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

Friday, April 26, 2013

A Struggle at Life Class

1 minute poses / conte on newsprint
I attempted to do some shading during the 1 minute poses. Out of five sketches, these two are the only ones that are recognizably human!

20 minute pose / ebony graphite on newsprint / about 18 x 12
Our model was leaning on a pole and I really struggled with the proportions for some reason. Although I came away with not one drawing that I like this session, this one really bothers me. I wish I could figure out why I struggled so much. One thought is that I had positioned the paper too low on the easel and in drawing her legs I was drawing down. So I moved up the pad of paper for the next two and didn't do much better.

40 minute pose / ebony graphite on newsprint
I was not in love with the pose and it shows in the drawing.



45 minute pose / graphite on newsprint
This seated pose is the best of the bunch although I did not put in the stool so she is floating in air. Oh, well - there is always next week : )

9 comments:

  1. Maybe, for some reason, you couldn't connect with the model??? They look good to me - remind me a lot of Daumier's sketch-work.

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    1. Thank you for your comment. You may be right about not connecting. I can usually become very focused in these sessions but it just didn't happen this week. There was some political talk in the studio and, for me, art and politics in my mind at one time just don't mix well!

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    2. And thank you for the reference to Daumier's work - very kind of you! :)

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  2. Mooie schetsen, ik denk dat dit niet gemakkelijk is om doen.
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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  3. Susan!
    Love, love your drawings!
    The skill is so very evident! The art is wondrous! The positions you choose are exciting, dramatic, and so very pleasing to the eye!
    It is obvious to me the struggle was worth it and you won!
    Bravo Susan!
    Your Boston art buddy!
    Michael

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    1. Hi, Michael - you are so encouraging. I do think the struggle is all part of growing, learning and progressing so I guess we just have to grit our teeth and get through those times. Its all worthwhile! And thank you for being my Boston art buddy!

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  4. Wow - I think you are being very hard on yourself!! I mean, the first was a ONE minute pose after all - and it would take me that long to get my pencil out, lol!
    I LOVE the reclining pose... particularly the feet. A very successful life drawing class I'd say and if I'd drawn them, I'd be very pleased indeed :0)

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    1. Hi, Sandra - you are right -I do believe in being hard on myself and being my own worst critic. I am always demanding more of myself - its just the way I am. I am generally so serious and focused during these sessions as I find the opportunity to draw from life to be a great and rare privilege. I become upset with myself when, like in this last session, I could not find that depth of focus. Time is so fleeting! Thank you greatly for your words of encouragement! :) I am still unable to comment on your blog (but adore y our new little puppy) and was delighted by your mouse drawing. Each time I try to comment I get a pop up window asking for personal information. :(

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