Pastel Figure Studies on Black Paper

Three different models posed for these studies. These are all I have left to show you from my trip this winter, except a few pieces that still need work.

Now that I'm back on the farm at home, I sure am missing the Open Studio opportunities from my travels. Of course I have plenty to do here, and it's time to get out and about for plein air painting. But I do miss studying with the models.

More Drama

Three different models posed for these studies, in the dramatic lighting I like.

 

Upper left study is pastel on watercolor paper. Upper right drawing is pastel on black Canson, as is the third piece. These are all different models. The second study was an interesting combination of patterns and weirdness. That wild tie-dyed t-shirt with the stripped leggings and heavy boots were topped off by extensive arm tattoos. All this was quite a challenge to capture.

Studies on Black

Here a more drawings: studies of two different models. As you can probably tell, I prefer dramatic lighting. It's especially interesting on the dark background. Using the black paper really forces some concentration.

One has to work backwards from the usual practice of blocking in shapes with the darks. Laying down the lights first to define the form feels quite awkward when one is used to doing shadows first. I'm usually pleased with the results, though.

These studies from life are all drawn in pastel on black canson. Please contact me to purchase them, or others here at my blog.

Charcoal Studies on Watercolor Paper

These drawings on watercolor paper turned out to look quite different from the ones I've done on charcoal paper or the grey paper I often use for quick sketches.

More often than not, I prefer to work on a medium tone paper (such as grey or tan) but I had this heavy white watercolor paper in my drawing satchel and it sort of called to me.

I think it said, "Try something different for a change"... or maybe it was, "Don't be afraid to work out of your comfort zone".

I liked using it, although it was not forgiving for changes. That's one of the reasons I usually prefer the cotton charcoal paper. It's fairly easy to wipe lightly drawn mistakes off with a sleeve or rag when using the cotton paper. But I did adjust to the working qualities of the watercolor paper, and the texture made for interesting results.

More From Life

"More from life" could mean several things. There is a lot from our lives which we could share: our stories of happiness and heartache, a bouquet from the garden, a meal, a cup of coffee.

And life drawings. Here are a couple more from my winter hours working away. This is the same lovely model in the vintage dress from my last post.

The drawing at the top left is from that open studio session in the costume and the one on the right is a separate occasion where she modeled nude. Her pose in shoes with the phone is quite fetching, don't you think?

I'm glad I can share these with you. I'll have other pieces to show you as the weeks tick by and I get them online.

Costumed Model Drawings

This lovely model was such fun to study in her antique costume and hairstyle.

Even the simple warm-up sketch ("Shift", at left) has interesting line and pose.

These were some more of the studies I did this winter on my trip at open studio sessions. Looking at them now, weeks after I drew them, I see this young lady moving from pose to pose in an intriguing dance. The connection of drawing or painting from life builds a strong artistic bond with the subject, whether it is a still life, a landscape, portrait or figurative study.