Ian Murphy Artist

Dragon Woodcut Tutorial

webmaster — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:03:51 +0000

Printmaking is very much a part of Ian Murphy’s creative studio practice and he relishes the challenge of extending his sketchbook ideas with a technical process to generate multiple images.
In this tutorial he talks about his love of the woodcut process and the robust, tactile qualities used, in particular, by the Expressionists, and also the symbolic references used by Gauguin.
Ian Murphy introduces a modern and alternate approach to this historical process; using his small sketchbook images from China to inspire three very bold and distinctive drawings. The major difference lies in the actual process of cutting the woodblock. The traditional carving chisels, now very much frowned upon in schools because of strict H&S policies, are replaced by a laser cutter.
The important artistic qualities however, are not lost; Ian guides you through the drawing process to establish a strong “woodcut style”.
We feel that this tutorial will open up a new creative process in schools and particularly inspire those students who love the technical approach to projects.

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Venetian Doorway Tutorial

webmaster — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:05:50 +0000

Venice is one of Ian’s favourite drawing locations and is the catalyst for many of his ideas. In this project he highlights the tremendous character of the confined doorways.
This is a small scale painting with a confined composition and a priority of Ian’s is to guide you through the process of colour mixing.

“Learning how to use your palette well is critical to becoming a good painter”

If you want to overcome any fears of understanding paint and mixing the right colours, then this is the tutorial for you.

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[frame_right alt="Venetian Doorway Art Tutorial" title="Venetian Doorway Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/venetian_doorway_img1.jpg[/frame_right]

What will you learn from this tutorial?

Focusing on colour, light and surface texture, Ian begins by showing you how he transfers his drawing from the sketchbook onto the stretched paper.

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Understand scale and proportion by drawing the initial design of the doorway and its surround.
Laying down lines of character to complete the decayed quality of the stone and plastered walls.

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Colour and surface texture

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The fragile and broken surfaces are created by layers of texture; Ian describes the best ways to build up the surface of the painting.
The initial colour decisions are all made on the palette, Ian talks you through the best way to use the mixing area and build up an understanding of paint.
Brushstrokes and layers of colour are the main focus to Ian’s early stages of the painting. This starts to build the atmosphere and character in the painting.
Ian guides you through the techniques to create light and shadow. This is a strong feature of the image and links to tutorials discussing tonal qualities.

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Finishing touches

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Creating a sense of space and depth is Ian’s priority as the painting nears the end. He illustrates up close, the intricate brushstrokes needed to work with the initial colour choices.
Intricate character requires minor adjustments and subtle tonal changes of colour. Ian explains the importance of the end decisions to create the perfect light quality.

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[frame_right alt="Venetian Doorway Art Tutorial" title="Venetian Doorway Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/venetian_doorway_img2-e1316519478173.jpg[/frame_right]

Who is this tutorial for?

Ian is regularly asked the question, “What is the best way to get into oil painting?”

This tutorial is geared up to provide the visual answers to this problem.

Students often fear the initial technical problems with oil paint and Ian is quick to point out the best strategies to overcome any apprehension. This is a small scale image that is suited to any Art & Design or Fine Art student ready to take these first creative steps.

For those students already adept with oil paint, this tutorial will still help you make those critical colour decisions regarding light, shadow and three dimensional space

[frame_center alt="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/venetian_doorway_img3.jpg[/frame_center]

Venetian Doorway Tutorial Outlined

WEEK ONE

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Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Starting the drawing
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WEEK TWO

[simple_box]Part 3: Adding character to the drawing
Part 4: Completing the layout
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WEEK THREE

[simple_box]Part 5: Applying texture
Part 6: Setting up the palette
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WEEK FOUR

[simple_box]Part 7: Mixing colour
Part 8: First colour
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WEEK FIVE

[simple_box]Part 9: Door surround
Part 10: Door shading
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WEEK SIX

[simple_box]Part 11: Plinth and steps
Part 12: The surrounding wall
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WEEK SEVEN

[simple_box]Part 13: Concluding the wall
Part 14: Doorway glass
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WEEK EIGHT

[simple_box]Part 15: Neutralising the palette
Part 16: Building the shadows
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WEEK NINE

[simple_box]Part 17: Shadows in the columns
Part 18: Shadows in the door
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WEEK TEN

[simple_box]Part 19: Completing the door details
Part 20: The column shadows
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WEEK ELEVEN

[simple_box]Part 21: The plinth & steps
Part 22: Detail on the walls
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WEEK TWELVE

[simple_box]Part 23: Darken shadows
Part 24: Mixing the detail colours
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WEEK THIRTEEN

[simple_box]Part 25: Adding more details
Part 26: The finishing touches
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Dragon Drawing Tutorial

webmaster — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:04:14 +0000

Learn how to develop the sense of three dimensional character

This extensive drawing is part of Ian’s series entitled Chinese Dragons. This tutorial explores how he develops the sense of three dimensional character and atmospheric shading to reach such an imposing final conclusion.
It looks like a lot of lads are liking this tutorial.

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[frame_right alt="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dragon_drawing_img1.jpg[/frame_right]

The Emperor’s Dragons – mysterious and dramatic

“A recurring theme over the last few years has been my sketches of the figures and creatures that populate many pagoda roof lines and temple entrances.
The character and strength of the sculpture is always prominent and thought provoking, almost enticing your mind to discover their true significance.”
Ian Murphy

Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. As the emblem of the Emperor and the Imperial command, the legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the ancient Chinese civilization and shapes their culture even today. The Chinese Dragon is often seen as the symbol of divine protection and vigilance, and is regarded as the Supreme Being amongst all creatures. It has the ability to live in the seas, fly up into the heavens and coil up in the land taking the form of mountains.
Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem.

What will you learn from this tutorial?

This extensive drawing tutorial starts with the design and layout process

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The initial drawn line is critical to the success of the final image, it is important to follow the first decisions in the life of a drawing.
Ian illustrates the movement he creates from the roofline in the background to the dominant, powerful dragon figure that engulfs the foreground space.

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Creating Mood and Atmosphere

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Tone is the formal element in drawing terms that is fundamental to this stage of the image. Ian shows you how to initiate the sense of light and dark and start to create a sense of mystery.
Discover the techniques Ian uses to enhance the dramatic lighting qualities, these are a focal point on the Dragon and builds up its imposing character.
The dramatic mood and atmosphere is created in layers, Ian talks you through, and describes each step to show the amazing distance across the pagoda roof tiles.

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Strong, powerful and mysterious structure

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The character of the Dragon relies on understanding scale, proportion and volume, Ian illustrates the best marks to use to create this sense of structure.
The age and surface decay of the Dragon is enhanced by the surface texture; at this stage of the tutorial Ian guides you through the essential process.
The Chinese Dragon’s pose is majestic and powerful, Ian describes how to create the amazing symbolic head and the menacing claw

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The finishing touches

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The all-important defining features that really enhances the powerful character of the Dragon and the distinctive perspective of the Chinese temple.
Completing the mysterious and atmospheric character of the drawing, the final marks that capture the dramatic lighting.

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[button link="http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/category/video-tutorials/dragon-drawing/" size="large" align="right"]Go to tutorial[/button]

[frame_right alt="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dragon_drawing_img2.jpg[/frame_right]

Who is this tutorial for?

Drawing is the fundamental skill that underpins all our creativity and is always a main focal point to Ian’s live workshops. This tutorial will be perfect for anyone who has a desire to learn how to produce a strong and dramatic image.

Requests have come from:

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3D students wanting to see the techniques Ian uses to develop the powerful form and structure of the dragon.
Fine Art students eager to embrace the methods used to create dramatic lighting
Art & Design students wanting to incorporate surface texture in their own drawing.

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[frame_right alt="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Dragon Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dragon_drawing_img3-e1316516177557.jpg[/frame_right]

Dragon Drawing Tutorial Outlined

WEEK ONE

[simple_box]
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Starting the drawing
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WEEK TWO

[simple_box]Part 3: The first tones
Part 4: Developing the atmosphere
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WEEK THREE

[simple_box]Part 5: The head of the dragon
Part 6: Starting the character of the body
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WEEK FOUR

[simple_box]Part 7: Establishing character throughout the body
Part 8: Placing the dragon on the roofline
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WEEK FIVE

[simple_box]Part 9: The Foreground Plint
Part 10: The Pagoda Roof Tiles
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WEEK SIX

[simple_box]Part 11: Developing the ridged character of the roof
Part 12: Creating the atmosphere of the roof
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WEEK SEVEN

[simple_box]Part 13: Merging the dragon into the roof
Part 14: The dominant claw
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WEEK EIGHT

[simple_box]Part 15: Pagoda roof details
Part 16: The background dragon
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WEEK NINE

[simple_box]Part 17: The dragon’s tail
Part 18: The distant pagoda roof
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WEEK TEN

[simple_box]Part 19: The dragon’s spine
Part 20: The dragon’s head
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WEEK ELEVEN

[simple_box]Part 21: Developing the ornate features
Part 22: The finishing touches
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Line Drawing Tutorial

webmaster — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:03:49 +0000

The first tutorial in the series starts from Ian’s sketchbook work in the Philippines. Exploring the structure, movement and shape of banana trees and leaves, he illustrates and narrates the techniques needed to create a beautiful, flowing linear composition using graphite lines to describe the twisted and intertwined character of the plant.

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[frame_right alt="Organic Line Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Organic Line Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/line_drawing_img1.jpg[/frame_right]

What will you learn from this tutorial?

Design and layout

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Frequently asked by students, “How do you start a drawing of a natural form?” Ian guides you through the all-important initial decisions.
The initial aims and objectives of a drawing are often overlooked by students. Ian focuses his discussion on the strategy of the first set of lines and why he uses a delicate approach.

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Lines with character

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Expand your skill base by following Ian’s commentary and demonstration of how to vary the use of a graphite line.
Form, structure, shape, and contour are all the qualities Ian focuses on in the first part of the drawing
Texture, pattern, light and shade are the development features of the drawing these are the qualities that add the extra character to the image.

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Mixed media

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Students often request advice from Ian regarding the best combinations of mixed media. Here he explains how to combine two kinds of drawing materials to generate different kinds of marks.

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[frame_right alt="Line Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Line Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/line_drawing_img2.jpg[/frame_right]

Who is this tutorial for?

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This is an excellent tutorial for students who have a fascination with the natural world and want to develop their drawing skills. There is a strong connection to understanding rhythmic movement, patterns and organic shape.
Ian often works with design and textile students and demonstrates these techniques to help with surface texture and pattern drawings.
All Art & Design students are expected to demonstrate a varied range of drawing techniques. Ian uses this tutorial to provide you with the skills needed to show progression in your sketchbook.

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[frame_center alt="Line Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Line Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/line_drawing_img3.jpg[/frame_center]

Line Drawing tutorial Outlined

WEEK ONE

[simple_box]Introduction – Line Drawing Tutorial
Part 1: Starting the drawing
Part 2: Building the structure
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WEEK TWO

[simple_box]Part 3: Adding character
Part 4: Developing the character
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WEEK THREE

[simple_box]Part 5: Developing tonal lines
Part 6: Creating surface texture
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WEEK FOUR

[simple_box]Part 7: The finishing touches
Part 8: An alternate ending
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[button link="http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/category/video-tutorials/line-drawing-tutorial-natural-organic-forms/" size="large"]Go to tutorial[/button]

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Wuzhen Drawing tutorial

webmaster — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:02:16 +0000

A small scale mixed media drawing inspired by Ian’s visit to the Zhejiang Province in S.E. China. The ancient 2000 years history of Wuzhen is clear to see in the precarious stone bridges, confined waterways and narrow stone paths.

This tutorial explores in depth all the creative processes from the design through to the finishing highlights. A special point of interest is the subtle use of surface texture to create the weathered and aged quality of these historical Chinese bridges.

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[frame_right alt="Drawing In the Snow" title="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/wuzhen_drawing_img1.jpg[/frame_right]

What will you learn from this tutorial?

Design and layout

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Ian explains the important points regarding the transition of the sketchbook drawing onto the main composition.

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Surface texture

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Ian illustrates how to build the subtle surface textures to recreate the historical aged quality of the stone bridge and the waterside buildings.
Drawing over the top of the surface texture is a technique Ian uses to create the character of the location. Filmed up-close he describes the best way to achieve this.

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Perspective and 3D space

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Ian relies on perspective to create the sense of distance and space between the foreground bridge and the buildings. He demonstrates the best way for you to use this linear process.
The three dimensional quality of the buildings involves understanding light and shadow. Ian describes the main technique to achieve this.

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Sky and Water

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Learn how to create an atmospheric sky, an important ingredient in the drawing.
Drawing water, Ian shows you how to create the reflective qualities and the sense of movement across the lower half of the image.
Intricate details across the surface texture are the finishing touches. Small but essential additions to complete the character of the location.

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[button link="http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/category/video-tutorials/wuzhen-tutorial/" size="large" ]Go to tutorial[/button]

[frame_right alt="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/wuzhen_drawing_img2.jpg[/frame_right]

Who is this tutorial for?

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Art students and teachers wishing to understand in particular the qualities of reflection in water.
These techniques will be suitable to all ages of student undertaking an art qualification in school or college.
All the tutorials are designed to be used as an educational aid in schools, and are separated into concise lessons perfect for broadcasting to a class.

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[frame_right alt="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial" title="Wuzhen Drawing Art Tutorial"]http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/wuzhen_drawing_img3-e1316510777434.jpg[/frame_right]

Wuzhen Drawing tutorial Outlined

WEEK ONE

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Part 1: Planning the drawing
Part 2: Applying surface texture
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WEEK TWO

[simple_box]Part 3: Applying ink to the surface texture
Part 4: Illuminating the drawing
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WEEK THREE

[simple_box]Part 5: Applying the first highlights
Part 6: Creating detail in the foreground
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WEEK FOUR

[simple_box]Part 7: Creating detail in the middle ground
Part 8: Creating detail in the background
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WEEK FIVE

[simple_box]Part 9: Drawing the water; The foreground bridge
Part 10: Drawing the water; Creating distance into the background
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WEEK SIX

[simple_box]Part 11: Building the atmosphere in the sky
Part 12: The finishing details; The foreground bridge
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WEEK SEVEN

[simple_box]Part 13: The finishing details; the middle ground
Part 14: The finishing touches
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[button link="http://www.ianmurphyartist.com/category/video-tutorials/wuzhen-tutorial/" size="large" ]Go to tutorial[/button]

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Part 7: Completing the finishing details

webmaster — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:00:47 +0000

The final, all-important, details that bring the drawing to a successful conclusion. “Refining sharp details and rendering the intimate light qualities make such an incredible difference to the finished drawing. This is not a large amount of work but something that I put a lot of effort and concentration into.”

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Part 6: Developing the background features

webmaster — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:00:19 +0000

The refinement of the strong foreground structures in the previous tutorial highlighted the emptiness of the background space.
This tutorial demonstrates the importance of placement and the issue of using the correct size and scale in the background foliage.

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Part 5: Defining the foreground qualities

webmaster — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:00:40 +0000

This part of the drawing is the start of the refining process, producing a series of marks that overwork the initial layer.
The key aim is to develop the range of tone and to accentuate the sense of distance between the foreground trees and the background landscape.

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Part 4: Creating the reflection in the water

webmaster — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:44 +0000

This tutorial illustrates the techniques I used to develop the quality of reflection in the study.
This is the most difficult technical element of the drawing and combines all the working materials I have used so far.

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Part 3: Applying the first layer of oil pastel

webmaster — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:00:41 +0000

The benefit of working with a neutral toned paper really starts to show with the first application of oil pastel. The atmosphere of the snow covered landscape begins to materialise and the quality of light, which is a main feature of all my work, is established in the drawing.

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