Bargue Exercises - an ongoing experience

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by Ngaire Winwood

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I haven't figured out yet how to place the original next to the working copy so please be patient with my inexperience.

Hi Ngaire,

I used to practice copying drawings by Leonardo and Michalanglo for learning. At least I learned something about sensitive lines.

You could trace the original drawing on a piece of transparent plastic and lay it over your own drawing to control. But don

[Ngaire Winwood]

Thanks Allan. I am also studying the linework in Rembrandt drawings from a book I got out from the library. Yes the sensitivity of line is exquisite. I haven't started copying them yet.

Bargue has a long history with artistic training so I am hoping the benefits will be fothcoming if I stick with it.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Hi Ngaire,
Do these exercises until you're exhausted and you'll never regret.
Get a bust or a sculpture to practice from life. You're getting better and better.

[Michele Rushworth]

Congratulations on choosing this path. I imagine you will learn more this way than in trying to find good instruction near you.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Thanks Claudemir and Michelle for your support. Yes I feel that since having so many frustrations in the past, this path will hopefully teach me the skills I will need for a quality portrait painting future. Keep fingers crossed.

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by Ngaire Winwood

Thanks Allan. I am also studying the linework in Rembrandt drawings from a book I got out from the library. Yes the sensitivity of line is exquisite. I haven't started copying them yet. .

Rembrandt had many students and wannabee

[Ngaire Winwood]

Thanks Allan, I will print them out and tackle them. I wonder what size brush he used? Would colour paint did he use in these or are they a wash? Do you suggest a particular size to do them? They would have been strokes made quickly wouldn't they?

[Allan Rahbek]

Ngaire,

The drawings are made with a Reed pen and Bistre, a dark brown ink made from Sot. On the drawing of the woman in bed there is a thin wash in the upper left corner, made with brush.
The evidence of another hand on the drawing is mainly based on the mechanical hatchings in the right side. Note how his own hatchings are always modeling the form.

Allan

[Patricia Joyce]

Ngaire,
I too have used the Bargue course and am always copying from it. It is an invaluable tool and your drawings are very good. With your level of dedication I am sure your will be completing beautiful portraits and we here on the forum will be fortunate to watch your progress!

Please keep sharing your work. It is fun to see!

Enjoy the process!!

Patty

ps you may want to invest in a mahl stick to help with working on a vertical set-up. I don't know what I would do without mine.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Thanks Allan and Patty for your support.

Patty, as I am late starter into art, I am hoping these exercises will quicken the process and teach me what I need to know to become a portrait artist, hopefully within a five year range. I sometimes think this adventurous plan might be out of my reach as there is so much technical stuff to learn and I haven't even started on the technical side of colour yet. How beneficial did you find them the plates, other than developing ones artistic eye? Thanks for the tip for a mahl stick also.

You are so fortunate to have the opportunity to workshop with Marvin.