Life drawing once again. I find it so exhilarating! This is my first time drawing a portrait in ebony graphite from life. As usual, on the first session I felt nervous and so rusty - not even knowing how to begin. So I just use my painting philosophy when confronted with a blank canvas - jump right in and get going. To my mind, there is quite a difference between figure drawing and portrait drawing from life. When doing the figure the concentration is on capturing the gesture of the form, the weight distribution and tension of the pose. The face is a whole new ball game as the focus is not only on capturing a likenss but, perhaps, if one is very lucky and very skilled, of capturing something more - something about the mood or character of the model. No easy task! The way the light falls and contours and shapes the face is the same so I took some little comfort in that!!
This model was an older lady, quite beautiful, with a kind and gentle face, gorgeous cascading hair and an overall serene countenance. I loved drawing her and spent about 30 to 40 minutes on the top two drawings and 20 minutes on the last. The class instructor is Martha Voyevidka - a classically training artist whose own drawings are superb and quite an inspiration.
These are wonderful Susan! They look like you've been doing these your whole life. Inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThere is something so intensely personal about sketching and painting a human from life. During the session, it seems to me that the universe narrows to only the artist and the model - I always think that there is an intense intermingling of intellect and emotion in the brain at these times. I this intermingling is is where the exhilaration springs from. As its not feasible to always work from life, my goal in life drawing is not only to improve upon my skills, but to retain some of the intensity and call upon it while doing studio works. I hope its possible! I always set lofty goals for myself - lol!
DeleteMagnifiqueS portraitS.
ReplyDeleteBonne journée. Cath.
Hi, Cath, and welcome to my blog. I thank you for your visit and your encouraging comment!
DeleteKnap getekend Susan.
ReplyDeletegroetjes,
Simonne
Hi, Simmone - so glad you like this one. Its rather more controlled than my recent portraits but I am very pleased with the likeness of my daughter - even though she is not thrilled with the hat, she likes the portrait! :)
DeleteWow - amazing work! And yes - a beautiful model!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine live portraiture is a lot harder than figure work. I rarely do it for that reason! :0)
Thank you, Sandra. I always love a challenge and agree that portraiture may be more difficult. In any case, I just love the journey of trying to get better and better whether in figure drawing, portrait drawing or painting!
DeleteSusan!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you posted some of your life drawing work!
I am happy you find the experience "exhilarating!"
These works are also exhilarating!
Nice! So very, very nice!
(Now you have me thinking of taking another life drawing class soon!)
Michael
I encourage you, Michael. There is nothing quite like standing in front of a piece of blank drawing paper with a model perfectly posed and waiting for your interpretation. It's interesting that I always find my hand shaking in the first few strokes!
DeleteYour life drawings are absolutely beautiful...I have such a hard time with it and you make it look so easy! I hope you do more of these, Susan...Love them.!
ReplyDeleteOnce I jump in, Hilda, its all angles and proportion - and then, of course, there are the elusive elements of personality and emotion!
DeleteWell you've certainly captured more than the image, Susan. The eyes and poise say so much more about her than lines on a paper. It tells me that although she has aged on the outside the inner woman remain intact and true to herself. Totally impressed!
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. I am having a great time and trying to make every second count. The time absolutely flies during these sessions and I am swept up in sadness when they are over! It thrills me that you think I caught a little more than just her features - thank you!
DeleteShe looks like quite a classy lady, love the different expressions and angles. Beautiful shadow work !
ReplyDeleteWe had the option of doing one pose for the whole session or trying different angles. I am not into great detail in my work so opted for the different views. Thanks for your comment, Jane!
DeleteAmazing work, Susan! To me, they almost look like three different women - the moods conveyed are so disparate. I agree about portraits - you are attempting to capture and show just a glimpse of their soul. NOT easy!!! I think, from your description of her, your first study embodies the model's character.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THEM!!!
I am most pleased with the top one as well, Kathryn. The last one was too rushed - I did not really have time to go beyond the basics in just 20 minutes but every stroke of the pencil is a learning experience!
DeleteI know how difficult portrait drawing is as I am teaching myself from books. Really interesting to see yours. Got your blog from a link and will follow yours. I am just beginning my blog. Please take a look.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Carolann and good luck with your blog. I hope you find it as much fun as I do.
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