Here’s my first attempt…not a good one but hey, we have to start somewhere.  

After reading so much about the Copic markers and watching a number of YouTube videos I picked up a set of 12 coloured Copic markers. These things are incredibly expensive however the results of art I’ve seen are amazing, you’re certainly paying for quality. I’ve also placed a Copic Multi-liner SP on order. 

I’ve moved on from drawing the basic framework of an manga head over and over again to start practicing manga eyes. It’s a key feature of this drawing style as it adds a lot of character to the individual. Below are a side view and front view of the first couple of eyes I drew. 

With all the repetitive sketching to learn this style, I had to take a break and draw something using a reference picture however still putting the basic shapes to construct an anime head into practice. Orihime from Bleach.

I don’t consider myself to be that well progressed with my drawing skills compared to other artists out there, I have been drawing ever since I was knee high. I do however appreciate and am grateful for what I am able to do and I am coming to realise that not everyone is touched with this ability (however, I’m a firm believer this is an ability anyone can develop, it’s not a gift), with this realisation I’ve confronted the fact that I have been taking this for granted for the last several years. It would be a disappointing for myself to look back on my life and not enhance what drawing skills I do have and with that thought I am picking up the pencil more often. I tend to be able to take a reference picture and give it my own touch in some way however I’ve never been able to construct a piece from my own inspiration and imagination.

With the introduction of anime to my many interests, it has shown many images of being able to portray human emotion and movement in a unique drawing style which is very appealing and intriguing. Some of the images are so simplistic however with a line here and a line there in just the right spot it can transform into a living image. It’s this characteristic of anime that has motivated me to go back to the drawing board and learn new techniques, the ability to portray human emotion and life and more importantly, the ability to draw the human figure using this style! Something I cannot do. 

It’s going to be a very long, emotional and frustrating road which I’ll blog about from time to time. It’s difficult to produce a drawing that is inadequate compared to what I know I can draw from a reference picture however, it’s time to move on and develop what skills I have.

Tasmania’s only anime and pop-culture event. http://www.aicon.org.au

Another flight to Sydney and a 4 hour drive. Should be a good weekend.

Will be a good night! Unfortunately I have to make a speech, not looking forward to that. Flying to Sydney from Melbourne then making a 4 hour drive to get there.