Nothing to Lose

Michael Georges · 11-20-2002, 10:54 AM

I am having the best time moderating the Portraits from Life section here at the SOG Forum. A BIG Thank You to those who have participated thus far.

I just wanted to invite people in to have a gander at what great things are going on. Marvin Mattelson just posted a wonderful portrait he did from life in the Member Portraits from Life forum and the Open Studio forum has wonderful drawings, pastels, and oils done in short three hour sessions from Julia Reynolds, Debra Jones, Chris Saper, Michael Fournier, Deladier Almeida, Daniel Arredondo, and Mari DeRuntz.

I am just starting to draw and paint from life and you can also see my first halting steps down this path and maybe come along with me and improve your skills too. I really believe that as portrait artists we all need to be able to draw and paint from a live subject.

I want to encourage everyone to participate here at the Forum - there is nothing to lose. Several times, I have heard people expressing reluctance to post things that are not their best work. I believe that if we only post our best, then we are missing out on a vital part of what this forum is all about - helping others to improve. There are many professionals here who we all have access to - their advice, their insight, their critiques - even the professionals are learning and can use other's advice and input.

So please participate, consider drawing from life, and please post your works for critique and don't worry. People here don't want to judge you, they want to help you.

Jean Kelly · 11-22-2002, 01:45 AM

Okay, okay I took the plunge. Set my son up in front of the TV to watch a movie, got myself comfortable, and began my self-imposed torture. My mission: to create a portrait from life of my son without using any lines. Next time I'll have someone else draw up the parameters.

I chose to work with soft pastel in white, greys, and black. Of course I didn't want to use any "good" paper so just worked on my inexpensive white sketch paper. No fixative was allowed, self imposed restriction again.

Lessons learned: Don't work with soft pastel. Nupastel or Conte crayon would be better. Don't use white to black on white paper. Toned would be better. Don't wear long sleeves and sit on a couch and try to work with soft pastel. Sleeves are now shades of grey and drawing smeared. Don't try to draw my smart aleck son. His first remark was "Ma, you made me look stoned!"

I'll post the next one.

Jean

Michael Georges · 11-22-2002, 10:29 AM

Bless you Jean! Well, I learned some of those things too! I really like working on a paper meant specifically for charcoal like Canson or Fabrino and like you I prefer it to be tinted - I like the gray tones.

Good for you for taking the plunge! Next time it will be a bit easier.