Drawing interior spaces can be a struggle without utilizing grids. In my latest video, I share techniques for placing objects within an interior environment, using a reference photo to inform my study.
-Krishna
Category: Videos
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Video: The Secret to Drawing Environments Part 1
Perspective drawing can be difficult, but if you have digital tools, you have easier options. My latest instructional video focuses on the power of grids, and how they can be used to create interior or exterior structures. I look at techniques to make grids quickly and also how to use Photoshop’s Vanishing Point tool.
-Krishna
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Create Vector 3D Structures for Use with Raster Art
My latest instructional video takes repeating vector elements to form 3D structural geometry that can be incorporated within raster art. The featured image for this post, along with the Silver Surfer image below, utilize the techniques I’ve shared within the video. Integrating vectors into my work has been exhilarating and I’m beginning to see new possibilities and directions for my work.
-Krishna
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The Blended Brain | My TEDx Talk
Last Fall, I achieved a bucket list milestone: Give a TED Talk. I was the opening speaker at the TEDx Talk event hosted by St. Petersburg College. The topic of my talk is “The Blended Brain: Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Thinking”, which encapsulates the idea that one can be creative AND structured. In my talk, I discuss how my background played a role in that discovery. I also touch upon the idea that teaching must consider students who exhibit both left AND right brain traits.
-Krishna
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Using Vector Techniques with Raster in Digital Art
Lately, I’m experimenting with the idea of incorporating vector elements within my raster-based digital art. I’ve been a serious Photoshop user for over 20 years; it’s a tool I’m very comfortable with.
While I’ve used Adobe Illustrator before, I’ve always kept my vector work separate from my raster art. My latest instructional video goes over two techniques in Illustrator that I use to manipulate vector shapes. Once I’m happy with the result, I can bring the vector work into Photoshop as a Smart Object for further alteration.
I plan to make a few more videos on this subject, and look forward to sharing my discoveries.
-Krishna
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How to Digitally Draw Sci-Fi Vehicles
New artists often struggle with drawing vehicles, and my latest instructional video attempts to provide some insight into an approach that can make the process less intimidating. The technique involves using Photoshop’s Shape tools in combination with the Transform > Perspective option.
One can also use this technique for drawing totems and monolithic structures. You can see how I’ve incorporated this technique for the yellow structures in the following illustration.
-Krishna
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Videos Where Silence Speaks Volumes
I’ve tried meditation many times, and – I’ll be honest – it’s never quite worked for me.
But I’ve discovered something akin to meditation that doesn’t require me to close my eyes and sit cross-legged in the dark. This form of relaxation comes from the act of passively watching videos – specifically where an absence of any dialogue speaks volumes. It’s a fantastic way to relax and unwind, especially after a long day.
Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order:
SimonFordman – Simon is a young man who has an uncanny aptitude when it comes to fixing things. While his channel focuses mostly on cars and trucks, he has also worked on motorcycles and boats. This channel is long form, where videos range anywhere from an hour to two hours. Watching Simon work quietly is a reward in its own right, but what also makes the videos worth the watch is the creative and careful framing. Each video feels cinematic, making the running time a feast for the eyes. Make some time for this one.
Serkan Bilgin – these relaxing videos feature a young man from Turkey who camps, cooks, builds tents and shelters, all in the wilderness. He is often accompanied by his faithful dog. The videos are roughly 20 – 30 minutes long. Bring a blanket and a warm beverage.
MrMattLee – each video features a silent, cinematic look at a new custom PC build. As a Mac user, I’m a little bit envious at many of the builds on this channel. Each video is around 20 minutes long, perfect to watch with a hot coffee.
PaulRestorer – die cast car restorations are a thing, especially when it comes to models from Corgi, Matchbox, Dinky and more. This channel features a meticulous look at taking a derelict vehicle and transforming it into a pristine specimen, complete with authentic packaging. If you have fond memories of playing with die-cast cars from the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll love this channel. Each video is between 30 – 40 minutes.
Pro tip: Turn on “closed-captioning” – many times, the host will share informative details of what is being shown.
Watching these channels brings me to a calm, centered state. And best of all, I don’t need to sit cross-legged to make the most of it.
-Krishna
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How to Draw Cartoony Heads
Having read and studied a wide range of cartooning approaches over the decades, I wanted to share my approach for drawing stylized cartoon heads. I start off with a rounded asymmetrical line, which I then duplicate, rotate and transform.
By using the repetition of one curved line, I’m able to create characters that appear to be highly unique from both a design and silhouette standpoint.
-Krishna
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How I Use Photos and Illustration References as Studies for my Art
My latest video focuses on a few techniques I employ when drawing popular characters, using a combination of photos and reference illustration to map the character onto a different pose. To demonstrate the process, I selected an image of Dr. Doom, drawn by Jack Kirby, and an unrelated photo of a cloaked figure, facing a different direction.
-Krishna
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How to Approach Drawing Organic Forms
This week on my YouTube channel, I share a technique to help drawing practitioners improve their understanding of form, specifically focusing on organic, asymmetrical structures (i.e. trees, teeth, etc.).
This technique is universally applicable, whether your medium of choice is a tablet or a sheet of paper. I hope you find value in it.
-Krishna