"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Life!

 
Alejandro was the model at life session this morning - very muscular and a lot of fun to draw.  I chose a position at the head for this prone foreshortened drawing.  Black ebony pencil and white charcoal on brown wrapping paper - about 18 x20 and 40 minutes.

The seated 40 minute pose was just as challenging! In any case, I am pleased with this mornings efforts. Unfortunately, I will miss next week's session as I will be out of town :(  My feeling is that these life sessions are invaluable in providing me with a real feeling for how flesh clings to the skeletal structure and accomodates itself with each unique position.  I have aways felt that there is no substitue for good drawing skills and life drawing is the best way to hone them.
Your comments and thoughts are always greatly appreciated!

19 comments:

  1. WELL DONE! Especially that fore-shortened pose.

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn. I wasn't sure if I could make that foreground arm seem credible as it was partially obscured by the drape. It seems to have worked out ok.

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  2. Susan!
    Wow! You are such a skilled and very talented artist!
    Not only are these works well crafted and anatomically correct they are also wonderful works of art! I love the positions you chose for both pieces! Especially the first one!
    Bravo!
    Michael

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    1. Many thanks for your encouragment and support, Michale!

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  3. It's surprising how many people say that they can paint but they can not draw. It's the most important part and one I would never want to neglect. That said - I don't do nearly enough myself! I should will take a leaf from your book! These are fantastic! :0)

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    1. That always surprised me as well, Sandra. I find that confidence in drawing translates to increased confidence in painting as well.

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  4. The foreshortened pose is spectacular. You are so right Susan. You can't draw the figure enough. I have yet to make it to that open life drawing studio, but I'm getting closer. My valid is in my trunk. Now I just have to get out of the house by eight on a Saturday morning. My dedication seems to need a shove out the door.

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    1. I just love the life sessions. When I lived in San Diego, I did not have access to life classes. That makes them all the more sweet now!

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  5. Great drawings, such difficult angles. The foreshortening really works - no sign of disfigurement- Lovely to see... the touch of DeVinci!

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    1. Many thanks, John, but I do think DeVinci might be grimacinig at the comparison!

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  6. Ma chère Susan, j'apprécie beaucoup vos dessins... Comme j'aimerais participer aux cessions avec vous! Cela doit être très enrichissant.
    Je trouve que vous avez parfaitement bien capturé votre personnage. J'aime particulièrement la toute première.
    Gros bisous à vous

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    1. Thank you so much, MartineAlison! I would love to have you attend these sessions with me! :)

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  7. They're both drawn incredibly well, Susan!!. The first one looks difficult with the foreshortening but you did an amazing job with it!

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    1. Thank you, Hilda. I am thoroughl enjoying the chance to practise drawing from life. Its invigorating!

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  8. very good drawings, love the brown paper.

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    1. Thank you, Maike - the brown is a good medium tone and works well is you want to add white highlights.

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  9. I agree about drawing but I find you draw AND paint in a spectacular manner. Not everyone has that ability and I am really impressed when I find it in an artist. I am a huge admirer!

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    1. Your words mean a great deal to me, Julie as I am a huge fan of your art. Thank you so much.

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!