Class Work

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 10:54 AM

I have been in a life drawing class and a portrait drawing class since September and just now feel that I have a couple drawings worth posting for a critique - Yikes!!

"Walter" is my favorite model because he has great bone structure and is lean. It is easy to see form. Unfortunately the lighting is poor, no spotlights at all. The longest poses are 25 minutes, the last of the night, and only once did I spend the whole time on his head, usually trying to complete an overall figure study (edited for this forum).

I apologize for the quality of pictures. I just purchased a digital camera and am still learning how to use it. Maybe I will post in digital section and get some help with this aspect of documenting my drawings.

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 10:56 AM

25 minute pose

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 10:57 AM

Walter a little clearer image!

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 11:00 AM

This is from my portrait drawing class. The only example I can show. This was a 15 minute study, no erasure. I know there is a lot wrong with it but it is still my favorite because I felt I captured her likeness and experienced the least bit of frustration!!

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 11:08 AM

I hope I am not posting too many. Last is a self portrait I completed this past weekend. I have been drawing myself for three years and every attempt ended in utter frustration. Because of this forum I learned how to set up lighting and how to look at forms instead of details. I really blurred my vision and stopped thinking. Presto! Boy am I NOT the norm. My eyes are closer than one eye width and my nose shorter than "formula" It is portrayed way too long in this sketch, making my face much longer and narrower than it is. My boyfriend commented, "where is your sparkle?" "Hey, I was concentrating, serious stuff!!"

I know, I have a long way to go, but something clicked the past couple weeks...

Steven Sweeney · 11-19-2003, 05:02 PM

Patty,

You

Patricia Joyce · 11-19-2003, 05:47 PM

Thank you for the bright encouragement. It is exactly what I needed!! I have been trying to draw every day and had to laugh at the things found in your sketch book. I think I have a dozen sketches of my boyfriend sleeping (he's such a good model but only when unconscious!!), sketches of my feet and my hand!

Unfortunately the portrait class is over and I will have to search for something in January. The Institute has a night portrait class but on the same night at the life drawing class, which I REALLY enjoy and Marily, also an instructor at the Institute has been a great teacher for me. She doesn't want me to leave the life drawing class, and I know I am learning so much from her.

I need to keep drawing from life, such an immense difference from using photos. I've really got the bug, so wish me luck in finding another portrait class.

Again, thanks for the boost!!
Patty

Chris Saper · 11-19-2003, 11:32 PM

Patty,

This is excellent solid work, with a capital "W".

With your permission I'd like to move this to Open Studio in the Portraits from Life section. These drawings have a freshness you can't get from photos.

Patricia Joyce · 11-20-2003, 10:37 AM

Chris,

Yes, please do. I didn't even think of posting them in open studio. Work is the appropriate word too, if you had seen me at my easel all day Saturday, determined to get something reasonable by way of self portrait. I know I ripped through five or six sheets of better drawing paper. As inevitably happens, when I went to newsprint and stopped "caring", a fairly decent sketch emerged.

I'm discovering the truth of giving room to instincts and unconscious mind. But it is so hard to ignore that anxious, determined, dangerous, do-or-die conscious thought process!

Thanks for your encouragement and help here,

Patty