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

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Black Beret

Lori / graphite on white laid paper /  24 x 18
 I seemed to be in such a hurry in this mornings portrait session and could not slow down. This larger sketch was done in the first hour and I was not happy with it until I smudged the black beret to give it a softer look. Large black hats always seem to throw me.
Lori / Sienna Cont on tan paper. 14 x 11
 Changing positions to the other side of the studio and picking up the Cont stick, I drew this one in about 40 minutes - picking up speed as the day went on.
Lori / black and white charcoal on tan paper / 14 x 11
Then a 20 minute quick charcoal sketch. I am not very familiar with charcoal and rarely use it but decided to use some time for experimentation. I was inspired to try darkening the background after leafing through Sargent's book of portrait drawings. A productive, even if not exactly relaxing, morning!

26 comments:

  1. Susan, Brilliant portraits again. My favourite is the top one. the one with the Hat. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. So glad you like them, Vic - and may I wish you and yours a very happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year!

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  2. All absolutely wonderful!!
    I love charcoal - so forgiving... and you can literally move it around... But my favorite is the Conte and white pastel, because I love how the highlights stand out :0)

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    1. It was so instructive to use all three mediums in the same sitting. I am looking forward to more life drawing in 2014!

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  3. Beautiful life drawing again, Susan! And I do like the darkened background.
    Kathryn xx

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    1. Its interesting to compare my early drawings to the more recent set. I can't wait to continue with these sessions into 2014. I love it!

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  4. amazing drawings Susan! really makes me want to draw! i love them all but the sienna conte is my favorite. work on my gifted friend. i so look forward to your posts.

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    1. I have just started using Conte and am still experimenting with it. I like it better than charcoal but not as much as graphite at this pint - but who knows what tomorrow will bring?! Many thanks for your kind and generous words, Suzanne!

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  5. Your portraits have a wonderful energy.

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  6. Susan, je schetsen zijn heel mooi gemaakt, mijn voorkeur gaat naar de tweede...
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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  7. I must start using different media. The lady in the hat has an interesting face and you can see each portrait is the same person so must have captured her likeness well. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  8. Three excellent portraits , you captured some great expression and the likeness is evident in all the three works !

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    1. Thank you, Jane - drawing from life has become a passion! Many thanks for visiting my blog and best wishes for a joyful New Year!

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    1. I love your newest set of photos, Chana! Happy New Year to you!

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  10. These are all outstanding, Susan!! I especially like the second one of Lori...sienna cont. stick on the tan paper...A BEAUTIFUL piece!!

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    1. I have really learned a lot from these life sessions this past year - they have been invaluable in teaching me to see and to compare. You inspire me, Hilda - and I thank you! Happy New Year to you!

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  11. I hope you are fine and enjoy the reality.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope all your troubles are far behind and your 2014 will be full with art and warm emotions.

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  12. I look forward to more life drawing in 2014 and hope that this new year brings creative inspiration and progress. I hope your Christmas was wonderful and wish you a very creative and happy New Year!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!