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Michael Georges · 06-17-2009, 08:05 PM

So in my last year of drawing in open studio sessions I have noted the following:

Most students are drawing the whole body, thereby, they set up between 7 and 10 feet from the model - sometimes more.

If you are drawing only the portrait of the subject's head, at 7+ feet, you will have a harder time distinguishing essential details of the face - especially if you are over 40 years of age...

My eyes really struggle with focal lengths and rapid changes necessary for drawing from life. It really helps me if I am within 7 feet of the subject.

Thought I would share that...as it took me nearly a year to figure out that I could indeed move closer to the model and did not have to follow the rest of the group in being setup farther away.

06-17-2009, 08:05 PM	#1
Michael Georges PAINTING PORTRAITS FROM LIFE MODERATOR FT Professional Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 846	Open Studio - Distance from Model So in my last year of drawing in open studio sessions I have noted the following: Most students are drawing the whole body, thereby, they set up between 7 and 10 feet from the model - sometimes more. If you are drawing only the portrait of the subject's head, at 7+ feet, you will have a harder time distinguishing essential details of the face - especially if you are over 40 years of age... My eyes really struggle with focal lengths and rapid changes necessary for drawing from life. It really helps me if I am within 7 feet of the subject. Thought I would share that...as it took me nearly a year to figure out that I could indeed move closer to the model and did not have to follow the rest of the group in being setup farther away. __________________ Michael Georges www.fineportraitsinoil.com Michael's Life Drawing & Painting Blog Regular and consistent work from life will improve your portraits. Drawing skills are the foundation of all an artist does.