Attached are images of 2 of the textures I have done for the 25 Texture Challenge, and how my observation studies (and one of my texture gradients) went for them.
I know that I have done something wrong (because it doesn't look right), but I don't know exactly what that is or how to fix it. Does anyone have any advice?
I feel your pain. Two years ago I did Lesson 2's texture analysis exercise on my own just to see if I could. The crumpled paper part went along fine because I set up a desk lamp to shine on it in a dark room. It was very clear where the shadows were and I didn't feel like I was trying to walk, sing, and chew bubble gum at the same time. However when I moved onto color reference images, with their complex lighting, I felt completely lost, and my confidence tanked. What I did next disqualified me for submission but it gave me the confidence I needed to deal with texture.
What I did was I would take my reference image into an image editor--mine is Photoshop--and convert it to grayscale and then increase the contrast a lot. It made it a hell of a lot easier to group the cast shadows into dark enough to put down in felt liner or light enough to leave white. It helped me wrap my head around what the heck was going on in the original reference image. I'd be able to look back it and clearly see the values. Eventually I often could just use the original image, which I did several times while doing the dissections exercise on my own.
When I get to lesson 2 for reals--I've got to finish my 250 box challenge first--I think I'll emotionally and mentally be in a place where I can do the exercise as intended and finally get my credit for it.
Heya man! You reviewed my 25 texture challenge yesterday for which I am very grateful, so I wanted to try and help you out too! :P After all, teaching is a great way to learn :D I also can empathize with you here, because this challenge was tough!
I kinda noticed you used some scratchy lines in these textures, and I know it can be tough with a 0.5 fineliner pen, thats why I usually use a brush pen (which is so good especially when you are sketching!) or a bigger fineliner like a 1 or 2. I usually find that when I fill these textures more than I can with a 0.5 fineliner line it looks better, because I think this is more of a matter of how it looks, not how you applied your knowledge to this exercise. I think in that department you did great! Maybe you can try to outline the form of the cast shadows with the 0.5 fineliner and then go in with a thicker pen, which is usually what I do. :P
Now, I ain't no professional, but I hope this might help you out, especially since you did great with the technical aspect of this challenge, so maybe refining it will make it look more "right" :D
Thank you very much for your advice! However, I already use a brush pen (though I suppose I'm not particularly adept in wielding it yet), but I appreciate your help nonetheless!
Lots of love keep going strong man! :D
Like the Staedtlers, these also come in a set of multiple weights - the ones we use are F. One useful thing in these sets however (if you can't find the pens individually) is that some of the sets come with a brush pen (the B size). These can be helpful in filling out big black areas.
Still, I'd recommend buying these in person if you can, at a proper art supply store. They'll generally let you buy them individually, and also test them out beforehand to weed out any duds.
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