New Newbie News

Well spotted Wilso. I came across Caitface only recently and loved his/her work instantly. Let's hope he/she visits this board. I'd love to learn more about their techniques and approach.

I think I half agree with your definition of who is an artist and who is a cartoonist. I agree that very few manage to transcend the limitations of the very limited toolset, and have a highly evolved set of techniques/aesthetics to achieve this. But I think art can still be made using more primitive stylistic approaches. Sometimes the most minimal of visual gestures can be embued with enormous power and meaning and be deserving of the label "Art"!

Ah, the age old "What is Art" debate. What a can of worms. I'm with Scott McCloud on this one. Art is almost everything we do that doesn't directly strive towards survival. Taken broadly, everything in DrawQuest is art, even the squiggles. Obviously, most people would not consider it "good" art, but that's just the Sturgeon's Law. What I would be extremely hesitant to do, however, is trying to give more weight on the various styles of art, or trying to transcend anything. What is the most important thing is that it is done at all. Yes, the DrawQuest toolset is extremely limited, and you probably won't be seeing stuff done with them in museums any time soon. That's not the point. Most of the users are what could be called hobbyists rather than serious artists. I myself am definitely in the category, and decidedly a cartoonist rather than a painter. It is wonderful that people can and do try out different styles in it, but I think we should steer away from the idea that one style is somehow inherently better than another. If you're a cartoonist, the goal is to become a better cartoonist, not necessarily a painter, and vice versa.

Also, DrawQuest being a shallow pond is not a bad thing. As much as I enjoy seeing people create wonderful, sometimes breathtaking pictures in the app, I would still rather keep it as a relatively low barrier of entry kind of place. The highest worth of the application is in the participation, pushing yourself, and being able to share and learn with others. No one should think they are not good enough to join in. Or keep at it. Like wilso said, there probably is a high turnover in the aspirants. I think that's a bit sad. If they really did move on to other tools and continue creating stuff there, it wouldn't be as bad, but I doubt that's the case for most of them.

We all used to suck at first. If we want to keep enjoying the app to its fullest, I think we should encourage the newbies and the not yet quite so competent people as well. I don't think I do it nearly enough myself...

Mmm. Just discovered Caitface121 at same time as reading this thread. Coincidence? of course is it. I like the use of the color and white space. Very good.

As for art, I have difficulties describing what is, but i for certain assume that art is a way of expression through creativity. Ambiguous? Yeah, sure! Is a particular view, so is not a generalization. I consider some talented people as no artist, because despite their skills they do not transmit nor express nothing, and also, i consider some unskilled ones as artist, because against their lack of expertise they send a message and (don't want to call it soul...) i don't know. Art is an inner process so is not a very estandarizable concept. But i feel it when i see it (Note i don't say "i know it", because art is an appreciation, not a fixed knowledge)

For Drawquest itself... The tools are not what define a creative experience, but the work done with that tools. Thinking on a toolset as a creative measurement is like saying that a draw made only with pencil is not creative for not including watercolours, markers and oils. For example, in Paper app some people says is not good for the limited tools and fixed pencil sizes. Why? Is exactly like a real life moleskine. You don have a variable pencil, nor adjustable transparency pen. Don't have zoom. You cannot develop skills if you let the app make all skills for you.

For the people that use drawquest as its personal whatsapp or for repetitive doodling silliness or (puaj) asking followers without contribute creatively... they are welcome. Simply don't expect me to follow them or notice them. If you don't create, is as if you not were here. We are a creative community of novice, learner, amateur or professional people, never mind the level, and is that what i search in drawquest. (Hope this not sounds aggressive, is not.)

Don't get so flattened. Art debate is always an sterile discussion. Since is something relative to subjective appreciation no two people see it the same.

Also, we will need an spatula to get you out of the floor. Where is inflation valve?

There's no reason to get flattened. I don't think anyone meant to crush you or say you're wrong. Just to bring out additional viewpoints. I think the main thing we all agree on; we want DrawQuest to be fun and we want people to participate in it. The discussion on the quality of art, artistry, tools, and artists versus artisans has been going on for centuries, and will probably go on for as long as humanity itself.

We will be flying over Wilsoland in early December on our way to New Zealand. With any luck the flatulence will occur just when we are overhead, so he can wave to us from just outside our cabin window!

Yes we are off to Kiwiland. It's where the rest of my family emigrated many years ago, but I manage to visit every two years or so.

Talking of OZ, I did an artist's residence in Brisbane a few years ago, and made a film there. You can see it here: www.mediaprojectseast.co.uk/projects/index_artists_delirium.html

That link will also take you to my web site where you can see what I do when I'm not doodling!

cheers

I dunno who the harsh critic was who sucked out your oomph, but all I can say is "sod 'em!" I think your drawings are fun! Uncle Raymond says -- keep drawing - keep experimenting and you will get even better!

Ouch