I think it would be pretty cool if we could breakdown books, discuss ideas presented in them, and bring light to the minor things that often go overlooked inside of them. There are gems, ideas...that become the most influential and powerful when you consider their reasoning and truth.
I'll start with Loomis- Successful Drawing(page 11), so for maybe 5 days we can discuss certain things written by Loomis.
I will upload a file for the portion I will be talking about.
What Loomis is saying here is really interesting. It reminds me of Craig Mullins' recent comment that it's not enough to be good at drawing and painting. You need to be able to offer something different enough from everyone else, such that people will hire you over someone else.
This section is also relevant to when we try to measure professional artists against each other. In my eyes, it's not the levels of knowledge that make a difference, it's what they decide to make. Sometimes we confuse choices for better knowledge or skill.
It seems also, that the internet has become the 'pool' for the knowledge of illustration and concept art. And truly, you see in great quantities people teaching and absorbing knowledge. Loomis would be proud, I'd say.
I see truth in Loomis's statement that it is difficult to teach without presenting his own work. Not only does it provide validity for their opinion, but more importantly it shows the student a demonstration of what he's talking about. I will often wait until I can show something before I post a critique. If I can't make something, if I can't even do what I'm discussing, I tend to drop my critique.
I think that's all I have to talk about this one! Think about it, and if you have any ideas, discuss them.