I really enjoyed this class, it was perfect for me as I’d wanted to draw characters on bikes ever since visiting Amsterdam last year, but I was struggling to bring the ideas to life.

Bikes from memory and reference

I have a feeling that my bike from memory would not be an effective bike to market. It was a great exercise to try though, and Yifat’s detailed analysis of each bike part really helped me visualise it better, mine could have been a lot worse!

Vintage bike

I wanted a vintage bike for a chic city girl character, and I chose a Monet green and taupe colour palette. 

Character Sketch

I tried out a few different colours for the bike whilst sketching the character. At this stage the character pose was quite static and stiff, however Yifat shows us how to create movement through clothing choices, hair and body positioning.

Final illustration

I love how this piece turned out. I created movement in the characters hair, bag, clouds and leaves. She is carrying a plant as I observed many people in Amsterdam, navigating the busy streets and roads, whilst carrying items in their hands.

 

2nd sketch

I decided to create another character, who is going to the same party as her friend, she’s bringing a pizza and her sausage dog along.

Final piece

The movements within the figure (hair, waistcoat and the dogs ears) are more subtle in this piece, and her skirt is definitely not practical but I still like the warm, fun and freedom it makes me feel.