Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Group Dynamic

I find it fascinating how much working within a group can inspire, motivate, challenge and push the creative endeavors of the individual artist. An artist's work can be isolating and I think most artists need more time alone than other people, I know I do. I need to be alone to get things done but I also find that with all of that "alone time" I might obsess about or over analyze a problem. It's so important to connect with a group. They can offer new insights into problem solving, talk through a creative block or just to work with others who share a similar goal - to keep learning and improving. 

Thanks to everyone who attended the drawing session this week and our thanks to K.C. for absolutely perfect poses.

Susan Ishii
Susan Ishii
Susan Ohle
Ed King
Ed King
Inga
Ria
Ria 
Tyler





Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Still Planning

Our thanks to Janet, she is always the perfect "artist's model".  

Ed King 
Sally Rhone-Kubarek 
Susan Ohle 
Susan Ishii

I'm including some tips on Drawing the Figure from Life. I'm  familiar with all of them but have to continually repeat them to myself while working. You can see by my drawing that I didn't adhere to many of them. Good to know, none the less.

1. Look at the figure. 
How is the figure supporting its own weight?
Hold your pencil up and visualize three lines; shoulders, hips and knees.

2. Plan your composition
Using your hand and without marking the paper, motion the general shapes, then very quickly sketch the general composition.

3. Quickly sketch the entire figure
Get the whole thing sketched out in a few seconds, then do your drawing  on top of it.

4. Draw fast and keep your arm moving
Remember, a slow steady and confident hand is faster than indecisive chicken scratch. (I know this one well. I drove a professor in college nearly nuts with my timid short little lines).

5. Practice good line economy
Practice by not lifting your pencil from the paper.
Try to be fluid and efficient.
Draw shadow shapes inside the figure - not just an outline.
Don't draw everything. Be selective in what you draw and what you leave out.

6. Don't erase (much)
This is probably the one guideline I have the hardest time with.

7. Add shadows and highlights
Your figures will develop weight and drama.

8. Draw the whole pose
Don't avoid head, feet and hands.

9. Ground your figure
Sometimes just a simple line is enough to keep your model from floating in space.

10. Date your drawings
Enables you to track your progress.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Launching the Salon

Welcome to the Fredericksburg Life Drawing Salon!

The salon will be about drawing for artists, like myself, who love drawing from life. Comfort, great music and good humor are important aspects of our group and, at times, we enjoy talking about important - or not so important - issues of the day. But without question, our dedication and devotion is to our love of drawing the figure from life.

This new blog will highlight weekly work, spotlight one artist from the group from time to time, offer news on upcoming shows, lessons being offered and insight from our models and artists.

Subscribe to follow the group. Email me with any questions or comments.