.
A simple YouTube search for “art composition” by itself or with an artist’s name will yield many useful results. These are some of the most influential resources I could recall from several years of drawing. I know it’s a ton of information; please don’t go crazy and burn out; just pick one resource to start (whatever catches your eye) and spend some time on it; pace yourself. Don’t try to consume this waterfall as fast as possible, but do drink deeply to your satisfaction. I’d recommend visiting this list from time to time when you’re wanting to up your composition game. Composition obviously isn’t all there is to know about art, but it’s a really valuable skill, and as Nathan Fowkes’ says, possibly the most important skill an artist can possess.
Learning Composition Read More »
As a Thief
Wicked people may seem to prosper without consequence, but God cannot be unjust. Every thief will be rewarded as a thief.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Paul, Galatians 6:7
We are all guilty before God, but He made a way of deliverance. Will you receive His forgiveness?
My Friend the Clouderpillar
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Ghost Yolk: Photo
Sometimes God gives you special moments to appreciate the beauty and intrigue of His creation. Simple as it may be, I feel this moment was a gift to me and I’d like to share it with you.
Cap’n, We Lost Bob
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Golden Citrus: Photos
Assisted by the window blinds, the morning sun blessed my citrus with an aura of golden bliss.
Golden Citrus by Nathan Parkinson, Mar 2023
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Language Transfer: Learn Languages Efficiently
If you’re looking to learn a language, I highly recommend you check out Language Transfer. The learning material is fantastic, but unfortunately, I cannot endorse its creator on a personal or philosophical level.
Having used Language Transfer personally I loved it so much I decided to make some promotional artwork for them (read more of my experience below). If you’ve benefited from Language Transfer and want to tell others about it, feel free to share, print, download, or otherwise use the following high-resolution artwork to spread the word about Language Transfer.
Artwork
Learning Spanish
I have long wanted to learn other languages and I finally took action to learn some Spanish. As I searched for learning resources I discovered an exceptional course in this video, Language Transfer; it is a platform of free, high-quality audio courses that take you by the hand and teach you to think in and speak new languages.
I have finished the Complete Spanish course and can highly recommend it to anyone serious about learning to speak Spanish. Currently the languages taught are French, Swahili, Italian, Greek, German, Turkish, Arabic, and, of course, Spanish; there’s also a course about Music.
Listening is a separate skill. Visit the following link to see the many methods and resources I have been using for Learning Spanish.
Mihalis the founder of Language Transfer is currently working to teach others to use The Thinking Method he employs for his language courses to teach other subjects intuitively.
I am not affiliated with or sponsored by Language Transfer. This art was created on a volunteer basis.
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Snowy World: Photos
Winter is a core part of living in a semi-northern climate, but with the challenges of cold and snow come great beauty. While the day began gloomy as usual, the sky cleared to a gorgeous blue. (Photos taken March 4, 2023)
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Promptathon Day 4: Ascending the Tower
Drawabox’s 2022 Winter Promptathon! This is the 4th of 7 days of drawing prompts.
The prompt for day 4 is The Goblin Snow Games, but I didn’t let the goblins play. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my creation for this day’s prompt.
Ascending the Tower
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Promptathon Day 3: The Pest Buster
Drawabox’s 2022 Winter Promptathon! This is the 3nd of 7 days of drawing prompts.
The prompt for day 3 is Hamelin at War. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my creation for this day’s prompt.
The Pest Buster
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Promptathon Day 2: Fishlev
Drawabox’s 2022 Winter Promptathon! This is the 2nd of 7 days of drawing prompts.
The prompt for day 2 is The Great Space Bakeoff. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my creation for this day’s prompt.
Fishlev
Show Host: We now present the dish Fishlev by contestant number 502,202,310. 310, do you have anything to share with the audience about these floating fish?
310: Well, I guess all I have to say is . . . get it while it’s caught 😉
Promptathon Day 2: Fishlev Read More »
Promptathon Day 1: Here, Kitty Kitty
It was rather delayed, but I’m still excited to draw along with Drawabox’s 2022 Winter Promptathon! This is the 1st of 7 days of drawing prompts.
The prompt for day 1 is Hidden Amongst Us. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my creation for this day’s prompt.
Here, Kitty Kitty
Ah! Christmas again. Snow graces the roof tops, decorations cheer the living room, and the yule fire singes the president brat – I mean the resident cat.
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2022 Sketchbook Highlights
2022 was a great year of exploring and learning. I present a buffet of visual interest (mostly) from the pages of my sketchbooks. Bon appétit!
“You don’t know what cannot be done.” – Gregg Toland
Drawabox Exercises
Assorted Pieces
A Few More
2022 Sketchbook Highlights Read More »
Followed by a Leaf Is Published!
My labour of love, Followed by a Leaf, is finally published and in book form; it is the first title released by Parkinson Publishing. The book is ideal for children ages 4-9, but ages 1-12 may also enjoy the colourful pictures and playful story.
Availability
The book is currently selling for $11 CAD and is only available locally within a small part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Ontario, Canada, for now (shipping is not available due to the high cost). Availability is quite limited; so if you’re interested, please let me know ASAP and we can work out the details. I will handle orders on a first-come-first-serve basis; once they’re gone I may begin taking orders for another print run, but I don’t know how soon that might be.
Since printing in August I have been fulfilling pre-orders, but now that those are finalized I have opened up orders to the rest of world . . . or at least to those in my small corner.
I’ll try to update the following section of the blog post to reflect the ongoing status of my inventory:
Status: Out of Stock
Details
The binding is saddle-stitch (triple-stapled); the book is 8×7 inches (landscape) and has high-quality, full-page colour images. There are 28 pages total (not including the cover).
Photos
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“Everyone Is a Genius . . .” – Einstein?
Though it is disputed who first made this exact statement, I think it was marvelously said:
“Everyone is a genius; but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Though, I believe an important distinction should be made: if you judge the fish unwisely, then you (not necessarily the fish) will believe the lie; only if the fish judges himself by erroneous standards will he believe himself to be incompetent. When we judge ourselves according to truth, we can have great confidence (with humility) despite the dismissive nature of others.
This also reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” I believe God has made each person uniquely special; there’s not another person exactly like you; so try lots of things till you find what you were made for and as Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
Read more wise & witty sayings.
Updated December 3, 2022
“Everyone Is a Genius . . .” – Einstein? Read More »
“You Don’t Know What Cannot Be Done.” – Toland
In an interview of Orson Welles by Dick Cavett, Welles recounts the following situation early in his career. While beginning to make his first film, Citizen Kane, he was approached by cameraman Gregg Toland.
[Toland enters Welles’ office . . .]
Toland: I want to work in your picture; my name is Toland.
Welles: Why do you, Mr. Toland?
Toland: Because you’ve never made a picture, and you don’t know what cannot be done.
Leading up to his description of that brief conversation, Welles makes the following statement: “. . . Ignorance – there’s no authority in the world like it.” Welles’ and Toland’s statements really caught my attention. I’ve seen a similar saying by Shunryu Suzuki: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few”; that brings a couple more to mind: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” (Nelson Mandela), and, “They did not know it was impossible so they did it” (Mark Twain).
Inexperience is both a blessing and curse. Being blind to what is and is not possible, you may be willing to take risks more-experienced people would not; you’ll bring a fresh perspective and perhaps even attempt to do what others know “cannot be done”; that means you’ll probably fail quite a bit, but in challenging assumptions you will discover which ones are true and which are false. Young blood can really shake up an industry.
I greatly appreciate the wisdom of Solomon to “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life” (Proverbs 4:13); listening to the counsel of wiser people is vital to our growth; but I also see value in respectfully, humbly challenging the presuppositions of those who came before us and proving the truth for ourselves. As another wise man once said, “Just because something seems impossible, doesn’t mean it isn’t easy” (Parkinson’s Law #21, T. S. Parkinson).
Citizen Kane went on to be enormously successful; though, I’ve not seen the film in a while, so I don’t necessarily recommend it, but rather the philosophy described by Welles and the others I’ve mentioned. Though experience is certainly desirable, your being a novice doesn’t have to be a negative.
Read more wise & witty sayings.
“You Don’t Know What Cannot Be Done.” – Toland Read More »
The Singing Whale
While visiting your loving, elderly grandparent, they give you an item very dear to them: a small, beautifully-crafted whistle on a chain which they received as a child from a mysterious, but kind, lady in their village. When wet, the whistle calls the nearest whales. In their more-active days as a marine wildlife expert, your grandparent used this whistle to call and tame the beasts of the sea; now they bestow this treasure into your hands for safe-keeping and prudent use.
Standing on the shore of the ocean you gaze at the whistle. When dry, the whistle sounds only of rushing air; when wet, but on land, the whistle sounds of rushing water; but when the whistle is wet and you’re in the water, the whistle sings an ancient and beautiful melody, though seemingly blowing a single tone.
Drawing Prompt: Taming the Sea
I’ve participated in a couple drawing promptathons myself now and have had a great time. Drawing prompts are a great opportunity to grow in your creativity and productivity. Now, I present my own drawing prompt for anyone interested.
Design a whale/water-based whistle that one could use to tame some creature(s) of the sea. The focus here would be on the appearance of the whistle. You can also base your whistle on an oceanic element other than a whale.
I’d love to see what you come up with; so please do leave a comment with a link to your artwork if you’d like to share it.
Promptathon Day 7: Carl’s Cryo Cream
Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon has come and gone! This is the 7th of 7 days of drawing prompts.
The prompt for day 7 is Fantasy Ice Cream Cart. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.
Carl’s Cryo Cream
As you leave the ring toss pavilion feeling regretful, you are cheered by the call of a wandering vendor: “Get your ice-cold cryo cream! Carl does it best!” The refrain is repeated often as a tinny-sounding music box sings playful tunes among the crowds.
For Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon — Day 7: Fantasy Ice Cream Cart
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