Art Of Nature

A trip to the Museum of Natural History back in January was particularly inspiring.

Nature is made up of a balance of organic elements, forces and structures. Usually we refer to organic shapes we tend to think of "rounded" or "curved" shapes. Appealing as they may be, they can lack structure and definition if taken to extremes. When we think of inorganic shapes we tend to think of "linear" or "inflexible shapes". As easily defined as they can be they lack can lack human appeal and lack life.

I saw a beautiful balance of these two concepts in nature. Organic forms expressing "force" and life but held together by linear forms in between providing structure.

In illustration some call this a "straight to curve" theory. I've even heard "opposite C's". I see this as as constant pattern or equation in nature I see repeated time and time again in life.

Sculptural Drawings

"Does your drawing have weight, depth and balance?" Basic principle of three-dimensional drawing. What does that mean exactly? It's the art of creating an illusion of depth.

Animation maquettes are used by animators as a three-dimensional "model sheet" to help the artist stay on model and with the visualization of the character. A feat less daunting for animation that is being done digitally.

Animator Marc Davis sculpted perhaps on of the first maquettes for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Whether it's CG or hand-drawn art, artist have the desire to get their hands "around the model" from every aspect, whether that be literal or implied.

Kent Melton is a sculptor who did absolutely amazing sculptures for Disney's Treasure Planet. The rolling, heavy masses and volume of Glen Keane's John Silver and the almost fragile S-curves of Ken Duncan's Captain Amelia were reproduced flawlessly by Melton in three-dimensional forms.

Artists aim for truth in their work ultimately. Sculpture is tangible almost literal way to capture the truth about a subject. The concept of "sculpture" needn't be limited to clay or tangible materials. It is a concept that should be ever present in the work... especially if it's being hand-drawn on paper.