Michael G's Sketchbook

Michael Georges · 05-15-2008, 01:29 PM

Let's start with three from recent weeks sessions and in Sanguine Creatacolor sticks. Times on these varied, with the portrait of the gentleman being the shortest - about an hour and a half.

Enjoy!

Edit: One thing to note is that you can see a pretty clear progression in these as I got used to using the creatacolor sticks and adapted to how to model the form with them.

Enzie Shahmiri · 05-15-2008, 09:45 PM

Michael, it's so nice to see you posting again. Welcome back!

Michael Georges · 05-16-2008, 09:36 AM

Thank you Enzie, it is good to be back.

Donna Johnson · 05-16-2008, 11:49 AM

Hi Michael,

I am glad you are posting your sketchbook. I wish I could see a lot of the SOG members drawings. I was lucky to get good advice HERE early on about the photos. My life teacher says that all the critical mistakes are made in the first 2 minutes. That is why he makes us do so many 2 min gestures. My only question about that is, why does it take me 5 minutes to do one?

Looking forward to more,
Donna

Michael Georges · 05-17-2008, 12:24 PM

Hello Donna and thanks for your comments.

I so agree with you that those first minutes are crucial, and as you can see below, it is a lesson I am still learning. :P

I might say that the first session of 20 minutes are when we must be most critical. I used to use the first 20 to place features...these days, I am spending the first two getting placement and proportion right, and then refining it all the way. It is not easy, but Gods is it fun!

Michael Georges · 05-21-2008, 12:11 PM

Last night's model had such character in her face, and the glasses were wonderful to puzzle out!

Also, I scored about 150 sheets of Fabriano 140lb watercolor paper in 30x40 inch sheets...for free!

This is the first of many on that paper, it is wonderful!

I toned the ground on this one with powdered sanguine so I could work a bit with the white sticks.

Enjoy!

Michael Georges · 05-28-2008, 12:14 PM

When model's don't show, the proprietor is often pressed into service. This is Lanette, who runs the Wild Arts Center where I draw each Tuesday, with a "the model didn't show" expression.

I am finding that my traditional way of doing charcoals - i.e., blending with bristle brushes - is really what I need to be doing. Took one along last night and the coverage an ability to get smoother transitions over the texture of the paper is superior over either a chamois or fingers.

I am also struggling with "next morning syndrome" - she looked great last night, and this morning, I see drawing errors in her eyes that last night I just did not see...