This workshop was just what I needed. It was more about the design and creative aspect of concept art - rather than the technique and the painting/ drawing aspect. Here are some of the main points I picked up...
1) Take it Slow
Patrick and Christian encourage "slow painting," and are against "speed painting" - (Robh Ruppel said the same thing during his CDA workshop). They showed us a painting that took 2 years to complete. Creating the entire universe in their book "Kolonie" took 7 years to complete.
That's a really long time. How does a painting take 2 years to complete?
When we were little, I'm sure we did all those things - designing maps, logos, countries, universes - just being really creative with our imaginations. I personally get really caught up on technique instead of just being creative, because I want to create a really slick painting. I'm going to take it a bit slower now that I realize this realize this design phase isn't something you can just skip and dazzle through.
2) Travel More
They also suggest going to flea markets to find "found photographs." I had no idea what those were before this workshop- basically they are photographs that other people took. So it's more rough and less polished than the ones you find online. Apparently they will feel more authentic. They emphasize that the process of going to a market, finding the photography, and picking it up in your hand is it's own authentic experience - and thus has advantages to that of a instant google search.
3) Work on Group Projects
A benefit of working with someone else is having someone challenge you. This means you won't do the same thing over and over again. If not for the partnership for "Kolonie," Christian said he would've just drawn rusty old trucks, and Patrick would've just drawn naked sci-fi babes - but because they had to work together - they each had to get out of their comfort zones to create something that was truly original.
Who wants to work on a collab with me? Email me at xpchien@gmail.com if you are interested. :)
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteit is nice to read your post...I do know Patrick personally and it is very interesting to read something about his work and the workshop itself. Thanks for posting it.
Bye
cool! thanks for the comment "On Air" - glad you enjoyed the post. :)
ReplyDeleteHey just found your blog, thanks for posting your class notes and reviews!
ReplyDeleteno problem Matt! Glad you appreciate it. :)
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