Watercolor Comic Strips

How is watercolor different from acrylic

paint?

What is a comic?

Greek word, kōmikos -pertaining to comedy

Visual & Verbal

Tells a narrative story

Sequential images

History

1920’s:

SUNDAY STRIP

“colorful funnies”

DAILY STRIP- Monday-Saturday

(black & white)

Artists

Wesley Morse1897 - 1963

“Bazooka Joe”

Bubble Gum

Artists

Charles Schulz 1922 - 2000

“Peanuts”-Most Popular Comic

Charlie Brown & Snoopy

Artists

Bruce Blitz

Philadelphia, PA

Line of art books, cartooning videos, & art kits.

His Website

Education & Salary

$46,000

•Must have good drawing skills. Must have good drawing skills.

•Training in:Training in:ArtArt,HistoryHistory,GovernmentGovernment,Political SciencePolitical Science,LiteratureLiterature

•Bachelors Degree RecommendedBachelors Degree Recommended•Often take online classesOften take online classes

Other Careers in the ARTs

Informational Site

See how it’s done

VideoTips from a real cartoon artist

Materials

Pencils

Rulers

Eraser

Markers

Paint

Paper

What cartoonists consider…

TitleDesignPanel PlacementCharacter TraitsExpressionScriptHumorViewer’s ResponseVisual MovementSpeech Bubbles

Speech Bubbles

Difference between speech, thought, & exclamation

Animating characters

Change angles of eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, & body parts

Visual Movement

Characters move & interact with other characters & their environment.

Move Left to Right

Direction body is facing

Gesture Drawing

Quick Sketch

Start with line/curve of spine

Add arms/legs

Fill in to show form

Human Figure

Human body proportions change with age.

Average human- 7-8 head lengths

tall & 3 head lengths wide.

Animal Figure

Proportions Vary

Your assignment

The goal of this lesson is for you to become familiar with comic illustration and visual movement. You will design & create an original character and then a 4-6 panel comic strip based on an event in the character’s life.

Follow Your Guidelines!!

Questions to Help Get You Started!

What types of comics do I like to read? What is my sense of humor?

What would make an interesting story for a comic strip?

How can I tell a story visually with few words & express my characters personality?

Examples