Now that it’s summer, I’m happy to say that I can draw daily. I’m in my element once again; woohoo! I haven’t done a lot of traditional art recently simply because I haven’t found my groove with that yet (I lost it over the LONG semester). However, digital art hasn’t been much of an issue, especially since the image is literally right in front of me instead of flat on a table. For those who don’t use a Wacom tablet, believe me, there is a world of difference. Especially when learning how to draw. Sometimes, stores like Best Buy offer a “Try Before You Buy” deal if you ask the sales associate (the hardware is hooked up to one of the in-store computers); if you’re curious, try this.

Anywho, but most of us use programs like Paint.net, GIMP, or Photoshop to create digital art. However, a lot of the default brushes, I find, are not as helpful as one may hope. Personally, I do like the airbrushes because of the soft colors and the softened look to the images, but sometimes, I need a little more than default brushes. Now, occassionally, I use Paint.net and GIMP, but I haven’t in awhile. So today, I’m going to focus mainly on Photoshop. So, Photoshop users, are you tired of default brushes? I am; so I’m going to show you some of the best places to find brushes for Photoshop. Here are my top three. Click to read more …

Tags: Art, Free Gimp Brushes, Free Photoshop Brushes, Gimp Brushes, Photoshop, Photoshop Brushes, Tutorials

Alex and I visited the Richard Driehaus Stained Glass Museum at Navy Pier. At first, this wasn’t our intention, for we were going to Navy Pier for some enjoyment. The weather started out good, but within an hour’s time, the sunshine gave way to heavy rain and thunderstorms; we had to stay inside and walk around the indoor mall and conference area. Thankfully, the rain led us to a diamond in the conference center: the Stained Glass Museum.

Alex and I posing in front of a funhouse mirror.

Upon the first impression, the Richard Driehaus museum was just a small dark room, but the entire conference hall was filled with the stained glass pieces. For those who don’t know, Richard Driehaus is a philanthropist from Chicago. His museum features Tiffany glass wall art, chandeliers, and windows. Most, if not all, of these pieces are from Driehaus’ personal collection (thank you for sharing!). Most of the pieces Alex and I saw were breathtakingly beautiful. Here are some of the images from our trip. Click to read more …

Tags: Angels, Chicago, Museum, Navy Pier, Navy Pier Attractions, RIchard Driehaus, RIchard Driehaus Glass Museum, Richard Driehaus Stained Glass Museum, Stained Glass

Hello everyone, Marisol and Alex here! How is everyone doing today? I think Alex and I are doing alright, we’ve just been really busy. Now, I’m sure you guys are reading this saying “huh? Alex and Marisol?” Yep, we’re both posting under the same blog today. Why, you may ask? Well, I will tell you.
A few weeks ago (it may have been a few months ago, I’m no longer sure), Alex and I devised a plan about how we can create a joint post. I came up with an analysis post where he and I look at one picture and we each come up with our own interpretations of the image. This is a bit of an experiment on the male and female perspectives of art, if there is such a thing, that is. Today, Alex and I will be analyzing  “Unrequited Love” by Deviant Art’s Elfdaughter (Averil White, who is also a new contributor to Sketching House, so please give her a warm welcome. Ms. White comes to us from the United Kingdom). So, without further ado, let the analysis begin! Click to read more …

Tags: Art Tutorial, artist, Averil White, blind art, blindness, color analysis, creating textures in art, darkness, Deviant Art Altura-Tears, Deviant Art Artists, Deviant Art Culturalrider, Deviant Art ElfDaughter, Disney, Disney's Cinderella, drawing textures, drawing tutorial, Dreams, Elfdaughter, emotive portraits, How to Analyze a Portrait, Perspective, Photo Analysis, princess crowns, royalty, Strathmore Drawing paper, tutorial for art, unrequited love, weddings, whiteness

I think about weird things when I’m stressed and/or angry. It’s been one of those weeks again, but I will spare you all and not go into detail. All I know is that things aren’t getting any better for me.

While I was brushing my teeth this morning, a thought crossed my mind (and I assure you, I didn’t hurt myself thinking). When I was in fifth grade many moons ago, a friend of mine (whom is now in the Air Force) and I took an art class at one of the local community centers. The art program at our elementary school honored us with free art classes because we were considered “gifted artists” (I wonder what happened to me ). Every Wednesday, she and I would make the pilgrimage over to the Center of Visual and Performing Arts for our two hour art classes. I remember that this was when Beanie Babies were big, so most people brought Beanie Babies to draw (not really; Nikki and I were the only one’s under 50). Our art instructor didn’t find this amusing at all; she wanted us to learn how to draw serious art. Click to read more …

Tags: Art, Art Class, Art Teacher, drawing, How to Draw, How to Draw Sunflowers, Shadinh, Sunflowers, traditional Art