Karl Kopinski recently visted the Proko studio for a sketchbook tour. He shared some of his latest artwork and insights into his creative process.
Exploring New Mediums
Karl works on about five or six sketchbooks a year. Lately, he's been experimenting with Prismacolor pencils. Inspired by Claire Wendling, he enjoys using colored pencils because they don't smudge as much, which is especially helpful since he's left-handed.
Quick Sketches and Character Studies
When a drawing isn't going as planned, Karl fills the page with smaller studies. He finds these pages some of the most interesting because they allow him to explore ideas quickly and experiment with heavier tones.
He often draws inspiration from stories like "Journey to the West", creating studies of characters like the Monkey King and water demons. Karl also enjoys drawing mecha, influenced by Japanese styles, where he uses quick, loose lines to explore armor shapes and silhouettes.
Drawing Techniques
Karl sometimes draws without any underdrawing, going straight in with pen or pencil crayon. This approach helps him make spontaneous decisions and keeps his work dynamic. He also teaches how to break down complex subjects into simple composite elements, focusing on lighting, anatomy, and constructing heads.
Challenges and Practice
He admits he doesn't draw women enough and sometimes they appear too masculine. Karl has been practicing to capture more feminine features without relying on exaggerated traits.
Drawing helmets without reference is another challenge he enjoys. German and US helmets have subtle lines that require careful attention to get right.
Studying Faces and People
Observing people is crucial for Karl. He notes how the placement of facial features is more important than the fine details. Recognizing someone from a distance relies on the overall structure rather than eye color or other specifics.
Traveling has taught him about the subtle differences in bone structure from country to country. This awareness adds depth to his character designs.
Personal Projects and Inspirations
Karl draws inspiration from various sources:
- Military History: His childhood interest in military subjects still influences his work.
- Astronauts: He enjoys drawing astronauts without a specific reason, sometimes just because he likes them.
- Pop Culture: Characters like Batman appear in his sketches, often reimagined in different settings like World War uniforms.
- Humorous Pieces: Zombie mariachis inspired by eating Mexican food in Spain, or goats with hipster jackets drawn after visiting a farm with his kids.
The Big Kopinski Art Book
Karl introduced his new art book, The Big Kopinski, which features a collection of his sketches and paintings. The hardcover book includes personal pieces, commissions, and previously unpublished work. It's a beautiful compilation that showcases the variety of subject matter he explores, from dragons and samurai to pirates and Vikings.
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