white chalk and charcoal on Strathmore Charcoal Paper
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On Fridays I take a drawing class taught by Robert Liberace at the Art League here in Alexandria. Last week was the third class and I completed this drawing. I spent more time on this drawing then ever before. How did I do this? I am not really sure, as I typically get to a point and want to start over...
When I was about to start a new drawing Robert came by and suggested I work some more on it. He gave me some direction on what to look for and I started to apply what he had said, and gained some valuable knowledge for future drawings.
What I learned from this drawing:
} after the big value shapes are placed, check for any areas that need corrections
} correct it right away
} do not let the light values become to light, if all light areas are the same value as the highlights the figure looks flat (this goes for the shadow areas also)
} continue to squint and compare the figure to your drawing
} when you think you are done, turn the drawing upside down and see if anything looks strange, if so turn it right side up and correct it.
Typically I get bored and start a new drawing (this is my way of dealing with not knowing what to do next), but with this drawing when I figured out that I had all my lights one value and no where to go, so to speak, I knocked the light areas down and then I had so much more room to work with. It was a liberating experience.
So my new mantra with drawing will be: There is always room to work, I just need to decide where to give my drawing space to move around in regard to value. Then there will be plenty of opportunities to explore drawing variations and results.
8 comments:
Wow, this is beautiful. Looks like this class is very beneficial...perhaps I will start going to one in my area..I need the focus I think...Nice work.
Very nice, Elizabeth. You can be really proud of this one.
Hi Paula, Yes, this class has been amazing. I am really enjoying the opportunity of learning more about academic drawing.
Good luck in finding a class in your area.
Thanks Carol, I really enjoyed drawing and working on this one.
Your perseverance rewarded you with a beautiful drawing! Isn't it wonderful when we hit that wall, then really take the time to analize and see what to do next? Sometimes when I loose interest it is just because I'm lazy or my brain is tired from really "seeing" what is before me.
Hi Jennifer, the wall is sometimes a good thing but I totally understand walking away at times. I typically start a new drawing or painting, or something like that... This was my first to work through the "wall".
thank you for detailing your thought process...my figure drawing class is tomorrow and I am anxious to try your suggestion!
You are welcome Rhonda. I am finding that I retain more of what I am learning by writing it down, and blogs area a great place to share thoughts and insight.
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