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Monday, January 7, 2013

Tips to Sketch Moving Children

Hi, Friends, how have you been? 
I've submitted the story board. Feedback is very positive. I'm very happy! Thank you for warm cheers that enable me go forward. 
This week, I'll chat over the tips to sketch moving children. Case study : Two swimming boys in a very shallow fountain, less than a knee deep. 

1) Catch pattern of movement.
Often children repeat the same pattern in moving such as playing, gaming, sporting etc. So, closely look at them.

Yesterday, I saw the two boys swimming in a very shallow fountain. The boys could not swim well, but "moved around" with hands. Oh, brilliant subject. While sketching, the boys and I kept laughing! (A4)
I observed them carefully. Both took a breath, put their heads under water and moved with hands, paddling "some." It was repeated. 
Friensd, pick up a most favorite moment = most impressive movement = make a drama. I chose their different moment and made a contrast. 

2) Trust in your eyes and be brave.
We, all, have good eye to tell the accuracy of drawings. It means only if our hands could respond well to eyes. Try simple lines to respond your eyes' order. 
An original quick sketch is below. Quite simple. Small matters are no matter.

3) Value is vital.
I added colours and emphasized value in a studio. High light and darkest areas in the sketch are the key. I did NOT mean to draw meticulously AT ALL. The point was how I could send a mood to viewers.

Also, to create the image of water was challenging, but I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Next time, certainly, I can more enjoy water, shadow, moving waves, reflections of light!

4) Stick Figure -- Alternative Approach
I use very simple lines, too. When value is added, it becomes a lively sketch! So, Friends, stick figure is brilliant and helpful to capture movement. Go for it!




Yes, once I sketched a girl at that fountain. You get how shallow it is. Sketching moving children is a joy. After being models for me, children come and see my sketches with a great respect. Children are so polite and well behave. We become friends around the fountain. Nice!
Friends, have fun and never be tough on yourself. Please love your each work. 
Now, I'll get back to the picture book illustration.
Friends, let's enjoy drawing. 
Happy Painting!!







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26 comments:

  1. I can hear the cheerful noises of the children and the splashing of water, when I look at your drawings. They are great!

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    1. Hi, Judy,
      Thank you. Yeah, the boys were really happy and cheerful like sunshine.
      Cheers, Sadami

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  2. Sadami these are wonderful! I'm really intrigued by what you said about catching pattern movement! I had a little AHA moment there. I never thought about that before! But wow, it makes so much sense, when drawing, to be familiar with the gestures of that person.

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    1. Dear Katherine,
      Yes, once eyes learn pattern of movement, eyes tell hands how to draw. We say, "He who listens most speaks best." I say, "She who watches most draws best." Enjoy drawing!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  3. Dear Sadami I read together  the last two post. You are so right in your words!
       Put the soul into what we paint or draw, is so important.
    When I look at the drawings of children, I am enchanted by what they express.
    Not yet affected by many things, easily they put soul into what they do.
    I'll be back child more often ... and then I'll see what happens!
    Thanks for your thoughts so touching and so interesting,an inspiration to start the week! Happy painting you too!
    Rita

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    1. Hi, caring Rita,
      Thank you. Children are wonderful subjects I really love. I hope you'll enjoy sketching them. Being as a granny, if you make your grand children's portraits, it would be wonderful. Go, go, Rita! If you keep up daily sketching children, you'll become a master of children. Enjoy drawing!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  4. ¡Qué gran lección! Da gusto aprender con una maestra como tú.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Hola, Onera,
      ¡Muchas gracias! Espero que un día nos podemos esbozar juntos!
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Hi, Onera,
      Thank you very much! I hope one day we can sketch together!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Onera said...
      What a great lesson! Happy to learn with a teacher like you.
      A hug.

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  5. Really wonderful advice Sadami. Delightful sketches too.

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    1. Dear Teri,
      Thank you! You,too, make delightful sketches. Keep up your wonderful work.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  6. Precioisos tus trabajos. Siempre es un placer visitar tu página

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    1. Oh, Marene, gracias por los saludos de visitantes y calientes!
      Usted, también, disfruta de dibujo y fotos!!
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Oh, Marene, thank you for visiting and warm cheers!
      You,too, enjoy drawing and photos!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Marene said...
      Precioisos your work. It is always a pleasure to visit your page

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  7. Wonderful sketches and great advice.
    Happy new year, Sadami - may it bring you all your heart desires xx

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    1. Happy New Year to you, too, Pat!!
      Thank you for warm cheers. 2013 will be a wonderful year for you.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  8. I love these bright and cheerful children playing with water. Beautiful movement.
    Kisses and joy for you

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    1. Hi, Carmen,
      Thank you very much! I love and admire your watercolour work. Please keep it up!
      Hugs and best wishes, Sadami

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  9. oh dear Sadami, thank you for this post! very smart, very true and full of awesome sketches as always

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    1. Hi, Teresa,
      Thank you! How are your illo and drawing going? Take it easy. Be kind to yourself.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  10. さだみさんへ

    女の子のこの絵覚えてますよ。
    水の表現、むずかしいので、敬遠しがちですが、こういうふうにかけばよいんだなーと、わかりますね。
    工程を見るのは、勉強になります。

    今日は、水に挑戦してみます。
    よい1日を。

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    1. Hi, Midori,
      Thank you. Enjoy drawing "water" and "Work on your style"! I've got two projects and busy. You, too, have a nice day!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  11. This is excellent, thank you. I want to sketch more than standing and sitting folks. I will follow your lead. The funny thing is that I do the same thing for folks sitting in restaurants for example, observe, see their default position, and then sketch. If they move wait until they go back to the default. Never thought to apply it to moving people. The kids in the school are amazing!

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    1. Hi, Dan,
      Thank you! In my understanding, you're doing the right and same thing -- I call it, "3D understanding." Drawing does trick to caputre 3D subjects in 2D = on paper. But without good 3D perception, a drawing tends to get strangely "flat" or does not convince viewers. So, I look at a subject from any angle as many as possible and get on work. Does it make sense? Let's enjoy drawing!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  12. wonderful information...thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi, Alla Prima Portland,
      Thank you for visiting and warm cheers. Your activities are wonderful. Please keep up!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  13. I will have to re-read these tips often as now I have a little grand daughter I would love to sketch, draw, paint :) Thanks!!

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    1. Hi, Meera,
      It's my pleasure! Yes, please use these tips, if you like. I hope you'll enjoy sketching a grand daughter.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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