Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Comfort zone





At my life class last night I was able to draw instead of monitor and instruct as needed, so it felt good to get back into it again. I am always itching to draw at the classes when I teach. Its ingrained.

I was determined to come to grips with broader sweeps of charcoal as well as a more detailed sketch of the model's face. I resorted to pencil for my face study. Graphite is my comfort zone and I distinctly relax when I use it. Its like sinking into a comfortable chair. I know what it does and what to expect from it. I know the same from charcoal, but I tend to use it in a tighter way on a smaller scale.

Going large, 18 x 24, let me experiment and puts me outside my comfort zone. Its always good to be stretched outside that zone and see what comes of it. Sometimes its good, sometimes the results are less than wonderful.

As always we start out with one minute gesture drawings. They're never my favourite, but like broccoli, you have to do it cause its good for you. I tackled some 20 minute poses in charcoal, using the side of it to achieve shading without a lot of line.

Finally, I rewarded myself with the last 20 minute pose in graphite. I wish I'd had longer with the face, but there's always another time.

2 comments:

Making A Mark said...

I LIKE your gesture drawings!

Where did all these male models come from all of a sudden - they're popping up on every blog I visit where there's a life drawing class. We used to get one once in a blue moon..........

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Katherine. It must be equality :)

I have to say that I prefer the female models as the poses are more graceful and flowing than the males.