Tribute to Kim Jung Gi – Sketch from THU 2024

 

During my time at THU (Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn) 2024, I took a moment to create a tribute sketch for Kim Jung Gi, an artist whose impact on the art world is beyond measure.

Kim Jung Gi’s unparalleled talent, creativity, and passion for art continue to inspire artists across the globe. His dynamic linework, incredible memory, and storytelling ability have set a benchmark that few can match.

While surrounded by other artists at THU, it felt natural to honor someone who changed the way so many of us approach sketching, composition, and even how we view the act of drawing itself. This sketch was my small way of paying respect to a master whose influence is still felt daily in the creative community.

I miss his presence deeply, but his energy lives on through every artist he touched. His work remains a source of inspiration for me.

Rest in peace, Kim Jung Gi. Your art lives forever.

#KimJungGi #TributeSketch #THU2025 #ArtInspiration #MasterArtist #SimonLocheArt #Sketching #DrawingTribute

Using MapCrunch and Instant Street View for Landscape and Environment Painting Inspiration

Finding fresh, interesting references for landscape and environment studies can sometimes feel repetitive. That’s why I often turn to two great tools: MapCrunch (https://www.mapcrunch.com) and Instant Street View (https://www.instantstreetview.com).

Both platforms pull imagery from Google Street View, offering access to real-world environments from all over the globe. Whether you’re looking for a windswept coastline, a dense urban street, or a remote countryside, you can land somewhere unexpected and inspiring in just a few clicks.

MapCrunch drops you into random locations, often leading to places you wouldn’t think to search for yourself. Instant Street View lets you be more targeted, searching specific cities, landmarks, or regions, while still using the navigable Street View imagery. Together, they give you both randomness and control depending on what kind of reference you’re after.

For artists, these tools are invaluable because they expose you to different lighting, architecture, terrain, and mood, and they help you avoid falling into the trap of painting the same type of scene over and over again.

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Mini-Tutorial: How to Use MapCrunch and Instant Street View for Painting Studies

1. Explore Randomly or Intentionally

   • Use MapCrunch for random inspiration. Just click “Go” and see where it takes you.

   • Use Instant Street View if you have a specific place in mind, like “Iceland coast” or “Tokyo back alley.”

2. Look for Composition Opportunities

   • Move around and adjust the viewpoint to find strong framing, leading lines, interesting light, or color contrasts.

3. Capture the Scene

   • Take a screenshot when you find a composition you like. Focus on big shapes and mood rather than tiny details.

4. Set a Time Limit for the Study

   • Challenge yourself to do a quick 30- to 45-minute study to capture the essence without getting lost in over-rendering.

5. Vary Your Exercises

   • Paint the environment as it is, or push it further: change the weather, time of day, or add storytelling elements.

   • Try doing a series based on a single region but at different times of day.

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Using tools like MapCrunch and Instant Street View keeps your practice dynamic, varied, and full of surprises. They’re simple, free, and a fantastic way to stretch your observation and imagination.

If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend adding them to your study routine.

#LandscapePainting #EnvironmentArt #ArtInspiration #MapCrunch #InstantStreetView #DigitalPainting #SimonLocheArt