After all these years I’ve finally decided to do something about learning to draw properly in a disciplined manner. I’ve doodled over the years, but I never really focused on applying myself to developing some skills.

In my association with many very talented artists at Shox Studios, I’ve come to realize that I cannot sit on the sidelines any longer because I have a need to create. I also realized today, while drawing this week’s sketchbook challenge image, that the focus required in detailing an image forces me to slow down - I am a true child of the “everything now” syndrome. I now have to take the time to create what I visualize in my mind’s eye, and that takes patience.

To make a long story even longer - what does this have to do with Philip Tan? He’s a penciller extraordinare who contributed his considerable talents to Image Comics and their Spawn books and now is under exclusive contract with DC comics - FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS.

I was researching images for our recent Sketchbook Challenge, “Something Norse” when I came across Philip’s deviantART site.  His pages took my breath away.  I study his pages every day and try to mimic at least one small area on a specific page.  I especially love the way he draws hair and I’ve decided to become adept at doing hair among other things. 

I have chosen Philip’s work as a guide for some of the things I want to accomplish with my art.  Stay tuned.