Wildlife, Portraits and Pets

Drawing Eyes - WIP

2011-02-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

A new 'Stand-up' Desk and a new Studio!

2011-01-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

What can I say? It has been a great start to the year so far with renovating my new studio. Ok, so the trim still needs to be done, new blinds up and with some other minor details but overall, it's really looking more like a studio!

If there was one resolution I was going to keep, it was that I wanted to stand more than sit this year. Yes, stand! It seems as though I sit most of the day which is really bad for your health. I sit at my computer, eat, drive, draw etc......so this year I made myself a 'stand-up' desk. The desk was taken from my son's baby diaper change table! My husband went to the hardware store and bought another piece that would match it to extend the top of it. The extension allows the monitor to be further away as well as elevated. I love it!!!

It's a bit hard to get use to at first but the rewards will pay off. I found myself slumping forward, my stomach being crunched up and aches and pains in the back most days. I do have a backup 'high chair' that I'm able to use at my desk as well as for my drafting board or when I paint if needed so I'm not always obligated to stand all the time. There will be days that I will be lazy and just want to sit I'm sure.

Another New Year's resolution is to get more done this year is to design a new updated website which should be completed by the end of this month. The website will showcase a new blog, videos, lessons and so much more. So stay tuned!

Now that I finally have my 'own space' I feel less cluttered and more productive!

Happy New Year!

Melissa

The Group of Twelve

2010-11-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Belleville area make sure you drop by
The Group of Twelve exhibition!

Nov. 6th - Dec. 17th, 2010

John M. Parrott Art Gallery
Belleville Public Library
Belleville, Ontario

Twelve of Canada's finest realist artists

Zoran Rnjak, Denis Mayer Jr., Bert Liverance, Melissa Schatzmann,
Gabriel Krekk, Doug Comeau, Cheryl Battistelli, Alan Bateman,
David N. Kitler, Nigel Shaw, Pauline Bradshaw, Danielle Richard

2010-10-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

"The Secret"
Graphite Pencil

So I guess I should have posted this awhile ago....like in May! Yes, this drawing has been done for quite awhile now but I guess I must have had quite the busy summer. Well, now that fall is here I will be posting more frequently with some tips and latest drawings.

"The Secret"

2010-05-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Morning Kiss"
Graphite Pencil
2nd stage

So this is the next stages I have drawn. You will see that I really made some progress in building up the fur with pencils and a kneaded eraser. Sometimes I would use the clickable eraser to take out some fine hairs.

The hair on the back is a lot longer and not so course as the fur down their necks which was a little more challenging to draw.

I'm not quite done yet so come back and see the final drawing.

A new drawing - A Work In Progress.

2010-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

WIP - Graphite Pencil

Wow, it has been awhile since I have posted here. I have been doing some commissions between the last portrait and this new WIP but haven't had a chance to post them.

This new drawing that I am working on of the two Llama's were taken from a reference photo I had taken at the African Lion Safari last summer. These two were pretty affectionate although when I read up on them I had read different opinions on them. Some people say they are not affectionate at all and others say they are very affectionate. Go figure, eh!

Well, what I can tell you about these two, they were very affectionate. They were around each other all the time with gentle nudges and affectionate touches.

Drawing the teddy-bear like fur on the llamas are actually very tricky to do! I don't think I have had to deal with such thick wool-like fur before....hey, I always like a challenge though!

This is a WIP so be sure to check out my blog soon. I promise I will be posting the next stages.

Melissa

New Portrait Commission

2009-10-30T12:54:00.001-07:00

Devan, Heather & Justin

Graphite Pencils

Here my latest portrait drawing. It took awhile to do but it wasn't because it was hard but rather because of my time the past few months. It has been a busy year for sure in working on various projects, drawings and websites. This drawing was comprised with using three separate photos. Heather (mom) in the middle is a childhood friend so it has been a pleasure to be able to draw her and her children in a portrait that she can cherish for the rest of her life.

Wildlife Drawing

2009-10-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

A new course is coming in January in how to draw Wildlife in pencil. This course will emphasize on the beginner and focus on step by step instructions in demonstrating how to draw fur, eyes and simple techniques in making an animal appear realistic.

Here is the course description:

Drawing Wildlife
Learn how to draw the many aspects of wildlife by capturing the intricate, realistic details of fur, eyes, whiskers and more. This class focuses on the beginner by taking the student through step by step stages in drawing a wildlife animal realistically. Several techniques and in-depth knowledge are shared throughout the course.
Jan. 19 - March 9, Tues., 6:30-8:30, 8 wks

Registration Begins!

2009-08-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time again when the Loyalist FOCUS magazine comes out again for registering for fall art classes.

For more information check out the classes online at http://www.loyalistfocus.com/

Beach Buddies

2009-08-07T19:57:00.001-07:00

Beach Buddies

Graphite

Ok, so it's been awhile since I have posted a new drawing, eh? I can see how the days can really go by and make myself look unproductive too!

Although the summer has literally flew by....I'm still actually waiting for the summer's heat to come before the snow flies but there seems to be a fat chance at that.

This drawing, entitl;ed, "Beach Buddies" was referenced from a photo I had taken at the Sandbanks Provincial; Park near Picton, Ontario. As many of you know, I enjoy drawing children and thought this was such a cute drawing to do. If you ever l;isten to three or four year olds have conversations it's actually quite funny to listen to.

This drawing was shaded with various pencils including H, 2B, 3B, 6B, 7B and 8B pencils. I had also used an electric eraser to bring out the specks of sunshine on the water. A tortillion was used throughout the entire drawing plus a kleenex in smoothing out the sand. The hardest areas to draw were the frilly bathing suit bottom on the girl; (no doubt!) and the face of the boy. I had to use a mechanical pencil to draw his face because of the fine, small features.

It's still summer so please take advantage of the sunshine and go to the beach!

Horse Study

2009-04-03T08:40:00.001-07:00

Horse Study
Graphite
11"x14"

A Hot Summer's Day

2009-04-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

" A Hot Summer's Day"
22" x 14"
Graphite

Snow Leopard

2009-01-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

Snow Leopard
22.5" x 14"
Graphite Pencil

Wrinkled

2008-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Wrinkled

Pencil

Ok, so my title isn't that original for an Elephant drawing but I it's the first thing that I thought of and kept going back to. I spent a lot more time on drawing this one than the previous lion drawing mainly because of all the wrinkles. I don't think I ever realized how hard it was to draw an elephant. This was also hard to let go in drawing. I could go on forever trying to get detail here and there but like all drawings, there is a time to stop and set it aside for framing. So now I'm on with the next one....

The Stare

2008-11-01T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Stare
Pencil

Here is a drawing I had only started a couple of weeks ago. It was taken from a photo I had taken at the Toronto Metro Zoo during the summer time. The lion just sat there on a rock, staring towards a mass of people taking pictures of her (me being one of them). She didn't move too much as though she was posing for us. If you keep track of my blog enteries, this lion was also shown as a work in progress in oils that I haven't quite finished yet. In the meantime, I wanted to study the lion's fur in more detail so this is how I have become drawing it in pencil.

I have always been drawn to realistic artwork and enjoy walking through art galleries viewing other artist's work. I hope whoever reads my blog enjoys viewing my artwork too. Drawing has been a big part of my life so it's always nice to share it with others who love viewing artwork as much as I do.

Artwork

2008-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

You may wonder where my oil painting of the lion had went. It's still on my easel! I have been so busy doing other things including drawing an elephant (not life size in case you're wondering - LOL)that I have been unable to get back to my lion painting. I have started painting in the fur so I will try and remember to post it sometime soon.

With fall being here and the weather being milder than normal, I have been trying to spend more of my time outside with Kaden before the long, cold winter months come. I don't like winter and I'm not much for the cold weather so I will enjoy it while I can!

Members Choice Award - Belleville Art Association

2008-10-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

It was very exciting to see that I was awarded a members choice award for the coloured pencil painting I had done of Stuart in a pile of leaves. I just enjoy having the opportunity to display my artwork to the public so it's always a bonus when someone else really appreciates your artwork as much as you do. This award was very appreciated and hard earned. I worked on this piece for countless hours. Do you feel like jumping in some leaves when you see this picture? I know I do!

The juried art show is presently on display at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery downtown Belleville. So if you are in the area be sure to check it out as there are a lot of wonderful and talented artists showcasing their artwork. A lof of beautiful and bright colours in this one too!

Portraits in Coloured Pencils

2008-09-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Drawing Portraits in Coloured Pencils
Instructor: Melissa Schatzmann
Loyalist College

The coloured pencil course has started in drawing a portrait. In this particular course, students are going to be drawing a boy (my son, Kaden). It's quite a process in layering the colours in and actually kind of slow but the end results can be so life-like. This is a 10-week course on Tuesday evenings for 3 hours.

A new coloured pencil portrait done!

2008-09-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

'A Colourful Fall Day'
Coloured Pencils

Well, I have finally finished it!! Hooray! {jump in the air}

I had started this a way back in February (yes, last February!) but I didn't work on it for months at a time. This past summer was a busy one so I kept putting it off until after the holidays were over. Let me tell you, this was a challenge to do with all of those leaves! I don't think I will be painting another coloured pencil piece with that many leaves in it anytime soon.

I had started out using Prismacolour pencils and then added some Faber Castel Polychromos on top of it. I just bought them so I was anxious to try them out. I really like them plus the fact I can find colours in them that Prismacolour pencils don't have and vice versa.

I think if I had to choose something that was the hardest in painting this portrait, it would have to be curly hair. Gosh, darn it! So many curls this young boy has. I really love them - - in real life but not in having to draw them.

So don't you just want to jump in a pile of leaves now!

2008-08-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Orangutan

Medium: Pencil

So far I cannot think of a proper title for this pencil piece but I’m close. This was taken from a photo that I took at the Toronto Metro Zoo this past June. He was right up to his mother (or was it his father?) behind the glass while people snapped pictures of him. I don’t know about you, but I always have to feel somewhat sad for these chimps while they are cooped up in a relatively small space compared to their ancestors of the jungle. Everything is man-made around them, not to mention controlled. In just looking at this baby orangutan I can see how he will be spending the rest of his life in a zoo environment.

I really enjoyed drawing this one. Lots of hair but I don’t mind drawing hair - use to it. What I really love is how the background gives a sense of softness in the lighter areas of the fur on the orangutan. I have been experimenting alot with different types of pencils and have settled on a few different ones. It’s hard to find a nice dark pencil. Well, on with the next one…

2008-08-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Budding Photographer

Coloured Pencils

13″ x 10″

Gee, it seems like forever that I haven’t posted anything on my blog, isn’t it? Since it’s summer I guess I have been busy outside more with the gardening and just everyday life. Kaden (three yrs old) has been keeping me busy these days. We have also been on vacation here and there as well.

So on with my coloured pencil piece here. A few months ago I was taking photos of Kaden in his bedroom on his bed beside his window. The light was really bright and created such a contast between light and dark. I was originally taking the pictures for his grandparents but decided later that I would like to draw it in coloured pencils.

I can’t say it was easy. I would like to still work at layering his left arm and hand to be darker in the shadow. The colours in his pj’s, comfort and curtain really bring everything together I think along with the brightness of his camera. Coincidentally while I was snapping photos of him this was when he picked up his camera and started taking pictures of me.

I have been working on another piece along side this one but I don’t think it will be done for another month with the way my summer is going by. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Blog address change

2008-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have had my old blog for quite some time now but I have decided to have my blog hosted with blogspot.com so now I am starting fresh again. I would have loved it if I could have transferred my old blog information and artwork to this new one but unless I copy & paste everything, I won't be able to do it. If you would like to check out my old blog it's www.realisticdrawing.com/art-blog