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

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Portrait Drawing


Ebony graphite on newsprint / 45 minutes

Ebony graphite on newsprint / 45 minutes

 
Ebony graphite on newsprint / 10 minutes
 
This Tuesday morning was session 4 of 6 life portrait drawing classes and our model was the lovely Carol once again. Instead of standing to draw at an easel, today I chose to sit down and had a bit of an upward view of Carol as she was on a slightly raised platform. I am fairly happy with the results although I did not find myself getting into the zone as I had in previous sessions. I am not sure why as there were no distractions.
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22 comments:

  1. Maike JosupeitJanuary 29, 2013 at 11:00 PM

    great sketches, the second is my favorit because I like the dark part around the eyes.

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    1. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 12:57 PM

      She has lovely deep set eyes that seemed to be looking more inward than outward as she gazed into the distance.

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  2. cath carboneJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:19 AM

    Oui , je suis de ton avis c"est très réussi, ces portraits sont superbement travaillés, j'aime beaucoup!
    Bonne semaine
    Cath.

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    1. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:02 PM

      Many thanks, Cath - each session of drawing from life is invaluable to me and I cherish this opportunity. I appreciate your support.

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  3. Sandra BusbyJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:49 AM

    I am amazed at what you are able to achieve in just 10 minutes!! Wow! :0)

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    1. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:03 PM

      I am so driven, Sandra - with only 10 minutes in class, most students chose to pack up their paper and pencils and leave a little early. Not me - I need to make every second of these life drawing opportunities count!

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  4. hmuxoJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:19 AM

    Excellent life portrait drawings, Susan!!!

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    1. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:05 PM

      Thanks, Hilda. Some turn out better than others and when this session is over, I will line them all up and try to critically analyze what worked and what didn't'.

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  5. Simonne's fantasiestudioJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    Fantastisch getekend Susan !
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:06 PM

      Many thanks, Simmone. There is something almost magical about starting with a blank piece of paper and only a pencil in hand and ending up with a likeness and a characterization of a sort. Thanks for your support.

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  6. JaneJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Three awesome sketches ! I specially love the first one, but you really 'caught' her in all three.

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:07 PM

      Thank you, Jane. The model told me that she is a very spiritual person, having lived all over the world and experiencing many cultures. She felt that I caught that quality about her - which made me quite happy!

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  7. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    If I could draw like this I would never paint.
    You have captured a soul - an essence. Remarkable

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:09 PM

      Wow - I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear that you feel I caught more than the likeness. That is always what I am trying to do. Many thanks, Julie.

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  8. Floriana QuainiJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    Ciao Susan,
    I had several problems with my computer so I didn't see for some times your works...I find all fantastic!
    You give life and personality to your subjects! The horses are
    incredibili and like ballerines give entusiasmo and smiles!
    I like also portraits because illustrate the truth with human thoughts and life.
    2013 will see others fantastic works... Sure
    I hope my english enough right.
    Ciao, ciao, abbracci, Floriana

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:11 PM

      Hi, Floriana - so glad you have your computer difficulties worked out. I am having a great and wild time painting these lively horses and the portrait drawing sessions are opening my eyes to so many nuances of the human face and spirit that I am trying to combine. Many thanks for your support and your very kind comments. :)

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  9. art by Michael PerchardJanuary 31, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Susan,
    You are a great artist!
    You are very smart to "make every second of your life drawings count!"
    Life is so very short!
    I love these portraits! Not only are your skills present but your creativity shouts out to make them all great works of art! (Very much like the great Masters! No, not the golf Masters!)
    Bravo my art friend!
    Michael

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:16 PM

      Hi, Michael. When I lived in San Diego, I never found any life drawing sessions. Now I am thrilled to have these intermittent classes nearby and really want to grab this opportunity. The instructor was classically trained and encourages a classical approach. It seems it is the natural way for me to draw in any case. I appreciate you mentioning the masters - golf or otherwise!

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  10. Fernando Santos (Chana)January 31, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Excelente trabalho....
    Cumprimentos

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:17 PM

      Thank you, Chana - and thank you for stopping by! :)

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  11. irinapicturesFebruary 1, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Strange, but I can not comment in my own blog, so I came here to say thank you for your words of support. Thank you!

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    1. SusanFebruary 1, 2013 at 4:18 PM

      Hi, Irina - that happens to my blog once in a while as well - its inexplicable to me as I don't know much abut how computers work. I am happy to encourage you. I think you are doing wonderfully and I look forward to seeing your future work!

      Delete

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