structure of man
Recently I've made quite a lot of progress on the anatomy videos.
I'm about to start the lower limbs/pelvis videos. I've covered quite a lot recently so really need to practice using what I've learned.
http://www.alienthink.com/

I've also been supplementing the videos with the Burne Hogarth books. its interesting to see the varying approaches.
Imaginefx also released an anatomy special edition with loads of good stuff! The bits I've read recommend Andrew Loomis' work as a good source.
http://community.imaginefx.com/forums/thread/298954.aspx


Maya.
I'm still watching the Maya videos but haven't done much hands-on work in a while (concentrating on anatomy). I need to finish my Alien abduction project, animatics are done but can't remember exactly where I'm up to.

Artrage and iPad.
Ive been using the iPad a lot recently for my work. The main use being a video player for my lessons.
iBooks is loaded up with animation and art books which is great for when i can't carry books.
Carrying just 'the illusion of life' and 'animators survival kit' is enough to make your back ache!

Started using Artrage on the iPad, and it might take over from sketchpad as my favorite 'Art' app.
I've also dug out my Wacom and installed the desktop version which is a great combination. hope to produce something 'worthy' soon!
http://www.artrage.com/

Neck Muscles Study 2

Neck Muscles Study 1

Facial Muscles Study

Animatic complete for Alien abduction.

Alien abduction animatic.

How to approach drawing and Maya update

Drawing.
I've started to carry a sketch book with me and i'm trying to get over my fear of clean white sheets! I also need to remember that sketch books are a place to make mistakes.

I watched one of my sons drawing a few days ago and i was envious of his approach....
He took a stack of A4 sheets, placed them in front of him , removed the top sheet and started to draw. Simple....I asked him quickly 'what are you drawing' He said he didn't know and sometimes its better that way. I also asked why remove the top sheet and he replied "i just don't like the top sheet, the next page is always crisper".
I really love to see them drawing!



Maya.
Also over the last few days I've been learning about constraints in MAYA.
The next step is to create animatics for the Alien Abduction'

I've also been experimenting with stock character rigs. I'm thinking about trying some walk cycles using 'animators survival kit' and the Eric Goldberg book.

Feb 2010 progress.
Over the last 3-4 months I haven’t had much spare time to work on animation/drawing/3D and so my progress has slowed.
I’m getting back into it now and this year I hope to get a lot more productive.


Maya.


I am restarting work on the ‘Alien Abduction’ project in Maya.
I’m currently rigging the alien, using deformers,cluster etc. Its been a while since I made time for this so its great to get moving again.




Structure of Man


I’m up to video 57 of the course. Its been a while so I spent the last few days refreshing myself with previous lessons.



I eager to get the skeleton finished and the onto some muscle placement.
I really like how this course is taught, as an invention instead of a figure. Its very differnent to the Betty Edwards method of drawing which i'm also looking at.