Friday, September 12, 2008

Figure Drawing Techniques...8


WOO HOO! I finally got to draw from the live model Wednesday night after a LONG break over the hot summer months. We had the fabulous Miss Denise who is such a great model.

This first color explosion of a drawing - you can tell I had lots of pent-up drawing energy inside me!

This is drawn on a 16 x 20 piece of tan mat board. I started with large areas of color, blocking in the major shapes of the form. Then I layered charcoal line drawing over the pastel, defining the form.

Then I added more color and definition, trying to establish an interesting color pallette, while also maintaining the overall feel of the light source. I had fun!


I love when time allows me to draw the same pose from different vantage points. I spent about an hour (actual drawing time) on the first drawing, then moved my easel to another part of the room, where the pose was just as lovely.

This time I painted on one of my favorite surfaces - watercolor paper painted with gesso. I start with vine charcoal, and it glides overs the surface, blocking in large areas of light and shadow. I can smudge and erase with ease.

Then, after establishing the large shapes, I start in with a line drawing, defining areas and making sure proportion and placement are correct. I continue defining areas of light and shadow, and add in some environment for the figure. This would have been an awkward pose if there was no reference to what she was leaning on, so the chair had to be included in a small (but discreet way, so that it did not compete with the figure)

I can't wait until next Wednesday night!

3 comments:

TSL said...

I love your figures, they are fresh, and very sweet.

Conscientia's Cameos said...

ooo la la ;)

Donna, The Decorated House said...

This post really made me smile.
My favorite classes ever in college were life drawing classes. Loved my teacher, loved drawing from life.

Your work is really beautiful, I so enjoyed seeing it. And it made me homesick for a good drawing session!