Michael G's Sketchbook

[Chris Saper]

Michael,

I have also very much enjoyed following your sketchbook! I love your open experimentation! I definitely enjoy seeing your shape vs line transition.

I have worked to try to go to one (wish it was more) open studio session per weeek. I know that it helps me every time. And I love the freedom to know I can THROW out the canvas at the end - the learning happens in the process. And, as Enzie says, it is so much fun.

[Michael Georges]

Enzie and Chris, thanks much for your comments! I am actually finding that this method is easier for locating the features than a line method, and it feels so much more organic and free than lines.

[Michael Georges]

Natalie, our Open Studio model for this evening. She had really cool hair - all scrunchy and soft. The outside eye is looking off in a slight different angle - why can't I see these things in session? :P But I am pleased with it none the less.

Edit: You know, I have noticed over these weeks that the photos show up all of the mistakes and not much of the "put togetherness" that a piece has. This looks a lot better in person than it does here in the photos! BAH!

EDIT: Took slightly better shots of these.

[Michael Georges]

This is Teddy, model for Open Studio this evening. He was fun and interesting to draw! Such an interesting character and his face was just chock full of land marks!

Changed to umber for this drawing, but still using a middle tone paper. Tried to keep it a bit loose and not overly fuss. Pretty happy with this one.

EDIT: Took a better shot this morning - need to wait to post these until I can take photos in the clear light of day.

[Peter Dransfield]

There are still alignment issues Michael as perhaps you already know - draw a line across the nostrils and the same for the eyes. I have been trying to decide what it is I like about all your new drawings and I think it is their angularity which I find reminiscent of Van Gogh. Whatever you do keep this and perhaps explore its possibilities.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Michael, I'm enjoying this thread so much. I keep checking back to see your latest sketches. Each one is an improvement is some way, and I think your progress is accelerated by your willingness to try different techniques and materials. Very exciting to see!

[Michael Georges]

Peter, thanks for your comments. Yep, I see the issue with the angles of features.

Alex: Thank you for your kind words. I will be posting a "progress report" soon with my first drawing since I picked this up again, and my latest side by side.

I want to show that dramatic progress in drawing can be had in a relatively short time - for me, it has been about 16 weeks. And while I still have a VAST distance to go, I am quickly loosing my fear of it and gaining confidence in my ability to get a likeness and produce a descent drawing (a minimum for every portrait artist) - even with the current "lyrical imperfections" in my drawings. :P

[Peter Dransfield]

If its any consolation I just put my current piece on the monitor and found exactly the same problems I am serious about the angularity - it gives the drawings strength, immediacy and honesty.

[Michael Georges]

Yea, I agree with you Peter. A wonderful wacky thing is how many different styles I am seeing pop out of these drawings. My work in the past has been hallmarked by very technical rendering and high finish and what is coming out of some of these is so organic and raw and as you said - immediate feeling.

I cannot help but believe that these are going to have a dramatic effect on my more finished work long-term.

[Peter Dransfield]

I shall follow what happens with great interest Michael.