The Flight of the Macaw: Colored Pencil Drawing by Derrick Rathgeber

The Flight of the Macaw

by Derrick Rathgeber

The Flight of the Macaw was one of my greatest pictures as an artist. I not only completed this piece in a good time-frame but I used over 40+ colored pencils. Composing this image was no easy feat at all either. The reference shot I had was small and blurry, but the pose fit what I was going for. I used other references such as encyclopedias, and zoology books to get the bone structure, and muscle movements down. In this blog I will be giving you a day by day play into the creation of this piece. 

Prints are available at http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-flight-of-the-macaw-derrick-rathgeber.html

DAY ONE

And the macaw spreads his wings. There is something releasing about sketching the picture on the paper. It can be difficult to start a new project sometimes, and I know once I start to draw the piece I know it's on. I found a good composition in this image that followed a line of action. It gives the illusion of the birds movement, and flight path which is right off the page. I started to color the head and saw the clock, time for a break. 

DAY TWO

I really jumped right into this piece. I felt an immediate connection, and after the success with the Bird in Bloom piece I really wanted to improve more. I used about 4-5 pencils to get a good bone color in the beak. I started to work on the creases and noticed that after I colored in the eye, I felt him staring right at me with almost a grin. Although the camera I used picked up more white than it should have, you can still see the layers of colors I started to put in. I wanted to give this bird a bit of my personality, and you can see that with the yellow to red flame coloring I put in his feathers. 

DAY THREE

Something happened today that was a bit unexpected for me. I found detail that was not in the reference picture. My dad in Costa Rica took a far away shot of this bird in flight and it was very blurry. You could say that I winged it...pun. Seriously though I stopped looking at the photo at this point and just colored. I saw the form of this beautiful bird and knew where I wanted the muscles to flex, and even more I wanted to feathers to fluff out as if he had just flapped his wings, and you get that hint of back-draft. I also went right into the shading too. I don't usually do this until I shaded all the base colors, but like I said something just came over me today, and I was on fire looking forward to tomorrow. 

DAY FOUR

Back to what I was talking about in day three. The muscle definition. I think that was my primary focus on this piece. Not only did I want to see how many colors I could put in it, but I wanted to see how many feathers I could ruffle, and muscles I could flex. The one small challenge I found was the molted white feathers on the legs and by the wings. With colored pencils you cannot just color white over red and expect white. So I had to color around these areas using negative space, and then using small strokes to add the detail of them being white feathers. I did this with grays and browns. After adding some lights and shadows to this point I think I was done for the day. 

DAY FIVE

Today the macaw started to fly. Can I admit one thing, I actually go so nervous before I started the wings that I took a day or two away from this piece. after I put so much detail into the body I couldn't mess up on the wings. That would be the end of it. So I started on the feet. Believe it or not the feet were harder than the wings. I had to get a movement that made sense as well as give them some texture. The color was interesting to, I would say between the blues, grays and tan colors there were about 7-9 colors in the feet alone. That's why I love colored pencils. Just by adding one more color in a different direction or stroke you change the look and feel of what you are coloring. It may take longer, but you have total control. As for the wings I think the most difficult part was the angle of the feathers and showing the wind pushing down on the top feathers, and lifting the bottom. to do that I added a curve at the end of each feather, and moved them as I visualized the bird in motion. You have to do this, create a line of action and engage the audience. You have one image to capture their imagination, by drawing them into yours. 

DAY SIX

Ah the right wing. This wing was killer. I almost made the mistake of thinking the macaw's feathers were blue on the top and bottom. After looking it over I found they were just a darker color of red. The feathers are actually layered, and their blue feathers are on top. That being said I really thought I would have more blue in this picture, but If I am going to make it believable you have to do your research, even if you are making it your own. Now if you are drawing directly from your imagination, which I love, then all bets are off. This is the funny part I made sure that I placed the blue on the second wing anyways. I changed to composition to have this wing come off the border. It solved two problems for me, One I needed the wings to match up in color, and Two this was a perfect line of action that made this draw much more interesting. Now I was ready to move forward. 

DAY SEVEN

This is the phase where most of artists start to crash. The final lap of the finish line, and you fear finishing. Part of you wants to push harder just to end it, and the other halve just wants to put it away and never finish it because you fear the success or failure of possible messing up. This is where you have to be cautious and take breaks. For me I told myself I would just do the log for the day, and as hard as that was I did it. I added the shadows, and different colors of browns to get the color I wanted. A voice poked in to my head saying just color in the shrubs and be done with it, I know that would have been a big mistake. I was tired, and my wrist was hurting, and I know I would have skipped details, and just rushed it. So I gave it one more day. I originally attempted to draw this 18" x 24" colored pencil piece in 7 days, but I would rather add one more day and be happy with it, than ruin it but trying to hit a deadline that I placed on myself. 

DAY EIGHT

And with the large brush in the background with the skyline, this piece is finally completed. I think this piece cemented me into a good spot as an artist. What I accomplished fore myself was just priceless when I finished this macaw piece. I used over forty colored pencils, and I did it in eight days. It was a good feeling to know I did that, and I wanted to do it again. I continued making new portfolio pieces here on out, and rebuilding everything. If you think about it The Flight of the Macaw was me. I was spreading my wings and letting the wind take me. All the way trough I animated him in my head watching him move, and I think that made the picture take form and move with me. 

Thank you very much for following me on this piece, and remember prints are available at http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-flight-of-the-macaw-derrick-rathgeber.html

Also if you are in the Riverside, California area between now and August 2013, you can catch The Flight of the Macaw along with three of my other pieces live in the Artscape Gallery located at:

ARTSCAPE

The Riverside County Administration Center

4080 Lemon St.,

Riverside, CA 92501

For more information visit my website at http://derrickr.webs.com

or contact Rachael Dzikonski via email at rachael@riversideartscouncil.com.

How to Color a Delicious Pink Lady Apple

How to Color a Delicious Pink Lady Apple

by Derrick Rathgeber

RoseArt Colored Pencils we will be using.

·         White

·         Golden Yellow

·         True Orange

·         Bronze Yellow

·         Celery

·         Cardinal Red

·         Cherry Red

·         Raspberry

·         Brown

·         Black

Welcome to the great drawing lessons here on Derrick the Artist. Today I will be teaching you how to color your very own delicious pink lady apple. In this exercise I will give you tips on how to over lay colors, blend them to create lights and shadows, as well as textures.  So let’s get started shall we.

Step 1: If you are comfortable with your drawing skills start off your picture by drawing the apple shape below with the brown colored pencil. Remember your apple does not have to be a perfect shape because no apple is a perfect sphere.

Tips:  A PDF version is available if you would like to skip this step and go right into the coloring. Download the printable version by clicking the link below: 

http://www.4shared.com/office/H4G4z-BY/How_to_Draw_an_Apple_001.html

Step 2: Using the Golden Yellow make dark to light strokes outlining the shine. Start at the base of the step and define the shape of the apple. This color will act as the base and guide for the rest of the colors to come. Next use the Bronze Yellow and darken the yellow areas on the stem and the area around the stem. This will help blend into the green Celery color in the next step.

Tips: Use more pressure on the pencil at the edges and around the shine areas, then slowly raise the pencil up decreasing the pressure of the pencil.

Step 3: Using the Celery color you will go over the Golden Yellow color on the top of the apple. Start from the base of the stem and create line in arcs to the rim of the apple, then fill them in with the Celery green covering a good area of the top, but leave some areas available for the red to come through. Also add some Celery color to the stem as well.

Step 4: Now it’s time to set the base for rest of the apple. Using the True Orange we will start from the stem base and color the apple almost like a pumpkin.  Fill in the top half of the apple leaving small empty spaces along the edge, and along the base of the bottom. Keep a white strip-like area empty along the right side of the apple, as this will act as a reflective shine making the apple look more realistic.

Tips: References are great. If you have an apple at home shine a light on it to see how light shines and reflects on it so you can replicate this effect in your drawing.

Step 5: It’s time to watch your apple come to life. Use the Cardinal Red and cover the apple in nice even strokes with the apple from top to bottom and at a curve. Remember to leave the large shine in the center, and on the right clear. I like to rotate the paper so I can keep my hand still and move only the pencil across the paper. Once the apple is covered evenly begin adding pressure and coloring in areas darker near the edges and the top of the apple. Leave the area near the large shine lightened as shown in the picture.

Tips: Try to keep your pencil stokes in one direction. In this case arc them downward creating the illusion of a round object.  After you have covered the area you can crosshatch to darken areas of the drawing.

Step 6: The candy apple read that makes you drool. That’s what we are going for. So let’s add the next layer of red. This time we are using Cherry Red to help fill in gaps, smooth out our fruit, and generate a one of a kind look. Starting at the borders of the apple we are going to go over the Cardinal Red and start coloring towards the shine lightening our strokes along the way. Also get the top of the apple, and overlay the red partially over the yellows and greens to pull it all together. When you are satisfied with the look of your apple, move on to the next layer of red in the next step. Yep that’s right Three layers of red.

Step 7: This is the last layer of red I promise. Grab the Raspberry Red colored pencil and use heavy pressure along the areas you want to add shadows to. You can use the image as reference or use your gut. Get the areas close to the edges, and highlight the shine on the top near the stem. At this point your apple will have a realistic shine and reflect the paper it is drawn on. As an option also use this color to create a shadow on the floor. Remember where your light is coming from and color your shadow based on that. In this case I have light coming from the rear and the front so the shadow is outlined as shown.

Tips: If your drawing doesn’t look like the image shown do not worry. If I were to draw this again mine would look different too. Remember to enjoy yourself and take your time.

Step 8:  Time to give your apple an earthy look, and finally give that stem some color. Reach for the Brown and fill in the stem from base to top leaving some green color. Remember to color with the stem shape, and for an extra measure of realism sketch some harder lines. Next add a layer of brown across the entire apple, and the shadow. Remember to leave the shines white. Adjust your pressure to the level that you want. This gives the apple some more texture, and colors to capture the eye. 

Tip: If you would like to color the apple with other colors you can use these techniques with most fruit and objects. Simple adjust your color palette, and have fun.

Step 9: We are now heading to the final touch ups. Get a hold of the Black pencil and we will finalize the shadows.  Start off by coloring over the shadow on the ground. Once you are finished start darkening the left side using the shines as a guide to stop. On the right side of the apple you will start from the white strip and go from heavy pressure to light pressure as you meet in the middle. Then add some dark areas in the stem to show that the apple dips in. Once you are satisfied with your look we will move on to the final step. 

Tips: Black is your friend. With colored pencils you can cover other colors without making over shadowing them completely. If you need to go darker simply add another layer.

Step 10: And we are at the finish line! This step is probably one that most people don’t see coming. Go ahead and take the white pencil, and start coloring over the entire apple. You will notice that as you color the colors will not only lighten up but they will blend together and smoothen out. This is probably one of the greatest kept secrets, and now you know. The white colored pencil is probably the most important pencil in your collection. 

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed this lesson. More are available right here on my blog page, and at http://RoseArt.com/Blog. Be sure to check out my website for more updates, and upcoming lessons, and new art. 

Upload your lesson results on my Facebook page. Each month I will giving away great prizes, all you have to do is share your results with me at: http://Facebook.com/DerrickRathgeber. Remember to have fun with it. 

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Twisted Fate: Show Off by Derrick Rathgeber

Twisted Fate: Show Off

by Derrick Rathgeber

Twisted Fate: Show Off by Derrick Rathgeber

Our Fate decides to create an elaborate pulley system with the threads of life. This can’t be good…Awesome maybe.

Visit the Twisted Fate comic strip series on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/derrickr333/twisted-fate-by-derrick-rathgeber-comic-strips/

Be sure to find me on Facebook for more fun and great art. http://Facebook.com/DerrickRathgeber

Thanks again, 

Derrick Rathgeber

It's time to Rise like an Eagle and Fly

It's time to Rise like an Eagle and Fly

_________________________________________________________________________________

Hello my name is Derrick Rathgeber, and all of you know me as a colored pencil artist. Not only that I am known for using what tools I can find lying around to make big works of art. For years ever since my accident I have been drawing on 32 cent poster board, printer paper, and using a collection of RoseArt pencils donated to me. I am very thankful to the company RoseArt for sending me this great gift, I was completely out of black, and certain reds I needed to finish my last piece. They gave me an opportunity to share my lessons on their blog page and ignited my own blog page here. It's funny I thought that was my ticket to getting more traffic to my website, and possibly sell some work so I can buy frames and do some shows, but people never came. 

Over the last year I have posted my work all over the web in every free way possible. I put in a lot of hours linking these pages together. If you search my name you get pages upon pages of results. I am on Pinterest, Tumblr, DeviantArt, Facebook, Twitter, FineArtAmerica, and the list goes on and on. I have been featured on a few other sites as an artist, and I am currently in a showcase here in Riverside, CA. The problem I am having with all of this work I put in is it seems to go nowhere. I haven't sold one thing. I am literally all over the web, and I am not getting traffic. I wanted to prove to other artists that struggle in ways that I do, that it's possible to make it without putting in money you don't have. In a sense I have been doing well, and I do have a small hand full of great fans, but most of them are other artists that are not into buying work from another artist. I don't blame them it is kind of counter productive. But I have been invited to several shows, and I have had to turn them all down because all of my work is without frames, I don't have setup fees, transportation, or money to give as change for that matter. It's embarrassing to continue putting these shows off, and calling yourself a "professional artist." 

In my own way I do want to continue helping out. So in this case I am going to continue keeping my work FREE to view. I don't have a lot of money, and I know other artists do not either, so I will continue to help all of you for FREE. I will be honest and say this it gives me a great pleasure to see even 1 like on my comic post, or one fellow artist sharing their results from my drawing lesson with a thank you. I get a kick out of it. That money cannot buy. So what will change. 

In my many years, before I was placed on the shelf as a disabled employee, I worked for many different companies and learned a whole lot of trades. I made a lot of companies a great deal of money with innovative ideas, and advertising strategies that placed them on top. It was easy they gave me an amount to use, and I turned it into more. They gave me a product and I sold it. The had a number and I beat it. Recently I fought with myself asking why can I not market myself in the same way. I have placed myself EVERYWHERE, I made contests, I made ideas, and I advertised myself to the brim, so why can I not sell me? It recently dawned on me that I never invested in myself, other than time. I never put in the money. I thought what I was doing was enough. Hell I stood toe-to-toe with big named artists with a pack of $1.29 colored pencils, and a 32 cent poster board and won. It's time for me to rise above my own fear and doubt, and invest in myself. In return when I do that I know this investment will pay off for mine and my families future. 

By the end of this month your going to see a whole lot more of me. Starting with a new Twisted Fate comic strip. As the ink is drying, I want to say come back for that. And before they go "viral" you get to say you saw it here first. Before I get new materials you get to go through my web page and share my work saying check this guy out he didn't need to spend hundreds on art supplies, and he made it. You will be able to say I saw these comics before they were in a book. And I'll remember your faith in me and return it ten fold. Because everything I do on here is meant to be shared with the world. So I will end this as saying thank you for everything, and helping me keep my eyes on the prize. I am going to fly. 

Thank you,

Derrick Rathgeber

http://DerrickR.Webs.com

Find me on Facebook at Http://Facebook.com/DerrickRathgeber

Featured Art: The Fallen Angel by Derrick Rathgeber

Featured Art: The Fallen Angel

Title: The Fallen Angel
Artist: Derrick Rathgeber (Feel free to like my Facebook Page at http://Facebook.com/DerrickRathgeber
Medium: RoseArt Colored Pencils/ Strathmore Medium 18" x 24"

The fallen angel was one of those images stuck in my head. I imagined what it would be like for an angel to fall into darkness. Cast out by God, but as he felt remorse and tried to catch him is was too late, the dark already had a hold of him. I drew this when I felt myself slipping into a really dark place in my life, and I was waiting for an answer, I am in that better place now back in his hands.

Visit more of my work at http://derrickr.webs.com/
Prints are available at http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-fallen-angel-derrick-rathgeber.html

Featured Art: MezmerEyes by Derrick Rathgeber

Featured Art: MezmerEyes

By: Derrick Rathgeber

MezmerEyes is an illustration I drew in my sketchbook in 2011. This piece I can honestly say is one of those drawings that stick with you. It makes you form questions in your head like what is it, and what is it thinking as you stare into it's eyes. I drew these eyes originally going for a cat eye, but as I drew it I noticed that I gave it some human like features like the nose and faint eyebrows. I was mostly playing with the grey and black colors. The actual eyes I was going for was a nice glowing yellow with a small hint of gloss. 

I am proud to say that this was the first drawing that I did post accident that sold a print. It was in a church auction, and I listed the base price at $10. It got a few bids and sold for much more, and the buyer insisted that I sign the piece, as she had faith that I would be big one day. I was of course humbled and didn't think anything of it, but she was pretty serious, and was extremely happy that I signed it for her. I kind of felt like a celebrity for the moment. Kind of cool. 

This drawing is still available for prints, with great framing options from FineArtAmerica.com along with all of my showpieces. Some originals are available as listed. Feel free to view my profile on there and own one that sticks out to you, as low as $40.00! 

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/derrick-rathgeber.html

You can even purchase right off of my Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/DerrickRathgeber/app_309028460694

Thank you for all your support, and enjoy the art. 

Derrick Rathgeber

http://Derrickr.webs.com

Twisted Fate: It's The END??

It's The END??

In 2002 I made this comic as a great joke to all the rumors of the world ending. There was so much on the news, and media that people forgot the Mayan Calendar was made prior to leap year, meaning the world would have ended about 13 years ago. So to explain this I had my Fates explain that the Mayan's made a second Calendar but didn't say anything because it was just funnier this way. We'll to me it was. Enjoy. 

Visit the Twisted Fate, and re-pin them on your favorite boards on Pinterest at:
http://pinterest.com/derrickr333/twisted-fate-by-derrick-rathgeber-comic-strips/

Thank you,

Derrick Rathgeber
http://derrickr.webs.com

Featured Art - Bird in Bloom: Never Give up

Bird in Bloom 

by Derrick Rathgeber

Bird in Bloom this piece is so nostalgic to me as an artist. I think it means more to me that most of my art pieces, and for good reason. I went from a very dark place to a new brighter future with this one picture. 

Back in 2008 I was in a severe accident on the job, as a cable technician, that left me completely disabled. I was crushed by a faulty ladder and my entire body was bent backwards like an accordion and what was worse was the 150lb 14ft extension ladder landed on my right wrist. My chances of ever drawing again were not looking good at all. What made things worse was the fact that my injury was on the job. The insurance company never took my injuries seriously, and to this day they are still refusing treatments. 

In 2009 I continued to work on these injuries due to the insurance companies doctor. Although my treating physician placed me on full disability the insurance company sent me to a "wrist" specialist. This doctor examined only my wrist and hand, and not the rest of the injuries which included my back, lumbar spine, hips, shoulder, neck, and so on. Based on his report my work limitations were decreased and I was sent back into the field. I continued to take it easy and do only disconnects, and simple installs for a while. Until May 1st 2009, my co-worker called in sick. It was his week on call, and they had me take over his work load despite my limitations. I argued, but they threatened terminating me, and I had a family to think about. I really wished I listened to my gut. That day I pushed myself too far. I did two line drops, a trench, full house install, and multiple line repairs. I worked from 8:00am - 8:00pm with no breaks. In Blythe the weather that day was 110 degrees. Needless to say I just went home and passed out for the night. 

May 2nd 2009, Probably the scariest day of our families lives. I woke up from the day before completely drained and exhausted. I was constantly dizzy and couldn't focus. I felt really sore so I tried to do some yoga to stretch out a bit. I put the DVD in and did about half of the warm-up but that was too much. I told my wife that I was just not feeling well and went back to sleep. She watched the kids, and I went to lay back down. I woke up again around the evening time and went to the rest room. Sorry if this is a bit graphic but I peed what looked like Coca Cola. It was black. By the time I was able to look what happened I was already blacking out. My kidneys were failing. I got to Palo Verde Hospital and they were a bunch of retards. They made me get out of my wheelchair, and walk. Took their time to get me a room. And when the blood results came back they thought it was an error, and almost sent me home with Gatorade. You see with all the injuries I had and me working myself to death the day before in the heat I got Rhabdomyolysis - (the breakdown of muscle fibers that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is harmful to the kidney and often causes kidney damage.) 

My CK levels were over 90,000, and they are supposed to be within the 150 range. I was literally off the charts and should have been dead. After being transferred to an actual hospital in Sun City Arizona (another 4 hour ambulance ride.) I had to stay there for a good two weeks until my levels were in a respectable range. And finally I was taken off work for the time being. 

It's now 2012 and that day still haunts me. I am in a huge fight with this insurance company as I imagine most people are. I can still feel my body degrading, and falling apart. My wrist has developed carpel tunnel and signs of arthritis. My elbow, back and shoulder hurt with every use, and I now require a cane to walk. Did I mention that I am in my 30's. I had about given up any hope of ever draw or have a normal life ever again. I was in such a hole that I really wanted to just give up. I wasn't getting better, I wasn't getting paid anything, and it really hurt to do anything I liked to do. Even sitting down for longer than 20 minutes would kill my back. I didn't know why I was left to just rot, and I lost all faith in people.  

I bought me a new sketchook, it was suede covered, and very nice. At this time I hadn't drawn a picture in years. Not so much a doodle. I felt like I was losing myself, and I needed something to change. I had to make myself some rules. I draw what I want. I don't judge it, and I don't share it with anyone. Just draw. 

And I did. I found small times where I would just sketch, nothing fancy or great, but I did it. My hand was shaking, my wrist was in severe pain, and my back was straining, but I was drawing. That's the only thing I focused on. I noticed over the next few pages that I was slowly getting it back. I noticed that I was actually getting a bit better. Because of the pain, and shaky hands I had to slow down. I couldn't draw for hours anymore, but with the time I gave myself to draw I was completely focused, and really looked closely at the drawings. I was no longer the fast artist I once as, who learned to animate and draw accurate lines with one stroke, but a new kind of artist that drew sketchy lines, and slowed down quite a bit. It wasn't worse, just different. 

Towards the end of the year I was at the store and I came home with a large poster board. I said to myself, I am going to full this paper up with color. I was going to to a full 22" x 28" colored pencil drawing no matter how long it took. I grabbed reference shots and compiled it together. I chose the Gerber daisy because it's my wife's favorite flower, and this picture was dedicated to her belief in me. And the humming bid was because well we see them all over our back yard, and I thought it would look great in the picture. For the next three months I worked on this piece, and I was shocking myself. By the time I was done, I didn't believe I did it. I almost didn't want to finish it. After posting it online I was approached to place it in a show. At this time aside from the fairs, I had never been in a show, or a gallery. And this showcase was a juried show with professional artists. 

Something funny happened at this show. I won Best in Show. I didn't expect to win anything to be honest. Now this wasn't a money winning category, but I won. Part of the reason was my colored pencil drawing was categorized as a painting. They thought I colored this piece so well that it was a painting. Even better the judge couldn't believe the size of the piece, and he told be that he himself couldn't do it. Me I thought nah he must be buttering me up or trying to make me feel better. That was until people were shaking my hand. They were respecting me as an artist, and calling me their equal. This was all new to me. I wanted to do this all my life, and now it's possible.

So with this piece I was able to start new. I am still in a lot of pain, and may never be the same again, but now I have a future to look forward to. I have drawn many more colored pencil pieces since then, and I continue to do much more. I may not have a lot of money, or completely healthy, but I have a great family backing me, and I feel so successful as an artist because I am able to draw again, and share my work with all of you. I hope if something ever happens like this in your life that you use it to better yourself too. Don't let negative people, and negative events in your life take away your life. I wasted a lot of time in sorrow, and pain. I can't imagine where I would be now if I just gave up. I probably wouldn't be around to see how much  great things I would have missed out on. So Thank you for supporting me everyone, you make pictures like this one happen, and you make me continue to fight.  

Thank you for reading, 

Derrick Rathgeber 

http://derrickr.webs.com

This image is now available for a live viewing at the Artscape exhibit in Riverside, CA. 

Spring - Summer exhibit from March 2013 - September 2013. 

To view my work visit the Artscape exhibit located at:

The Riverside County Administration Center

4080 Lemon St.,

Riverside, CA 92501

For more information contact  Rachael Dzikonski via email at rachael@riversideartscouncil.com.

I am Ready to Get Started….In Just a Bit.

One of the most difficult things I have trouble with as an artist is just getting started. To me it’s something that drags me down like quicksand. The struggle of pulling myself together is a fight I deal with daily, and the more I fight to get started I find myself procrastinating more. In my case I feel as if I start one project I am neglecting myself of another. As of now I have split my talents into several different locations, that I am completely scatterbrained at times. It’s as if I am stuck in a dark tunnel with ten paths to choose, and rather than take the chance of taking the wrong path I stay in the same spot. Unfortunately choosing the safe spot moves me nowhere and nothing gets done, and every project suffers.

If you are new to my blog, or website my name is Derrick Rathgeber, and I am a husband, father of four great kids, a colored pencil artist, comic strip writer/artist, blog writer, free online art teacher, web designer, graphic designer, and soon I will try my hand at writing a book. All that is true I have done all those things, and you can find them on my website and right here on this very blog page. What the funny part is that I have put my hat in so many pots that I have overwhelmed myself to the point where I don’t know what I want to do. Each of these things are my hobbies, and I really do enjoy them all equally. I love making people laugh with my comic strips, I love designing characters for my story, and I love drawing detailed pictures with my colored pencils. So how do I choose? When I finish one project, how do I choose what to do next? When I start one I put all my energy into it, energy that I could have put into another one.

This was a problem for me for a very long time. I tried different things, and ultimately what worked best was just being down right organized. First of all my greatest enemy is procrastination. That to this day is the hardest enemy to kick in the rear, but you know what I am learning. I’ll start tomorrow, I never do anything for myself, I am tired, I don’t have what I need and so on. Some great tips to help with this little demon are as follows.

1.  Ask yourself: Is what I am doing now beneficial? What would be more rewarding? How will I feel if I continue to put this off?
2. Put off Procrastination: It may sound funny but think about it. Turn off any devices that may lure you away from your projects ie. Tv, internet, PHONE! All these things will be there later.
3. Reward yourself: I always tell myself if I draw today for x amount of time then I get to have x amount of time to do something I like GUILT FREE.
4.  Break it down: Sometimes we are overwhelmed by a large project. So overwhelmed that we don’t start it. So break it down. Say I am going to sketch it today, color this section tomorrow ect. This also helps you take your time and enjoy your new project.
5. Share your Success: Let people know how important it is to you. Sometimes we feel guilty for taking time from our friends and family. Sometimes they don’t understand what it means for you to be productive. Let them know, and ask for support. Say don’t call around 2-4pm I will be working, or can you watch the kids for a bit. And once you are finished working thank them by giving them your full attention. 

When it comes to deciding on what to work on next that is another hang up us artists deal with. Do we start on that commission piece? Do we draw that picture your mom has been asking for? Do I dare ignore everyone and draw that image bouncing around in my head? Again it answers the question how do I spend my time and energy? In my case I pulled myself so thin at one point that I just fell apart and did nothing. I had to get focused, and combat this problem because I wasn’t getting anything done. So what I did was I got organized. This was very important for me because I was all over the place. I didn’t even know what projects I had half of the time, or what I finished. So these are some of the things I did, that you can do yourself, to get organized.

1. Make a list: Write down a list of projects you have. This can be commissions, drawings you would like to do, blogs, website, ect.
2. Prioritize them: Number these projects from 1-10+ based on which projects you would like to get done, or maybe ones you were putting off that you would like to finish.
3. Make a Time Table: Next to each item write down how much time you need for each project. If it’s unknown it’s not a big problem. Ones that you can finish fast are good ones to knock off in-between larger projects.
4. Make a calendar: This is actually fun. Make yourself a weekly calendar giving yourself that day to work on a specific project, and be sure to add a FREE DAY on this calendar to give you the opportunity to work on projects that are behind, to work on whatever you want,  or just take a day off to rest.
5. Don’t make it Law: If you have to make adjustments it’s okay. Life changes and so can your schedule. So don’t feel guilt about changing the calendar, or missing a day or two. It’s mainly a tool to help you decide on what to work on that day. If your heart is in another project follow it and finish that project, you should never force it.

Once you have everything in perspective you will find your days going much smoother and a lot of guilt that goes along with starting something new will start to pass. You want to get into a good routine of developing yourself as an artist, but also find yourself being productive. Above all try not to make it work. A reason some of us find it hard to start up something new is fear, and worry. We worry that it won’t come out right, or fear that it has become work instead of enjoying it. When you feel that pressure, and fear building up just sketch. Don’t feel obligated to share it, just grab your sketchbook and just draw. This helps relieve that pressure we all feel to be at our very best all of the time. As artists we are our worst judges, and that can do nothing but hold us back.

So today if you are holding back a great new design that can wait, push through the muddiness and get through. Today it’s harder than ever with the many distractions that we face, but we have to close that world off and dive into our imaginations and pull it out. It’s not an easy fight sometimes, but this world of technology needs more creativity. Just remember every time you start a new project you are making the world that much better and more imaginative. That itself is a great reward, and incentive to start today.

Thank you for reading,

Derrick Rathgeber

Feel Free to find me on my website at http://DerricktheArtist.com

How to Draw Glass with Colored Pencils: Erasing to Add Detail

How to Draw Glass with Colored Pencils: Erasing to Add Detail  

by Derrick Rathgeber

Thank you for visiting. In this lesson I will teach you how to draw a believable glass texture. Our subject will be a light bulb so we will be using grey colors for this lesson. You’ll even have a small bonus lesson for the metal texture at the base of the bulb. What you will be learning today is how to use your pencils to color smoothly, and how to take away from your drawing to add more depth and detail. Are you ready to get started?

First off the colors I chose for this lesson are as follows: Grey, Cool Grey, Dark Grey, Black and White.  Also we will be using an eraser. Preferable a white one, or gum eraser.

 Step 1: Using the Dark Grey draw out your light bulb. You can opt out the details in the middle if you like they are not necessary for this lesson. You do however want to get the bulb shape, and screw at the base. This lesson is more about coloring and texture than copying the image.

Hint: Any time you are drawing from a reference a good fun trick to do is draw the image upside down. It sounds funny but it tricks your brain into drawing what you see, and not what your brain knows.

Step 2: Using the Grey colored pencil you will fill in the lower area of the bulb using medium pressure. Once completed take your pencil and hold it at a slant so the point is flat against the paper. Lightly begin to shade in the rounded bulb area using rounded strokes back and forth. This will give you a smoother fill. Continue to crosshatch and fill in the top of the bulb, and the base of the bulb until you get a good smooth cover.

Hint: Practice, and do not rush. Remember you’re not in a race, and you won’t get a prize for finishing first. This is a technique that you are trying to learn. Take scratch paper and use the side of your pencil lead to make strokes of different lengths, and pressures.

Step 3: Here is where it gets fun. Find a good size eraser, preferably a gum eraser, or white art eraser. Now you can look at a light bulb for reference or visualize where you will see the shines. You can also use mine for reference. Start erasing away where you want to have the shines. Be sure to follow the shape of the bulb, and do not be afraid to erase the details of the center, that just gives it more character. This gives the illusion of a rounded shape that you can now view start viewing as glass.

Hint: We used grey in this lesson because our background is white. This is only to make the 2D object appear three dimensional. Now if you have the bulb in front of an object or let’s say a yellow wall, you would color the bulb the same color as the background, or slightly lighter color of the background depending on how thick you want the glass to appear.

Step 4: Now we have to make the glass shine more prominent. You can now use the Dark Grey color and start shading around the shines. We are going to add more pressure at the top of the bulb, the base of the glass, and around the erased shines. Be sure to blend the Dark Grey and Grey together by adding layers of color from dark to light. Also if you added the middle detail you will use the Dark Grey to define the glass on the inside as shown.

Step 5: In this step we are starting on the metal base. Simply use the Dark Grey again and fill in the areas as shown. It’s okay to make these areas dark as we are going to add black to it later. You want to show the light bending around the metal object. And this object is smooth.

Hint: When you draw metal objects be sure to pay attention to your light sources, and remember that light comes from behind too, as seen here.

Step 6: Using the Cool Grey color begin shading the base filling in the left side darker, and leaving the right side lighter. This shows where your light source is and keeps the color flowing across the object. You can even color up and down the screw base to ensure you get the same dark to light scale going from left to right. And remember this metal is also smooth so it’s a great way to practice your small smooth strokes.

Hint:  A good tool to help you blend your pencil drawing is a “Blinding stump.” They are highly affordable, and easy to use. If not you can always use your fingers to smudge the colors together. I did before I know they existed.

Part 7: To add our finishing touches on this piece we are going to just define the light bulb, and highlight the shines. So let’s start off by grabbing the Black pencil. Start by outlining the bulb, and shading in areas of the bulb close to the base and around the top. Take a step back and look at your image and you can see where the shadows are coming from. Those are the areas you want to darken.  Next you will use the Black to also darken the shadows on the metal base to really make the metal shine, and stand out from the glass. You can also add a layer of shading to make it darker from the glass bulb.

Finally we are going to use the White pencil to color over the middle of the glass and shines to really make the center pop. Almost like the light is starting to light up. And to finish the drawing off add white to the right side of the metal base, and around the sides to show where the light is coming from.

I hope you enjoyed this lesson. Please email any comments or suggestions to DerricktheArtist@Live.com. Find my new portfolio page at http://Derricktheartist.com. 

I would like to see your work. In fact if you share your results here on my Art Facebook page - HERE -, I will randomly select someone to give the original signed copy to. FREE of charge. I hope to see some of your work. (Feel free to add to it if you have any "bright ideas." 

Again thank you for allowing me to share these tips and tricks with you, and if you have something you would like to learn feel free to suggest it to me anytime. Have a great day!