Jen Dixon

Draw Your World: Sketch with Pen and Brush Expressively

This is really lovely, Marilyn. You've got a good handle on light, medium, and dark values, but I'd love to see you get even braver with them (deepening the mid-darkest values). So glad you shared and I hope you enjoy the rest of the class. :)

Thank you Jen.
I am getting a lot out of this class. And I agree - when looking at my piece after posting it,  I felt it was too light. . .

It takes practice to have those more extreme values feeling comfortable, and I've no doubt you're going to nail them. Being able to see it after completion is a huge first step to that confidence.
I'd love to see a "take 2" of it with a little bolder hand, if you feel like giving it another go?

OK, here is my second monocromatic.I kind of prefer my first foreground - it's more lively and playful I think. But overall,  much prefer the 2nd attempt,  trying to darken the tones a bit, as you suggested. I'm very interested in your feedback. Thank you Jen!

PS. Couldn't figure out how to post both versions without putting both in one photo,  and some got cut off. . .

First, the upload/update process for projects is a little clunky, but I think the tech engineers are working on a better way of doing it. Fingers crossed!
Second, I totally agree. The foreground on the second version lost some of that "in focus" variety of values and detail, but I think a "mash-up" of the foreground of the first with the braver values of the background of the second would be a beautiful combo. The rocky cliff really benefits from that extra depth you've given it. Totally feels like I could hike up there! (I know the farmer who grazes one of their dairy herds up on that cliff - always seems like they could tumble into the sea! Thankfully, they never do.) I love seeing this practice - nothing can replace this process and I am so glad you're sharing. Thank you, and can't wait to see more of your class exercises. :)

Jen, thank you so much for your time and feedback. I have been self sabotaging a desire to "do art" for decades. I am so enjoying your style of teaching! I am having fun and feel motivated. Will post the color project soon!

That's so kind of you to say, Marilyn! Thank you! I hope you continue your pursuit of art. It can be so daunting to see artists on social media posting their best works, but every single one of them started somewhere. Not sure if you've seen my Skillshare profile page, but if you ever wonder what to take next I've put together my suggestions of "progress paths" depending on your goals. I need to update it to include the Encore Live watercolour trees class that was published near the end of last year, but other than that update, the paths should help you make the most of your learning time.
Can't wait to see more - and in colour! :D

I saw your progress paths just this morning and will use it to select my next class. :)

Ooh! Marilyn! I just popped in and saw your colour version! That is lovely, and really shows growth and confidence in the subject from your practice in monochrome.
My only suggestion would be to get a little braver with the amount of pigment you're using - in other words, bump up those values a wee bit more to really make the painting pop.
In order to try that without painting the whole thing again and again, imagine slicing up the reference into thirds (top to bottom) and focus on perhaps the middle section. Practice that with some bolder colour mixes and I just know it's gonna open up some exciting possibilities for you.
I am enjoying watching you grow. Thank you for sharing and practicing. :)

Thank you Jen! I will definitely work on getting more pigment on the paper. I am enjoying your class so much, and yes, feeling excited about seeing a little improvement.

2nd class project; in color.:)<img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/3c2a2b1fea9840ae4699e3bd91cf8615/e0aee187.jpg 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/3c2a2b1fea9840ae4699e3bd91cf8615/e0aee187.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/3c2a2b1fea9840ae4699e3bd91cf8615/e0aee187.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Sketch Your World monochromatic - image 1 - student project">

Sketch Your World monochromatic

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