1000 days of my journey of traditional art. DAY 4 drawing practice of a bell pepper in my home
Hello, everyone. It's William Jiamin, welcome to my channel. Today, we'll continue our exploration of the arts, focusing on my journey through traditional art. I've set myself the challenge of drawing still life, specifically a bell pepper, which I've chosen simply because it's what I have at home. To allow you to see the process clearly, despite my limited camera setup, I'm using my phone to capture the drawing from a top-down perspective. Additionally, I've taken a photograph of the bell pepper to ensure you can see it clearly, mirroring what's in front of me.
Regrettably, I've been battling a rather severe cold recently, but I'm determined to press on. After capturing a photo of the bell pepper, we can proceed with the drawing. Placing the actual bell pepper on my workspace would limit my drawing area, so I'll rely on the photo for reference, ensuring we can still observe its details closely.
Let's dive into the characteristics of the bell pepper. Notably, it has a glossy surface, which is quite reflective. This is an aspect we often overlook when drawing. The lighting from above highlights this reflectivity, especially noticeable in the photograph. This illumination creates a distinct highlight on the curves of the bell pepper, with shadows forming below these curves. Such details are crucial for realistic rendering.
Drawing from observation, rather than preconceived notions, allows us to capture the true essence of our subject. For instance, the top edge of the bell pepper displays a thin, dark line, contrary to what one might expect. This observation leads us to a more accurate depiction, emphasizing the importance of closely studying our subject.
As for the technique, I start by sketching out the basic shape, ignoring the highlights initially. This approach involves laying down the general shadows and then using an eraser to introduce highlights. This method is particularly effective for capturing the nuanced surfaces of objects like the bell pepper, with its bumps and curves.
Throughout this process, I'm also practicing a new way of holding my drawing tool, aiming for greater precision and control. This adjustment is part of my broader effort to refine my skills, both in traditional and digital art mediums.
In tackling the shadows and highlights, I'm mindful of the light source and how it interacts with the object. This understanding informs my approach to shading, ensuring that the bell pepper appears three-dimensional and grounded in its environment.
As I work, I find myself contemplating the philosophical aspects of art and creation. This reflective practice is a departure from my background in programming and finance, offering a space to engage with deeper questions about the nature of reality and perception.
In conclusion, today's session has been an exercise in observation, technique, and philosophical inquiry. I encourage you to keep practicing, exploring, and questioning. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more insights into art, creativity, and beyond. Your support, through likes, comments, and subscriptions, is greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for more, and thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Goodbye!