Monday, 16 November 2009

Knapsack Guys (by Alex)

(Click to zoom)
Graphite on 16.5" x 11.6" 190g/m² A3 paper

So here is the gift that I've been working on for the passed couple of weeks. It's a huge one and it is a gift for Sascha(the big guy in the front) and he's been one of the closest friends I have had in the whole 3 years I've been here in Germany. It's not the first drawing I did for him either, the first was a drawing of the cute version of Optimus Prime on the birthday card that I bought him. The names of the people from left to right starting from the bottom row are Frank, Alfred, Stefan, Sascha, Martin, Giacomo, Wolfgang, Thomas in his uniform, Marcus, Ralf, Bernd, and Heinz-Gerd.

He actually asked for this one... he said he wanted to have another drawing from me before I move away... he didn't specify anything, just something that's me. So I thought it'd be nice to draw faces of the boys I've been working happily with. I gave this to him this morning, I think he remained speechless for about a minute. So I asked him "were you expecting this?" and he was like "NEVER" and was smiling the whole time, like he won a trophy or something :) In my opinion, the best look ever, and that's also one of the reasons I love drawing in the first place, and that's the reason I gave all my drawings away prior to this year.

Thanks again for all your encouraging words and posts on my previous sketch. I am glad I could bring out the characteristics of Mandy Lane... it's a very twisted movie, but I love how the plot changed.
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29 comments:

  1. Timaree16 November 2009 at 12:29

    This is terrific Alex! Wonderful. No wonder he was speechless. I scan into my computer anything I give away anymore. Then I haven't really lost it and can see it again when I want to.

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  2. martinepittet16 November 2009 at 15:01

    Superb Alex ! What a great sketch! So many different attitudes and expressions: it really is a trophy, and I bet your friend was so surprised and thrilled! You did a tremendous job and the whole piece is full of life !
    Bravo Alex, c'est magnifique!

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  3. Ann16 November 2009 at 15:19

    Awesome drawing Alex! What an incredible gift - your gift for drawing and your generousity in sharing that gift with others. Your friend must have been thrilled.

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  4. Patty Ruthe16 November 2009 at 15:55

    Great gift for your friend. You really captured wonderful expressions on a lot of people! I like the way they all seem to be looking off in different directions and yet it all fits together very well.

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  5. Christie16 November 2009 at 15:56

    This is a terrific gift, Alex -- so personal and so well done. No wonder you have so many friends!

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  6. Gary16 November 2009 at 18:24

    I know that I'm thrilled just to see what you have done here Alex. As an artist I think that is the best gift you can give a true friend. You are an exceedingly generous person. That too is a gift.

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  7. Anonymous16 November 2009 at 19:53

    What a splendiforous drawing! I cannot even IMAGINE your friend's reaction to receiving this. Your generous spirit shows, Alex. A good way to live your life.

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  8. Ellen Burkett16 November 2009 at 19:55

    WOW!!! Wow to the drawing, not that I didn't KNOW you could do it, but that you DID it and that your wonderful friend knew how to appreciate it! Excellent all the way around! You did a fabulous job drawing all of these guys and he got it!! What a happy day!!!!

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  9. Peachtreeart16 November 2009 at 21:49

    You are such a great guy Alex...you bring a certain joy to all you come in contact with!

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  10. Anonymous17 November 2009 at 00:24

    Goodness Alex, this is brilliant! What a wonderful gift for your friend - no wonder he was stunned. How generous of you to give him a gift of many hours of your time.

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  11. Iru17 November 2009 at 06:09

    wow this is so stunning O_O
    The composition of this picture is very good and you did a very great job with the pencil :3
    each single person looks so alive.
    Alex this is just amazing!!!!

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  12. Anonymous17 November 2009 at 06:20

    So much better than a photo! This is a wonderful gift. The portraits are incredible and the composition so good, the eye keeps traveling.
    I like the bottom left portrait with the contrast and the way he is looking at the viewer.

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  13. donna17 November 2009 at 07:14

    This is brilliant. Really well done.

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  14. Sandra17 November 2009 at 09:03

    No doubt that your friend would be pleased. The piece is stunning.

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  15. Ramona Davidson17 November 2009 at 09:46

    Wow, Wow, Wow. I don't think I have words to decribe such an awesome piece of artwork. Alex, you are gifted in so many ways. Please don't change in your love of art or your generousity in giving and encouragement which is very rare in this world.

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  16. Anonymous17 November 2009 at 12:47

    I am going to be repeating whatever else has written but it needs to be repeated: WOW! What an awesome awesome gift! The composition is so well done and you drew the various facial expressions superbly! You truly rock!! --Trish Roque

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  17. kazumiwannabe17 November 2009 at 13:00

    Alex, it's awesome! You're amazing, as an artist, and as a person : )! You're very talented, and you always manage to make the persons in your portraits look great and lovable - I think it says a lot about you and the way you look at life and people : ) !
    I can imagine your friend being speechless. Must be still shaking his head in awe, right now : ) !

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  18. Dan Kent17 November 2009 at 19:07

    Amazing. Truly amazing. To me it is like winning in roulette or something. What are the chances of having all of the faces come out well? Very tough. The faces are all expressive and full of personality. It's a party I'm sorry I missed, for sure! The sizes of all of the folks fit well together into a wonderful composition. Alex Tan, you have really shown your talent on this one. I am sure now that you have just scratched the surface on what you can do. Immense talent. Excuse me now, while I go into the corner and weep..(just kidding):)

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  19. Unknown17 November 2009 at 20:27

    That is awesome! What a great idea for a going away gift. It's one he'll always cherish, I'm sure! And yes, that feeling, when someone appreciates your work, I know it! It's the best feeling in the world! Congratulations, this is so well done. The complexity of it!!! Still sitting here in awe!

    PS Thanks for the award!

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  20. Louise18 November 2009 at 06:56

    everybody has said it, but a gift like this is priceless. The amount of time you have put into this clearly represents a wonderful friendship and Sascha is a lucky guy to know somebody who is so thoughtful. I think it is just the loveliest thing, and so so well drawn. Nice going Alex, you're a winner!

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  21. Lynn18 November 2009 at 19:58

    Alex, that's amazing! You are truly talented.

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  22. Lesley Purcell19 November 2009 at 07:00

    What a fantastic gift to give someone, your friend will love it! Beautifully drawn.

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  23. Prairiemouse20 November 2009 at 04:33

    Alex thank you so much for stopping by my art blog. I have totally enjoyed visiting yours as well. You are very very talented and caring. You art shows so much detail and it is all just beautiful.
    Bookmarking this site, can't wait to see what is posted next.

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  24. Unknown20 November 2009 at 07:37

    Just saw your comment on Dan's post....THREE weeks? Wonderful! Hope those days pass quickly and you have a safe journey here! Then we'll talk about getting together for a sketch day! ;)

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  25. K20 November 2009 at 20:11

    ALEX!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! I could stare at this for hours. I completely understand why your friend was speechless! All those people, nestled in "just so", lively expressions reflecting their personalities - brilliant! JUST BRILLIANT!
    -Krista
    www.kristameister.com

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  26. Personalized Sketches and Sentiments22 November 2009 at 10:23

    Oh my goodness!!! You are truly amazing at what you do! I love your details... You truly are a gifted artist! This piece is such fun to look at! What a wonderful, amazing gift to have!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (also thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment.)

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  27. Margaret Ann22 November 2009 at 23:12

    What a loving heart you have...and what a beautiful talent you share with all of us...We are so lucky to have "met" you...I can only imagine the joy in giving this...and seeing your friend's reaction to it...Brilliant work Alex!

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  28. Anonymous24 November 2009 at 03:03

    WOW! This is absolutely fantastic! You are unbelievable talented in drawing people!

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  29. Carolina26 November 2009 at 15:28

    What a cool gift! I understand why he was speechless when seeing it...

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