The Void of Thoughts

Hello sketch fam, it's been awhile, I really missed this space alot though. I was going through a phase which I thought that I had conquered awhile back but I realized that it still lurks within and creeps on me when I least expect it. Regardless, I'm still making every possible effort to be done with it and forge ahead tho..

Nonetheless, here's piece I'm using to kickoff June. I chose to create something like this because it really reflects on my phase for the past couple of months.

Title: The void of Thoughts
Duration: 30+ hours
Medium: Blue ballpen, HB pencil and eraser on sketchpad

I started this out quite in an unusual fashion, not like how I usually kickoff my pieces, if you check my old pieces, you'd notice that I use grid alot but I sketched this muse with free-hand..

I started my shades/rendering from the bottom cos sometimes when I'm done rendering the face, I tend to finish off every other part impatiently and it makes it quite messy.. so I took my time this time.

I run my shades layer by layer, I took the liberty to document the chin layering well enough for those who needed to see how it's done..

After making the initial strokes on one layer, I kick off another layer on it to make the surface smooth and show the different transitions from dark to light shades..

You can see how I stroke from different angles so I can get ink on every section and give a smooth texture..

The darker part below the lips demanded that I used more layers and when trying to go darker with a ballpen, you have to add more pressure on the surface.. now don't go putting way too much pressure fam, you might tear up the piece in pieces 😅.. you get it?!😏

I also tried to show the layering on the lips, this is one part of the piece that I'd keep applauding myself for, it felt like it's the first time I'd done something like this in my entire art career.

The technique for shading lips and eyes are quite different from the techniques for shading other parts or the skin.
When it comes to the lips, you're not only shading, you're also drawing the patterns, the cracks for realistic accuracy.

Another thing, while shading, be careful but don't be too careful, your mistake can actually be the standout feature you need for the piece. Give yourself some freedom.

Don't forget to use your pencil to map out your lighter sections, this really helps around the nose and cheeks for better transitioning

You know when you've taken up a challenge and you conquered it and then you're all hyped and ready to take on another challenge?!.. yh, that's what happened to me on the cheek section, check the next slide.

So I'm usually scared when I'm shading on wide spaces like the cheek, the neck and the forehead.. so This Time, I got it right( atleast that's what I think 😏) and then I thought to myself, why not go extra and add the muses pimples 😶

I went ahead and did it, I couldn't tell if I did it right or not but I believe I shouldn't have taken up that extra challenge so soon😅

Now the forehead, the wide space I try to avoid, even when I'm shading with pencil, I get scared around there but then, it's not a complete portrait without all the muses features, so why not go ahead and shade in those layers with a free mind.

And guys, just incase you followed up to this point, I should have dropped this hint long ago but I got carried away with telling y'all about my experience.
Take breaks when working on piece beyond 1hr or 2hrs, take some short breaks, do some other stuffs.. I'd suggest you eat😅 and come back with a refreshed mind, trust me, you'll be at your best.

Ok, back to art talk, our last WIP pic,the hair section is all about tones and patterns, every hairstyle has a pattern, study the pattern and apply it on your drawing and it'll reflect.

And that would be all for today guys, thanks for following up, I hope I shared something good to someone with this.
You can Always share tips and hints with me in the comment booth and still ask questions too. I'd be glad to interact with y'all.
Gracias