Making Something From Nothing

I always liked drawing. I was always doodling in class since kindergarten (well that was actual homework back then wasn’t it?). It can be done anywhere with limited supplies. Through the years, I learned to love it even more because of what art represents. You can make something out of nothing: a cheap lunch bag, a piece of printer paper, an index card, etc. One second it is a blank and worthless canvas, and within a few minutes or hours it holds meaning and worth. At the end of the post is my own art, but below are artists I follow that have taught me a lot about drawing and life in general.

1. Gemma O’Brien

Check out Gemma’s website here: www.gemmaobrien.com. She was doing a live mural at San Francisco’s Outsidelands this year, and I am totally bummed I missed it.

Gemma’s work is impressive because she hand-draws her art, and scales them into murals. Not only can she lay down some clean lines on classic fonts, but she can add her own spin to those fonts that actually enhances them. Her story to stardom is also nontraditional. She holds workshops throughout the world to pass on her craft. Principles of her art that you can relate to life in general are:

Sometimes combining two different styles makes a beautiful product
Don’t fear going outside the lines sometimes
Repeating the basics allows you to deviate just the right amount to be original yet successful

2. Tristan Eaton

Tristan’s website can be seen here: www.tristaneaton.com.

Tristan is known for his massive murals as well as layers upon layer within an image. He is also highly against those who steal art without permission or credit which I admire. Some principles of his art that can be related to life are:

Sometimes complex things have deep meanings and values, and other times they just look badass
Never take shortcuts
Always try a little of every style, and keep the ones you enjoy

3. Mike Giant

Here is his website: www.mikegiant.com. See this link for a time-lapse video of him drawing: https://bit.ly/2NjFWGn

Most of my friends know that he is my all-time favorite artist. I’ve got a ton of clothing and art signed by him that’s probably worth over $2,500 nowadays. He is simply of another world with his hand skills and creative mind. He pays homage to culture, classic art, and pop culture. He hand draws EVERYTHING (yes, those are some clean lines), and is most known for only using sharpies. Here are some principles of his art that can be related to life:

Know the basics and foundations, do them well, and you will get far.
Never sell out
There are patterns in everything if you look hard enough, and patterns will lead you to success and mass appeal

Below are more of my favorite artists that I follow and collect from:

4. Josh Keyes – www.joshkeyes.net. All his paintings are oil on canvas.