Happy Friday, friends! Thank you for visiting. How did character creating go for you this month? Did you sketch on your own or with family/friends?
Let’s talk about inspiration! Where did February’s shapes come from?
Detroit’s Murals in the Market (rebranded as Murals in Islandview)!
This month, we wanted to learn about local artists. So, I did some research and had no idea this colorful block existed in Detroit. These paintings are part of an annual mural festival that moved from Eastern Market to Islandview last year (do you have murals in your town?).
Thirty artists participated and were asked to color up the exterior walls of the new DTE substation (an electric system facility) located on this corner. We drove to Beaufait Street on a Sunday afternoon and zoomed in on four different paintings after circling the block many times (because all of the artwork was a treat to see!).
This first piece is by Painter and Installation Artist, Mieyoshi Ragernoir. This artist creates paintings that celebrate “the connections of people, heritage, and joy; predominantly portraits highlighting the radiance of Black femininity.”
Artist: Mieyoshi Ragernoir
The second is by Illustrator, Jabriel Najjar, who specializes in vector art. “He executes all his pieces with meticulously clean and intentional line work. He pushes his work further by being mindful of not getting stuck in one place and continues to explore other creative options.”
Artist: Jabriel Najjar
Next, is Artist and Designer, Tony Whlgn who has a background in Digital and Fine Art. I learned that Tony created a mural last summer for Neiman Marcus’s “Leading with Love” campaign at Somerset.
Artist: Tony Whlgn
Last, is Detroit-based abstract Visual Artist, India Solomon. “India paints as a means of wayfinding, releasing, and channeling a more grounded version of the present.”
Artist: India Solomon
Now, for shapes! I focused on specific areas first…
…then selected shapes that interested me. Do you see them? Look for the white patches.
This month was especially exciting because I received an activity sheet from Audry! Thank you for sharing your characters with me! Here is a before and after look at her sheet…
I love how Audrey experimented with all kinds of designs! Each drawing is thoughtful and vibrant. She also added some wonderful details. Not only do we see how the third shape becomes Ariel, but she’s also holding a flower in her hand. Thank you for sharing your activity sheet with us, Audrey! I hope you had fun drawing!
Let’s take a closer look at each design so we can really appreciate Audrey’s work!
Shape 1…
Shape 2…
Shape 3…
And Shape 4…
Sending big high-fives to you, Audrey!
Sharing my pencil doodles for this month below...
I hope you enjoyed today’s post! A new CREATE A CHARACTER Activity sheet will be available to download on Monday, March 4th. If you’d like your designs to be included in my RESULTS post next month, send them my way by Monday, March 25th. See you then!