May's Featured Artist Tracey Spates Newell
About Tracey: I graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) and have been in graphic design for 20 years. I really love anything that is artistic and look for different outlets to express my creativity. I love my Mac but I like the challenge of a more hands-on approach.When did you first realize you were a creative person?
I really got interested in art in junior college.
I really got interested in art in junior college.
What is your favorite part about The Doodle Swap Project?
I like to use the small size to experiment with new techniques. The small size is fun and challenging. I also enjoy seeing techniques that are used by the another artist. I also like the Doodle Swap Project because it gives me a great avenue to propel my talent, especially since I don't have a lot of time to do larger artwork.
I like to use the small size to experiment with new techniques. The small size is fun and challenging. I also enjoy seeing techniques that are used by the another artist. I also like the Doodle Swap Project because it gives me a great avenue to propel my talent, especially since I don't have a lot of time to do larger artwork.
What medium do you like to work in the most and why?
I am getting more and more interested in acrylic paint - It is so versital and dries really quickly. But what I have always liked is watercolor. I can paint a soft portrait of a baby, or go bold and vibrant, and the wet-on-wet look is something totally different. But you have to think alot when working with watercolor because it doesn't forgive very easily.
I am getting more and more interested in acrylic paint - It is so versital and dries really quickly. But what I have always liked is watercolor. I can paint a soft portrait of a baby, or go bold and vibrant, and the wet-on-wet look is something totally different. But you have to think alot when working with watercolor because it doesn't forgive very easily.
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| Watercolor Rooster with wet on wet technique. |
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| Watercolor of a friends newborn son. |
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| One of Tracey's Favorite Doodles |
Which of the your own Doodles has been the hardest to part with and why?
If I really love it I won't send it away, I keep it and draw something else. I almost always keep one doodle from each set for myself.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Wow, so much to choose from- my son and his imagination, comics, graphic novels, cool books illustrated, also other artist, movies, just about everything.
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| Tracey's at-home studio area. |
I almost always end up at my drafting table, I don't have to worry about the mess or anyone disturbing my stuff.
How would you describe your "Doodle Style"?
The first set of doodles (typography was the theme) were the ones that look more like my typical style of doodling. But since then everything has been something new to try. I have done wet-on-wet watercolor, acrylic with a specific paint palette and paint brush to give an effect, white pencil on black board. I have doodles that I have done while waiting to pick up a kid or during a monday afternoon meeting but i haven't sent any of them out, yet.
The first set of doodles (typography was the theme) were the ones that look more like my typical style of doodling. But since then everything has been something new to try. I have done wet-on-wet watercolor, acrylic with a specific paint palette and paint brush to give an effect, white pencil on black board. I have doodles that I have done while waiting to pick up a kid or during a monday afternoon meeting but i haven't sent any of them out, yet.
What inspires you to to doodle, sketch and create art?
The thought that what I create someone will enjoy. I like the finished piece and the process to get there. I like it that not everyone feels that they can create art, so this makes me special, even though I know that if they try everyone can create art but we are all unique.
The thought that what I create someone will enjoy. I like the finished piece and the process to get there. I like it that not everyone feels that they can create art, so this makes me special, even though I know that if they try everyone can create art but we are all unique.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I have to be inspired. I am a moody artist and if I am not "feeling it" I won't enjoy it and won't be able to finish creating the piece. I love to see what others are doing - I go to Deviantart.com, Etsy.com, Illustration Friday, Sugar Frosted Goodness - just basically surf around googling different things that might be cool to look at. Comics, movies, bookstores, graphic novels anything that is visually interesting.
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| A Selection from Tracey's 2011 Sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project. |
I just finished The SketchBook Project, from The Brooklyn Art Library where my sketchbook along with thousands of others will tour around the US and then live happily as a permanent collection at the library. I plan on participating in the 2012 Sketchbook Project as well. You can find more info at their website: arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject.
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Another really neat thing that I got to do at work was create small paintings for centerpieces at an awards program, this was so much fun. I think because a group of co-worker joined in the fun it made it even better. You can see more on flickr.
Websites
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48892462@N06/
When did you first realize you were a creative person?
When I was a little kid I drew a lot, and when I was growing up I would make toy figures out of clay and then it progressed into more illustration and then to comics and then to a time when I focused mainly in graphic design and now I’m back to illustration and comics.
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| "The Snoobles" series was Christopher's Doodle Swap #8 Submissions |
It’s really fun to share your work with strangers. But it’s even more fun checking the mail box, waiting to see what goodie you’ll receive. It’s very neat to get art from a variety of people and see styles and subjects you might not normally see or seek out.
What medium do you like to work in the most and why?
Pencil and Ink are my fave’s. It just has a nice polished look to it. I’ve been doing watercolors a lot recently and am really enjoying that was well. I really like the way a lot of computer coloring and painting looks but since I work in front of a computer all da , I try to do more traditional art when I’m home.
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| Lego minifigure doodles |
It’s funny but I use a #2 pencil, a white eraser and whatever else is laying around. My paint brush is a $5 number 2 from Hobby Lobby and the watercolors are a mixture of various brands I’ve gotten over the last 10 years; nothing special. I even draw with those pencils that have the tiny leads you take out when they get dull and push in the back….I’m a cheapo.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Oh boy! I get inspiration everywhere. I surf the web daily, I read a lot of indy comics, some novels; watch a cartoons and movies whenever I can. I love to go to flea markets and antique show just to look around and see everything. I really enjoying doing something or going somewhere I haven’t been. That is really inspiring, to see new places, faces and cultures.
Oh boy! I get inspiration everywhere. I surf the web daily, I read a lot of indy comics, some novels; watch a cartoons and movies whenever I can. I love to go to flea markets and antique show just to look around and see everything. I really enjoying doing something or going somewhere I haven’t been. That is really inspiring, to see new places, faces and cultures.
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| All types of Pilots |
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| The Best Iced Tea Ever - Illustrated instructions |
I doodle at work, at home, pretty much wherever the idea strikes. I really like to sketch when I travel, on location. That’s my favorite.
How would you describe your "Doodle Style"?
Cartoony, sometimes real rough and sketchy
What inspires you to to doodle, sketch and create art?
I’m not sure why I do it, but I just know that I have to. I’ve tried to stop once or twice, just to see what it’d be like to have more free time to do something else but the creative urge wouldn’t go away and I ended up working even more on my art. It’s who I am, it’s my passion.
I’m not sure why I do it, but I just know that I have to. I’ve tried to stop once or twice, just to see what it’d be like to have more free time to do something else but the creative urge wouldn’t go away and I ended up working even more on my art. It’s who I am, it’s my passion.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I like to watch cartoons, read comics and books, surf the web constantly, go to flea markets, all these things inspire me, give me ideas and make me want to make my own things. I have six personal projects I want to complete right now and time for only two; so I’m motivated to finish one so I can start the next!
I like to watch cartoons, read comics and books, surf the web constantly, go to flea markets, all these things inspire me, give me ideas and make me want to make my own things. I have six personal projects I want to complete right now and time for only two; so I’m motivated to finish one so I can start the next!
What have you been working on lately?
Right now I have a few commissions and I just started a graphic novel I’m really excited about. I also have a book full of cartoons inspired by my kids and a photo-book I want to do.
Websites:
www.ctupa.com
Right now I have a few commissions and I just started a graphic novel I’m really excited about. I also have a book full of cartoons inspired by my kids and a photo-book I want to do.
Websites:
www.ctupa.com
February's Featured Artist Kim Morris
About Kim: I'm a user experience consultant in Atlanta, GA specializing in information architecture, graphic design, and usability. I also do photography (mostly pets). My husband and I have three "fur-kids" (all greyhounds) and I volunteer with a greyhound adoption group here in Atlanta.
When did you first realize you were a creative person?
I grew up in a creative family (my father's occupation was creating architectural scale models). I was always drawing something! It's only now that I realize that creativity can be channeled in so many ways, not just traditional mediums.
What is your favorite part about The Doodle Swap Project?
Everyone knows how hectic life can be. I had quit making time for art due to all the other pressures of things that NEEDED to get done. Participating in the swap got me back into illustrating and gives me a reason to find time to experiment and create. Besides, who doesn't LOVE getting original pieces of artwork from folks all around the world?!
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| Pointillism - this illustration is ALL dots |
What medium do you like to work in the most and why?
For illustrating, I definitely lean towards pen and ink drawings. I really enjoy working in black and white and pen means you have to find new ways to create shading. I love the amount of detail you can put into the illustration with this medium. I do a lot of pointillism, even if it's mind numbing creating an entire image with dots. ;) Being a photographer, I often illustrate from my own photographs which allows me to add in the detail I want at my own pace.
What are your favorite art tools?
My favorites, hands down, are Rapidograph pens and Prisma color ebony pencils. I've started experimenting with adding watercolor to my pen and ink drawings and use watercolor pencils for that.
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| Parliament - Budapest, Hungary |
Which of the your own Doodles has been the hardest to part with and why?
That's a tough one because there have been a couple. I think the Parliament building in Budapest illustration was the hardest because I really liked how the watercolor added to the overall illustration. Second place would have to be the pouting, side view of the Boxer from this last round.
What are your sources of inspiration?
There are so many ways to be inspired; however, I'm most inspired through the work and actions of others.
Where do you like to doodle?
Honestly, a lot of my doodles were done while sitting on conference calls. ;) My husband recently decided to create a studio in our house, so we've converted the office into a mini-art studio with drafting table, easel, and my computer for digital dark room work. I will be doing most of my doodling there from now on.
How would you describe your "Doodle Style"?
Very detailed! This is the only chance I get to really let the creative juices flow so I take my time and put in a lot of effort. |
| Kim often draws from one of her other favorite art mediums - photogrpahy. |
What inspires you to to doodle, sketch and create art?
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Being able to create something on a blank canvas and have it come to life before your eyes is really amazing. The motivation comes from the creative release itself. When I'm concentrating on a piece of art, the world around me and the stress that comes with it just falls away.
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| Mother & Child Photograph |
What have you been working on lately?
I've mostly been working on expanding my photography portfolio and branching out into other types of subjects. I recently photographed a mother and her 2-week old new born, which was an amazing experience.
Websites:
www.kwmorris.com January's Featured Artist Jose Gonzalez
When did you first realize you were a creative person?
Since childhood, but realizing slowly with age that there’s way more potential to one’s creativity, now late in life exploding in many directions using all resources learned, and learning all I can. Celebrating life through creativity.
What is your favorite part about The Doodle Swap Project?
To be able to share personal creative ideas and visions with others. Its a personal connection that transcends language, everyday life, time, and environment. Its a direct mind to mind connection that is hard to realize you have in front of you all the time.
What medium do you like to work in the most and why?
Anything I can use pencil and inks on. Because b/w and tones in between are all you need to deliver the image and its structure. The content is what counts.
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| 30 Character Challenge |
What are your favorite art tools?
I always love pencils, but I’m getting very fond of inks in all its delivery methods. Recently I experienced inking nibs and find it the perfect medium ground between brushes and micron-like pens. Prefered pencil is PRISMACOLOR EBONY JET BLACK... inking with any real ink tool at the time. Getting also fond of the world of watercolors, learning about color and texture with it... painting some day is one of my mayor goals... in honor of my dad who was an awesome watercolor artist.
Which of the your own Doodles has been the hardest to part with and why?
I only had one set out, but to tell you the truth, I consider art to be all of the sand castle type. It lives for the moment right after its created, and whatever happens to it after that, if it live a long life and keeps giving pleasure to someone I am really happy with that. All my creations live in my mind, eternally.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My life, my family, my environment, everything I see around me, what I read, the good I see people do. Everything is inspiration. Movies, music, feelings, other artist friends, their own efforts, and inspiration are contagious. I like to explore all my previous likes through my life past and present, and try to derive inspiration from them.
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| Sketches from a local coffee shop |
Where do you like to doodle?
I love to sit and sketch people, silently, to catch the natural situations, to use my sketchbook like a camera (did this last time I went to Disney World, and had a blast, plus something way better than just pictures).
How would you describe your "Doodle Style"?
Doodles to me are cartoons in many different styles... loose and tight. My style, from doodle to realistic, I consider to tend to the cartoon side always, because cartoons have been a constant inspiration to me. Although, realistic drawing is very satisfying, I like to affect the final product with what my mind wants it to look like.
What inspires you to to doodle, sketch and create art?
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I stretch my “commitments” by telling friends and artists I will do this or that, it helps me set a goal. Everything can inspire me to create. When I see someone’s work, I usually want to do the same, and depends on how bad I want it, I apply the self-commitment trick to myself to push myself to do it.
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| ATC size art |
What have you been working on lately?
You can see most of what I’m up to on my blogs. Lately I’ve started a webcomic jam effort with the help of 6 friends, alternating creativity between strips, taking turns. I’m also drawing 30 characters for tthe 30 character challeng online (un-registered) so I can see what I’m capable of in terms of character creation. I interact with known artists helping them with their podcasts, and other endevours, and enjoy being able to help, and derive great learning experiences from that... you can see one of such efforts in the Man Vs Art podcast with Raul Aguirre Jr... it scalled “Project Jose”.
Websites:
