Art Attacked! The Beginnings…

Recently, I had the urge to browse over my portfolio and reminisce the times when I still draw. I remember that a Lion King coloring book opened the doors of art for me. An idea that went in my head as I looked at the pictures was, “Could I draw these…?” It was then that I began “copying” the pictures. I can’t really remember the exact steps I took nor was I expecting that something decent would come out of it. After all, back in 6th grade Art Class, my templates hardly got displayed on the bulletin board (although, I made it ONCE with a copied picture of Bart Simpson). I had no basic formal training in drawing so even if someone asked me “how” I managed to draw the main casts of The Lion King, I wouldn’t know what to answer. For me, I just copied them.

Aside from the above, I was able to draw Mufasa, Sarabi, Scar, Rafiki, Zazu, the 3 hyenas and young Simba and Nala together. I was 14 when I did these and it’s been generally non-stop, despite occasional dormancy, drawing from then on. Eventually I got into anime, manga and Joe Madureira illustrated Uncanny X-men comic books, a comic creation workshop by Whilce Portacio and sprinkled with some Renoir and Michaelangelo (because they just look sooo preeeety!) that basically shaped my artistic inclinations.

I have not drawn, not even *sketched* anything in over two years (laboratory manual illustrations don’t count) and these were the last. Perhaps the reason being my right hand is currently focused more on properly gripping and swinging a tennis racquet rather than keeping it steady as I sketch or ink a material. I miss drawing. I want to draw another portrait (Argh! Zizou, you were supposed to be next after Depp!).

Being able to draw is sometimes related with being creative. I would probably pride myself in this…if only it were true. Sure, I can draw, rather, copy things but ask me to draw something from scratch, I don’t think I can translate my idea into paper…or maybe I could but it would be a struggle. Half-baked creativity, anyone? LOL! In the mean time, I’ll just stare at Voltes V—I didn’t know what came over me and attempted to draw a robot. Fortunately, the mecha designs of yesteryears are a lot easier compared to today’s. Let’s volt in!!! (Seriously, anyone who can give the actual Japanese translation of that? ~_^ )