On my recent vacation trip to India, I had some time to get back to my old hobby of sketching and painting. A hobby that I discontinued back in 2009. In fact I missed it so much that the feel of getting back to pencil and paper was great. Photoshop and Illustrator can definitely help you make some great illustrations but nothing can substitute the pure joy of using simple materials for drawing.

In 2010, I have decided to allocate more time to sketching and re-discover a new form of relaxation. To get my juices flowing, I am referring to the book: Drawing The Head and Figure by Jack Hamm. In my opinion this is an awesome book on Figure drawing and I just love the illustrative guidance on drawing different parts of the body. Note that this is not a beginner book on figure drawing. If you are curious to expand your knowledge on drawing the human figure, I suggest getting the book: Figure Drawing for Dummies. Although it is a dummies book, it provides an excellent introduction to the subject and inspires you to learn and draw more.

My Sketchbook

The following scans show a few sketches from my sketchbook.

• Applying the rule of fifth’s for the head proportions. Each feature of the head is some ratio of the eye-width. 5 eye-widths represents the of the head.

• The logo of the Windows maker …

• Taking a shot at Manga style heads …

• Some perspective drawing …

• Sketching myself at the act of the sketching myself …

• At my in-laws, this was the table where we used to have our meals. (Click image for a full-size view )

• Finally, a depiction of a Hindu-deity that represents an incarnation of four gods in one form: Govinda + Siva + Rama + Krishna. The mark on the forehead, tall golden crown, and the lotus and conch to the side represent Lord Govinda. The crescent moon on the crown, tiger skin around the waist, Trident on the right hand and the snake around the neck represent Lord Siva. The Bow on the left hand represents Lord Rama. The violet skin and the flute represents Lord Krishna. This drawing is an adaptation of a painting done by the famous Indian illustrator: Bapu. (Click image for a full-size view )