What's in my Sketchbook - Mr Fredricksen

I've been having a bit of trouble with my art lately and decided to go back to basics with drawing and sketching more. I want to get back to doing more 'hands-on' illustrating.

Here are a couple of sketches in my sketchbook I did recently. They're inspired from the movie UP, and it's Mr Fredricksen as a little boy, and when he's older. I'm going to colour them too but I'm not sure what I should do with these... (what do you think?)... anyway, for now it's just for me to continue drawing and practicing.

I had a lot of fun going back to sketching and shading with a pencil. I want to make more of an effort sketching so I'll hopefully be posting more of 'What's in my Sketchbook' every week. Let me know what you guys think!

Mel xx

My makeup tip

I love makeup as much as the next girl, and like every other girl, I don't have a fortune to spend on it! I've gone through a few makeup and foundation brands, and also different ways of applying it, but have finally found something I truly love.

For my makeup, all I use is Covergirl Clean Normal Skin Makeup in buff beige and I apply it using a foundation brush. I don't know why I've never thought to try applying makeup or foundation with a brush before, maybe because they usually come with an applicator, or it's just easier to use my fingers, but applying this makeup with a foundation brush really makes a difference!

All I do is pour a little makeup onto the brush, then I dab the brush into the lid to spread it around the brush more so I don't just have a big glob on the brush. I also don't waste the makeup, because now I can dab inside the lid if I need more. Then I just dot around my face and start brushing the makeup in. You really have more control and more evenness using a brush... maybe it's my artist ways, but I feel like it's more even and Covergirl's makeup is really smooth! It's water-based so it doesn't clog pores (and you can really feel it). Make sure you don't have brush strokes across your face though, so just blend the makeup with a circular motion using the brush to get rid of them. And that's it! Then I use a concealer and powder to finish it off!

Now here comes the best bit! These two items are so inexpensive it makes MAC look ridiculous! I bought the Covergirl Makeup at Target for only $16 AU, and the foundation brush (Artiste Manicare) at Priceline for only $11 AU (something you'll keep using too)! You'll probably need to buy a brush cleaner eventually (I havn't yet... anyone know of a good inexpensive brand of one?)

Remember, Covergirl you can buy anywhere - Priceline, Target, BigW, etc... and even at supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles, so wait til one of them has a special (one of them usually does!)

What's your favourite inexpensive makeup brands to use?

Mel xx