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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Last Life Session

 It seems I always place the 40 minute supine pose at the top of my Thursday posts as it is generally the one I like best for some reason. It could be that I am feeling warmed up and more confident by the time we get to the third pose or that I love the reclining viewpoints the most. All drawings were done in ebony pencil on smooth blue paper provided by the instructor.

 
The model liked this effort as she felt I captured a good likeness of her, however, I found this one the most difficult as the landscape of backs always provide a challenge for me.

This standing pose was 20 minutes and I am most happy with the upper body and mid section. I didn't have time to pay much attention to the drape she was holding.

Fellow blogger and artist John Simlett got me thinking about Winston Churchill lately and  then I happened upon this quote from Sir Winston:
"The way to be happy is to find something that requires the kind of perfection that's impossible to achieve and spend the rest of your life trying to achieve it."

That about sums up this art endeavor for me quite succinctly and I hope you are all as happy on your artistic journey as I am on mine!

18 comments:

  1. What fabulous drawings and in only 20 mins. Wow - you are soooo good!
    Could not read the quote. I will pop back to see if I can later.

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  2. Thanks, Julie - I am so sad that the life sessions are over for now - six weeks is too short. If I had my way, they would be ongoing open studios. Perhaps some day. I fixed the problem with the quote and you should be able to read it now. :)

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  3. Wonderful sketches...what a skill, and some of the poses are so difficult !

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    1. The more life drawing I attend, the more I find that I am drawn to doing the more difficult poses. Thanks for your nice comment, Jane.

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  4. These drawings are amazing! I always feel under such pressure at life class, so I kind of avoid them, lol!

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    1. Yes, I agree, there is some pressure but I find that once I begin, I lose myself in the moment and think of nothing but the figure. I am always startled when the instructor peers over my shoulder and makes a suggestion or two. I encourage you to try it, Sandra - the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel.

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  5. You do SO well with the life drawings..I love the first one..although, if I was posing, I would still be on the floor!! LOL. The muscle tones you achieve is fantastic..and of course, wonderful quote!!..

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    1. Thanks, Hilda - I am feeling confident enough now that I can exaggerate the form here and there and still retain the essence. I like doing that and feel it makes the drawing more my own.

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  6. Beautiful drawings all, and I do like the supine pose best, too. I couldn't agree with Churchill's quote more!!

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    1. Me too - I love that quote. Churchill has summed up the whole spirit of the art journey in one sentence - amazing!

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  7. Your life drawings are awesome! And the quote is a profound one, I'll hang it above my bed!

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    1. What a great idea, Judy. I printed it out and hung it in my studio!

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  8. Wonderful quote, and outstanding drawings, Susan.

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    1. Many, many thanks, Diana. I just spent some time on your website - you do beautiful work!

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  9. Great drawings, Susan, and achieved in such short sessions, phew! I'd still be sharpening my pencil!

    He also said, "Success is not final...Failure is not fatal...it's the courage to continue that counts” ... Which I have found to be very true ... only I substitute 'stupidity' for 'courage!

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    1. What a guy! Thanks for reminding me about him, his greatness and his unique facility with the English language! I love the quote that you quoted as well - but feel you are certainly justified in leavig in the word courage!

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  10. Susan!
    Great quote!
    Great drawings!
    Bravo!
    Michael

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    1. Thanks, Michael - there is no substitute for life drawing so I try to take advantage of every opportunity that I get.

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!