Random

So I have accumulated a couple random files such as this. It all happens when I am working on a larger piece, and I want to add an element. Like, a flower or some kind of jewelry or a bug. I make that object, hate it, but spent way too long working on it to just erase it. So, by the power of computers, I save the drawing and just...keep it around like some trophy of failure, hoping I could use it again some day some how. Things like this moth. Just another reason why I really want to stop painting digitally.

Oops!

So, I totally forgot to upload this :P I finished this before Catish...You can find in progress shots and stuff like that on my tumblr. There was also a live draw of this, but it got deleted :( AHH!!! Sorry...I need t get a program that lets me save the videos.

Just an FYI, I do post a lot here, but I feel as though you get the full picture via my tumblr. I answer questions and stuff like that and post random stuff. Check it out: Kelseybeckett.tumblr.com

New piece and process info

Newest piece, printed on canvas and framed (by my talented boyfriend) ;) to be painted over as well.

I received a question on tumblr regarding my technique when it comes to starting and maintaining interest in a painting...i thought it was an interesting question, and thought I'd share my response, here.

"Thank you for the question :) When I was in school I made my studio classes top priority.  I did fine in my history and lit classes, but I never invested a ton of time in them - just enough to get a B or higher. This left me with more time to work on art. I would also work in class, take my laptop and tablet EVERYWHERE, and only work on projects that I was REALLY, REALLY excited about.  Whatever the project was that we were given, I would find a way to appeal it to my interests, and talk to my teacher to make sure they were okay with it. ((In my experience, if you bring a fantastic idea to a teacher, even if it differs a little from the original plan, they will give you some artistic license.))

As for getting in the mood, I frequent tons of art websites, read lots of art and fashion magazines and collect inspiring images, quotes and videos.  Create an arsenal of images that make you feel excited, inspired and competitive. Most important is to have your own driving force...something to keep you going when there's no one around to kick your ass. For me, it's competition. For others it's self expression, politics, passion, etc.

Once I have a project I'm excited to work on, I just jump into it...sketches, referencing, color studies -  they can be annoying, but these are all things to be enjoyed in and of themselves.  Once I get started on the actual painting, I have a very comfortable setup and routine that keeps me happy. I put on a movie or a tv show that I like, buy my favorite energy drink (or beer if i'm not feeling productive) and just pour myself into work for...endless hours.

Sorry for the long response, but it's more complicated than just a schedule.  TL;DR - Get hyped BEFORE you start working, enough to last you till the end, and make sure you're super comfortable through the whole experience! :)"

Game of Thrones

I love being able to work on whatever I want...and it's nice, because I can see myself improving a lot...but I'd really like a job T__T It's a lot harder than I thought to find one.

Reticent

"Reticent"
Hope you like <3 in progress can be found on my tumblr...I'll put them here, too once Dexter is over :o)

Painting work in progress

Ygritte

Ygritte is one of my favorite characters in Game of Thrones! ((She kinda reminds me of myself ;) ))
This was a doodle, no reference, very messy and loose. It was fun :) I like being able to let go sometimes...most things tend to look exactly like the ones I take 20 hours on...lol
More to come! <3

Color studies and lineart

Progress of a new painting...I was planning on this being a traditional painting...but I just love digital and I'm so much better at it :/ We'll see. I'm loving this girls face, though. She's very tender looking... :)
<3

Hey guys!

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I HAVE been working! Just not on a drawing...
ON MY WEBSITE! YES! Oh my gosh, yes! Finally! It's almost out of the way!!!
AHHHH!!!!
:) if you want to see it in progress, it's KelseyBeckett.com, naturally.

<3

Day 9 early ;)

I was trying to go for a more"storybook" kind of feel for this...I'd like to have something in my portfolio that says "kid" at least a little bit :) I know there's pretty good money in kiddy illustrations. I'm just so happy to be drawing a lot, lately. It feels amazing...I love being able to do whatever I want!

Day 8

Finished! Two differently colored versions. I like the one on the left...or, I dunno. I like both :P Enjoy!

Day 7?

I don't know if it's late, or what, but i'm totally in love with this drawing. The colors here are different than what the buyer requested (she's getting a different version,) but I was too in love to leave this alone in a folder....these are getting a lot harder/longer. I wish I could charge more :(

Day 6

While Kiel cleaned the kitchen (he's a peach :D) I got busy with this commission...
Drawing more realistically is a real bitch. It's hard on me @_@ I might charge more for these in the future...but as for right now....I need the money real bad! Enjoy this progress shot.

Day 5

day 4

:) 

Day 3

Tried my hand at oils today after a 2 year hiatus. This is how I feel.

Day 2

Day 2, no booze! I am also currently looking for a dark skinned model that I can practice rendering...I've never attempted painting an African American woman, and I think it would be really fun. Unfortunately, finding high quality pictures of Afro-American models is a lot harder than I thought :/ I need big faces with lots of detail.
But yeah, that's my update for the day! Maybe there will be more if I can go get some oil paint with my mom!
Cheers!

30-day

I'm starting a 30 day challenge today...no drinking for 30 days, and working on a drawing every day...and showing proof. And writing about my technique. Maybe I'll work up to a tutorial...even though I hardly consider myself coherent enough to form sentences when I'm drawing. Hehe.

Just a doodle.

wip

                                          This is actually going to be...GASP, a traditional oil 
                               painting...with a background. And other stuff :) I'm going to be posting 
                                      a lot in the weeks to come, so stay tuned! Tutorials even.

Work in progress

I've recently quit drinking as much with my boyfriend...I get a little angry/crazy when I drink too much. And I love him...so I want to stay reasonable. These paintings were all amazing to work on. I remember all of them with distinct fondness.  Hopefully I can start some oil paintings since I have time ;P living with my mom at the end of June...it'll be nice to not have to pay rent. Really nice. And I'll have space again. It'll be good. 

<3

It's 4am. I'm gonna die.

Potfolio salon day

Goodies for the Salon!

Color Study

Sneak Peek of what I'm working on next...

Screen shot and detail shot

Enjoy

Screen Shots

You guys won't be able to see close ups once it's finished...so...GOOD FOR ALL OF YOU FOLLOWING MY BLOG! IT'S WORTH IT.

It starts...

Done!

Let me know what you think :) On to the next!!!

A day in the life of someone who can't make up their mind.

So, not more traditional painting. I've opted to finish the digital sketch I started. Even Kiel agrees with me - it's going better. And let me tell you, this kid did NOT want me to abandon the acrylic.
But I knew in my heart...that it effin' looked like shit.

Enjoy this preview.

This is how I feel about ART!
Tired but EXCITED

I KNOW JUST AS WELL AS ANYONE ELSE THAT IT'S FUN TO SEE THE PROCESS WORK!

SO - I'm going to document this as I go. For all 11 of you watching.

1. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
-If this were an html site, I would make an UNORDERED LIST. lolololol....

- Exacto, painters tape, 3 verithin prismas, T square, penicl sharpener, smudge guard

tablet, tablet pen, mech. pencil with a metal nib, strathmore hot press 500IB illust. Board
something large to tape board to, big bright light for long night work.
- Red cup filled with 3 different liquors. No. Really. I'm also surrounded by beer.

WORKSPACE!

WORKER!

- I do all of my best work on the weekend...when I can get boozey and stay up and not have to work early the next day. And you know, It's funny. Whenever I booze through the night, I wake up like a champ, writhing to start my project again.

- I think that's what they call a "high functioning alcoholic"

- Just kidding. I swear I'm not addicted.

MORE TO COME, SOON!

Color Study

Colors I will (hopefully) be applying to the traditional final.
I'm so scared I'm gonna fuck it up @_@;;

Misc.

And this is just some little doodle that I did to re-interest myself in traditional.
Not to be taken seriously...and never to be finished.

Fashion Editorial Sketches

Value study for my newest project. I'll scan the thumbnails and upload the lineart laters.