Concept 180: gestures

Wow! I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. Sorry for the dead time but between a heavy work schedule and a new daughter due in August I've been a little busy.

Here are a few samples of a new technique I've been experimenting with for Concept 180 to break out of my comfort zone. I like to take at least thirty minutes each day to practice gesture sketching. During these mini-sessions I focus on creating a rapid, "stream of conscious" series of loose, abstract sketches. I put on some good music, free my mind, and randomly throw down loose, exaggerated lines and shapes . I do each sketch as fast as possible without bringing along any preconceived notions in hopes of discovering a fresh proportion, profile, line, etc.

This technique is similar to a process I saw illustrated in a Nick Pugh DVD. I use many of the same methods shown in Nick's DVD but I've adapted them a little to match my style. The principle and results are the same but I've tried to add to the accidental, abstract nature by using Photshop custom brushes.

I have a library of custom brushes I have created for this purpose based on abstract shapes from nature, art, architecture, etc. I simply start with a blank white canvas and then randomly make a few gestures with one or more of my custom brushes at various settings. I do this changing little things each time until I notice something that stands out. It could be anything that catches my eye. A composition, an arrangement of shapes, anything different. I save these interesting files in a separate folder and then I go back and overlay them to try and develop the features that I think are unique.

The key is to keep everything quick and loose. Whenever I catch myself spending too much time on a sketch I put it away. Five minutes at the most. This is about trying to discover something new and to stop drawing the same shapes and lines that I have subconsciously favored through the years. I strictly draw these gestures in black and white to take advantage of the positive-negative space.

As you can see, some work and some don't. I get more than my share of bombs but every attempt has the possibility of sparking something new. It's a great way to loosen up or break out of a creative block.

Stay tuned for more!