A few more Portraits via the Sktchy App
They noticed the sketches I posted, and I’ve been invited to do a live-stream on their facebook page next week (Jan 19).
If you’re on facebook, here’s the event. Stop by and say hi in the comments!
I’ve been testing out my on-air setup, doing a few small portraits (about 5×7″). These start with a linear pencil sketch, and a big washy silhouette. I hit it with the hair dryer, and lay the small details on top. Larger-to-Smaller, Lighter-to-Darker! That’s all you need to know for watercolor :)
If you tune in on the day, I have 45 minutes to do one of these start-to-finish under the camera.
The app certainly makes it easy to find inspiration. Every so often I’ll add someone to my picture queue – and last night I did these three all in a row.
I was asked what I look for in a subject – and that’s a tricky question to answer. Something about the person’s character just shows through in their photo.
Sketching Zeona, you see a very European face of course – but then the little clues, like she’s stretched her ear lobes, and has an alternative haircut (I’m guessing it’s a mohawk). Suddenly you’re making up stories about this person. I see a lot of underground bars and zine conventions somewhere like Berlin or Amsterdam.
Funny co-incidence – or maybe the Sktchy app is match-making behind the scenes? But turns out Zeona knows Stuart – one of my first Sktchy portraits. Small world on social media :)
So download the app and post you selfies! Artists everywhere are waiting for inspiration!
Citizen Sketcher 
I have been addicted to Sktchy since you wrote about it! Very fun, inspiring, and challenging – in a good way. I’m loving it!
That’s great to hear :) Any trick for inspiration! My work here is done :):) Glad you’re having fun with it.
Superb! Your work breathes life into your portraits so beautifully. Love your lighting. Looking forward to your live stream. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Chantal
BELISSIMAS GRAVURAS
Excellent paintings, so full of personality. I downloaded that app when you mentioned it before but so far have done nothing with it. I will try to watch your live Facebook event and see if that inspires me to find the time.
you are. sooo very talented……yet you have a wonderful honesty and caring about what you sketch.
I am registered for 2 of your Craftsy courses…you are an amazing instructor. I really think your work reflects you.
That is really cool.
I’ve committed to a sketch a day for a year-and finding inspritation is the biggest issue! That and keeping my enthusiasm for a year! I’ve never heard of sktchy before so I’m going to be using it as inspiration you can bet-see you there! (And I’ll be watching you live too!)
Marc, I’m dying to use this app or even look at it but I have an android phone and a pc but no iPhone. It’s so frustrating. They say they’re developing an android app but for now I feel excluded….. and is the Facebook demo only livestreamed? I’d have to watch it at 3.0 am in the UK. Aaaagh! I love your portraits!
Hey dapplegrey – (I have a feeling I should remember your name but ah – so many emails!) – well you don’t have to be up so early / late – though I will be answering questions from the chat stream. BUT they do archive the video: { https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sktchy/videos/?ref=page_internal } — and there’s a little switch under a dropdown on the right side, where you can set the comments to ‘realtime’ – which lets you see what the speaker’s responding to.
Thanks Marc! I find Facebook a bit of a challenge though I do use it to post as an Urban Sketcher from time to time (under my real name Deborah Rehmat incidentally) – but this is great, I’ll definitely look up the Sketchy broadcast. This is very exciting. Just hope the developpers get a move on with the Android app!
☺️
Excellent! yes – I’m sure they’re hearing that from ppl (android) – but my understanding is it’s just a two person team making Skchy. It’s tricky for these indy developers :) :)
Hi there Marc,
Your email is one I always open!! You always have something interesting up your sleeve! THANK YOU!!
May I ask what size you’re practising these portraits, do you use a pad of paper or cut your own and tape them on. What happens when someone buys them, do you package them in a sleeve or pop them in a frame?
Thank you again for all you share with us!!
Hey Karlene – lets see – these are small – I’m using cut down 1/8th sheets of my usual Fabriano Artistico. I’m not worrying to much about selling these studies, but if someone was interested we ship flat in cardboard and tyvek – it’s safer and cheaper than shipping a frame. :)
The scetches are very expressive. A good artwork
Whoa! These are so great..