Lynda Barry, in her book Making Comics, describes a daily assignment she gives her intro students: using a 4×6 index card, draw yourself (preferably your whole body) for the length of a single song (about 3-4 minutes). Check out her advice here.
Day 12
January 25, 2022
I was able to fit majority of my body into the frame and that left hand looks pretty good!
Day 11
January 20, 2022
Biden has been in office for one year today. As for the drawing: I am getting better at using fewer lines — or, I am better at placing the lines — to make a more realistic image. I have been influenced by Kristen Radtke, no doubt.
Day 10
January 19, 2022
Confession: I took nearly 15 minutes to draw this. I think I am going to transition away from Barry’s 3-4 minute time limit and focus on simply creating a finished project. I see improvement in my ability to draw hands. I have a knack for capturing fine details, such as the jacket buttons. (But, goodness, look at those horrible fingernails!)
Day 9
January 18, 2022
I think I’m getting worse at this! Admittedly, I realized I am likely focusing on finishing the drawing — that is, getting my whole body into the frame — rather than improving my technique. Ugh.
Day 8
January 17, 2022
Again, I am spending the bulk of my time focused on the face, as if there is a subconscious, self-loathing drive in me to make my face look good. Hence, the jagged lines of the sweater and that horrible left hand.
Day 7
January 16, 2022
I know speed isn’t the main goal with this daily portrait work, however I find I am taking longer to complete the illustration; by the time the song ends, I realize I haven’t begun to draw anything below my torso. Must remember to focus on things other than just my face.
Day 6
January 15, 2022
I tried to draw the nose differently and this is what happened. Meh.
Day 5
January 14, 2022
Definitely looks a bit more like me. This time around, I felt more confident and willing to make errors (e.g. my sleeves are not that wrinkled). My ability to capture the real edges and curves of my body has improved. (I’m not sure why I have the urge to draw myself looking up even though I am actually looking straight into the mirror.)
Day 4
January 13, 2022
I am getting better at allowing myself a wealth of linework and scribbles, and I find that I like the slightly sloppy look of this so much better than the strict, clear lines from Day 1. Easing up on the line work allows more time too; I am able to work in more of my body onto the page than I was before.
Day 3
January 12, 2022
My ability to draw hands is getting better, believe it or not. I am paying closer attention to details, such as the shape of my sweater and the pattern on my shirt. This face resembles my own far more than that of Day 2.
Day 2
January 11, 2022
I am getting more of my body into the frame of the page. The face looks nothing like me, but at least it is better looking than Day 1. Huzzah to practice!
Day 1
January 10, 2022
Um. I’ll just leave this one alone.
Mad Girl Review 