First of all I do not claim to be a 'hyper-realism' artist, I am someone who just enjoys drawing, and if what I draw looks a little like the reference I am using then great - I do not draw a pixel at a time, I make long sweeping pencil strokes, layer over lighter work, erase like crazy and basically have fun. In most cases you can still see pencil strokes, un-blended areas of graphite, and lots of mistakes - but to me that what drawing is all about  :D 

One of the ways I try to improve my work is to compare what I have drawn with the reference image I used to create it, it can be a fun way of seeing just how close - or how far away from the original you have got - I thought I would share a couple of examples with you.



I find placing the drawn picture next to the photograph, cropping them the same and adjusting the tone, contrast and exposure you can see just how close you can get to the original. 



Most people think that all pencil artists want to achieve some form of 'Hyper-Realism' and I am sure that a lot do, for me I am looking to achieve something that is realistic and if that falls into the category of realism then great - if it still shows pencil marks, or you can see shading or something not quite perfect then I am cool with that also - as long as you enjoy what your looking at.



I draw certain objects, people, concepts etc. because I either have an interest in the subject matter, or I want to test my skills, but always because I like what I see - if I am forced to draw something I find it very difficult to 'give-it-my-all' and it always shows in the final piece.



By the way this is not a competition to guess which is a photograph and which is a drawing - that would be too easy, and in fact I want my work to look like it has been drawn - otherwise - what's the point? Hope you liked looking as much as I enjoyed drawing these.

   ATB

Paul :D

Your Favourite Work of 2013

Journal Entry: Mon Feb 10, 2014, 1:29 AM
First of all you will noticed that I changed the title of this 'competition' from "Best" to "Favourite" - a subtle change for most, but I received a few notes from people saying that it was wrong to compare work, or 'Best' is the wrong term to use when comparing art.  I have to agree, and hate to see people describe one piece of work as 'better' than another (Even if I have fell into the trap myself on more than one occasion).  Art is subjective, and down to individual tastes, cultures, intelligence, influences and expectations - to name just a few.

So this competition is now about what your favourite pieces of pencil/charcoal work were in 2013 :)

Some facts and figures first;
77 Nominations
5 category's
285 votes
57 voters
708 views

Not as many votes as I would have liked, but still a very good turn out.  So without further ado here are the favourite pencil/charcoal drawings as voted by you in 2013.

Portrait


The Father does not want a divorce with Die Mutter by EmanueleDascanio

An outright winner receiving more than 50% of the entire vote

Animal


Panda by paullung
A very close contest with only 3 votes separating 1st, 2nd and 3rd who get honourable mentions below

Still Life




It may not be the most exciting of drawings - but just take a look at the detail!!!!!!

Surreal


While Sailing Through the Thought of my Imaginatio by RamonBruin
No surprises here I think - featured in magazines and Newspapers worldwide - Breathtaking.

Movies & TV


Thorin Oakenshield by francoclun
My love for this guys work is bordering on stalker - it seems I am not alone :)

So there we have it - some wonderful and worthy pieces I am sure you will agree - and now to reward the voters
The winning selection was 
1.A    2.I   3.N   4.R   5.U

Believe it or not NO ONE PICKED ALL 5 CORRECTLY!!!

However 8 People did get 4 out of 5 and win 180 Points each :)
They are;
:iconisg-art: :iconfunkichkn: :iconfunkyk38: :iconnadyabogo: :iconfileera: :iconegil21: :iconphotonlights: :iconm-i-t-c-h-e-l:

All that is left to say is thank you to the wonderful artists for filling our lives with beautiful and inspiring work, and to everyone who commented, faved, watched and voted for taking part - hope you enjoyed it, same time, same place next year?


ATB

Paul X


Skin by SimplySilent
Hi everyone - so I have been waiting until the group hit 300 members before kicking off this competition, and this weekend we passed the 300 mark - so here it goes.

You will have noticed that the one thing our 'watchers-feature' group is missing is an avatar (that little picture in the top left-hand corner) - and what is a group without an avatar?

So without further ado - I would like to propose that we hold a short competition to select a new avatar for the group - when I say select I mean design/create an exclusive avatar that will be displayed with pride and of course entitle the winner to 1 years premium membership (or the equivalent in points if desired)

The rules - simply draw, paint, design, create, a picture to fit inside the little box next to the group name, it can be in any medium you wish and I am even allowing previous submissions up to 1 month ago (we have already had two submissions before I got around to announcing the competition formerly :D)

I do not mind if you crop an original piece or design from scratch - the only rule (beside the standard DA rules) is that it is relevant, new and FANTASTIC :)

I will close the competition at the end of October, and the 10 short listed (chosen by me) will be pitched head to head via a poll - the winner chosen by majority vote will have their avatar chosen to adorn our group, and 1 years premium membership!

I will try and think up some other prizes for the 2nd and 3rd placed avatars - suggestions and contributions are more than welcome :)

Just drop your designs in here ... watchers-feature.deviantart.co…  - Thanks to :iconankredible: for letting me know that there are some basic restrictions for the avatar;
the limit of AVATAR is
100x50 size image (.jpg .gif anything)
and it should be less than 15KB

The competition is only open to those members of the 'Watchers-Feature' so as of today you have a 300 to 1 chance of winning - but only if you have ago :)

ATB

Paul
Just a short note to say thanks to everyone who voted for my work...


Water Dragon (Pencil) by Paul-Shanghai


Water Dragon in the :icondaily-deviations: deviation of the month contest - It came 1st :D:D:D:D


daily-deviations.deviantart.co…

Thanks everyone - really appreciate your support.

ATB

Paul
I had intended to post the Draw-A-Long' features only on this group page - but as it is not a 'Super Group' I cannot (do not know how to) include pictures etc. So I have had to upload the journal to my personal page - sorry!!

If you have not already you can read all about it here......... paul-shanghai.deviantart.com/j…

ATB

PAUL

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