Planning Stages

Here is a small sketch I did in preparation for a 24"x36" oil painting. I've been thinking about this concept for awhile and had Michelle, the model, back yesterday to figure out the correct lighting. I have found another way to reuse bridesmaids dresses! Thank you Maria for choosing such a beautiful dress.

1.13.11

After being snowed in for three days, it was fun to get out and work with a model again. I had about two hours with Kemi Thursday night and then finished up the drawing today. I plan to do a series of figure drawings on this toned paper with charcoal. It creates a nice effect.

Still lifes

In addition to working on the portrait and figure, I'm dabbling in still lifes as well. Here is one I completed recently and I'll post tomatoes soon after a little more work.

AMM 4"x4" on copper

This is the start to my miniature portrait of Andy. At the workshop in December, Robert was demonstrating on zinc at one point, so I thought I'd try my hand at it. I'm working in stages because it is pretty slippery and it helps to have a little dry paint built up on the surface. I'll post the final product!

National Gallery Old Master Drawings

Lhermitte An Elderly Peasant Woman

Rubens Battle of Nude Men

Prud'hon Venus

During my time in DC, I was able to make an appointment to study about 20 exquisite drawings in the archives. Above are a few of my favorites, but it was difficult to choose, as other artists seen included Raphael, Durer, Parmigianino, and Tiepolo. The small sketches were just as impressive as the more developed drawings. The National Gallery's willingness to make this opportunity available is truly incredible.

Children's Portrait Workshop

I attended Robert Liberace's workshop earlier this month. Above are pictures of his two demos alternated with two of my studies from the weekend. It was a treat to be able to have such young models. Rob's nieces were so patient with us.

Brent

My two hours with Brent did not leave me time to do much with his hand and I was disappointed with it, so in my lessons this week we focused on hand studies. 

Andy

Andy had an hour to give me, so I did this short drawing. I need to take advantage of my free model more often.

Kayla 11.3.10

                     I ran the session at UGA last night, but was able to get in a few drawings, too.

Nicole extended pose

We have a small group working with Nicole for five sessions this week. The pictures show the drawing in progress and completed. I used graphite on Strathmore charcoal paper and pastels for highlights.