Dragon: #1; Illus. Legendary ATC Series

I'm so watching this one!! Let me see how much I get finished this weekend.

Are the Strathmore brand pre-cut ATC backings good enough? I have the Bristol style and canvas/ watercolor or illustration boards, are those fine to use as the backing? Thanks!

Good to hear Jen! ^_^

NaughtElf, the precut ATC canvases are certainly appropriate for any of the swaps I'm hosting. ^_^

Btw, those interested, there is also a fantasy owl series I have running the same time as this one, it's for the Guardian's of Ga'Hoole & is also an illustrated ATC swap. ^_^

I can't draw to save my life ... could I use a rubber stamp?

Are you using hand-carved block prints that you have designed & carved? If so I've been contemplating a block printing series, may write one up & post it very soon. I also do block printing but, I would prefer the this Legendary series to be kept illustration only because I have found that there is such a lack of these types of swaps on Swapbot. There is also a lack of block printing swaps only as well but, I would like to keep that as a separate category swap, apologies but, I am making something special for block printing artists, too, it shall be fun. ^_^

Ok, I have provided links above in the description for the illustrated Owl's of Ga'hoole ATCs & the new printmaking postcards swaps. ^_^

OK, got my pencil sketch completed now, to color my dragon! I love this swap!

Oh and actually I had to use the smooth board it's 100lb, since I was using pencil and inks, it should still be sturdy enough , if not I could glue a backing to it, but if they wish to frame it let's say it may not mat correctly so I may just leave it as is. Let me know what you think, sorry to have so many questions, I just want to do the best I can.

So pleased you are enjoying this swap! ^^ No need to apologize for asking questions, I think it's beautiful to see so much wonderful effort & love put into an art project. The 100lb is certainly firm enough to use. Just don't want anything flimsy, & what you are using is perfect. ^^

Some artists do draw on their favorite paper then adhere their illustration to firmer stock. If you do choose to do something like this in the future, try to invest in some white rubber paper cement that is specially designed for no curling, & thus, no wrinkles or shrinking. Best-Test makes a premium white rubber cement that does just that, you can use the thinnest pen or marker papers w/pleasing results. This sort of product is commonly used in matting & framing.

Nice! I didn't know that! Thank you for the info, it really helps me so much!

I am finished with my ATC. If you want to look at it, it is on my blog as the newest post, in Naughty's Hidden Stash on my profile. While I wouldn't want everyone in the swap to peek and ruin the surprise, I would be grateful if you, the host, could take a look and let me know if I should stay in the swap. I am untrained and would not want to disappoint my partner. Thank you!

I sometimes forget that some of my smilies don't work on this site, apologies for that, makes my posts confusing.

gasps That card is gorgeous! Something to certainly be proud of, beautiful work! I read your blog post, it's hard to believe you do not illustrate more often, there are so many professional artists in history that were not trained as artists. I personally feel you have great potential & should continue practicing & honing your skill. On a side note, I know so many amazing artists that do not have little to no formal training. A sweet & wise friend of mine had once said to me, "As you go through life without much knowledge about art (this is what her art appreciation professor had said to his students), one rule of thumb to use when choosing art and what makes good art is this....it makes you WANT to look at it." Bless, and have fun, & happy to have your aboard, I want to look at your art! Keep drawing, painting, & creating, keep your chin up & continue illustrating because you have it, you are doing beautifully!

Thank you so much, I guess art is what we create, our vision, our own take on things. You are one of the nicest and most supporting people and hosts I have met on here. Thank you for your words of wisdom, or the profs anyway, for passing them onto me, it helps a lot. I just wish I knew more about techniques, but I have found some amazing books and I may scour the net a bit more for tutorials, right? Those are always a great jumping off place. I saw you gallery too very impressive I love your owl! Thank you again, it really is a pleasure to meet you.

A pleasure to meet you as well. ^_^ Books & good how-toos are good for all aspiring artists to learn. Not sure all of what you have been exposed to or all the mediums you are familiar with. You can also pick-up books of specified mediums or even a specific genre you may have interests in venturing, though, I strongly advise to learn different & proper techniques before you go genre swimming though books. Most authors of genre inspired texts will assume you know technique. Be cautious buying books online if you haven't had a sneak peek or a glimpse of the book you desire in person. Btw, pencil/charcoals is an excellent start to learn proper shading techniques that you can also use w/other mediums such as *most* colored pencils techniques, this seems to be the area that most beginning artists seem to struggle with & need a wee push of some guidance sometimes. I've personally done some tutoring for some young or blooming artists in person. I'll state that I'm here for you if you ever have any questions, though, I wouldn't know where to begin or how to do online tutorials for individual artists. lol I have a tendency to watch one work then give tidbit hints how to make improvements for desired results. My absolute best advice I can give anyone is to practice, anything in any artistic genre must be practiced, some may have some natural creative talent but, every artist must practice their skill for their best potential.

Thank you for the compliment on my owl, so happy he's being enjoyed. You may like to join the illustrated owl swap I have running, I know not everyone is familiar w/the novel series but, there is no need to be, I have provided links for the characters, & from the way the books depicts these owls (there is also a new cgi animated film about the novel series that is from Australia that will be in American in early September--& it looks breathtaking!), those of you True Blood & Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) fans will here his voice as a young Kludd, Soren's evil Barn Owl brother. The owls depicted in the novel series are quite realistic, species specific. Which will produce an interesting swap of many owl species,. I'm looking forward to depicting each species in my illustrations. ^_^

I'm happy I did open an illustration only series, true appreciation of an artist's work is incredibly important to the confidence for any artist, does it not make one want to create & continue their journey? ^^ Such sweet compliments about my hosting skills! Thank goodness, this swap, & the owls & printmaking are honestly my first hosting swaps, you really made my day, needed a pick-me-up! ^^

You are more than welcome! I am really looking forward to this swap and will keep an eye out for the movie.

Looking forward to the film myself, shall be neat to see their rendition of the wonderful tale. Though, this was the perfect time to begin the owl swap.

Attention participants & watchers, may I direct your attention to the description: I have just added links to 2 more swaps to follow this Legendary themed swap. Thank you for your participation! ^_^

Hi

I just wanted to know - if I draw in pencil, will it be fine if I colour my picture in? Or do it need to be only a drawing without colouring-in ?

Color is fine, I personally will probably be using mixed mediums; colored pencils, ink, & perhaps watercolored pencils. Coloring or shading in color is not necessary. I'm sure some may use pencil, charcoals, or pastels for their work. If you do choose to use a medium that is not smudge or water resistant, please use a fixative smudge resistant coating. You can get this in gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finish, I personally use a matte by Prismacolor.