Classical Drawing - Page 2

Steven Sweeney · 11-24-2002, 05:28 AM

And finally, a bit later in the progression, my first pastel head study.

Carolyn Ortiz · 11-24-2002, 10:18 AM

Oh NO! I can't see anything, but I'm following this post with enthusiasm! Gosh I really wish I was in school again, funny how I hated it so much! But I miss it so much now! A good lesson in not taking things for granted!

Carolyn Ortiz · 11-24-2002, 10:23 AM

Ah ha! I can see it now - and it's beautiful! I don't understand pastel at all! All I do is create a big mess! Do you use pastel pencils or the real messy sticks? What paper do you use.. sorry about the questions...maybe this is for another topic.

Mari DeRuntz · 11-24-2002, 10:31 AM

Beautiful drawings, Steven, and I must say I'm beginning to see - value, edges, shapes, simplicity.

Cynthia Daniel · 11-24-2002, 11:35 AM

Carolyn,

If you use the "search messages" feature at the top of the Forum, you'll find much information already here regarding pastels.

Carolyn Ortiz · 11-24-2002, 11:43 AM

Thank you, Cynthia.

I use the search messages all the time! Probably why I don't post so often. But when I actually try to use pastels it's a completely different story from the info posted. I think I am just a really messy artist! Pastels are really great for my ADD type personality, but I just don't quite understand them yet!

Hopefully soon though, I will have something of interest to post!

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-24-2002, 12:04 PM

Steven,

After receiving so much valuable feedback from you it has been very nice to finally see your wonderful work Please post more and share your techniques.

Mai Ly · 11-24-2002, 12:18 PM

Thanks Sharon, Juan and Steve for your patience in posting your detailed replies to my question. And Juan, Degas' quote:

Quote:

Painting is easy, until you learn how

is exactly how I feel (and I 'love' all Degas' work!).

I have a very scientific/mathematical mind with a science background. Although I do not regret what I have chosen to do, I do wish I have started my art career much earlier in life. I would have loved to go to one of the schools mentioned (actually, I do plan on going!) and do all the fun stuff that you have described. I know it's hard work, but I am a firm believer in having a solid knowledge of the fundamentals in all areas that I choose to do (in order to succeed in longer run).

Having said all the above, I do strive to sketch and draw life objects, charcoal study with portraits for pastels. With oils, I do strive to understand the all the colours of my limited pallette, from opaque to transparent, how they mix with each other, and do monochrome study of portraits. I do try to do figures, but none of nudes, simply because I have not had the chance to do so. So, at least I am a fraction of the way to doing the right stuff

Sharon and Juan, your websites and works are really beautiful! I would love to have an opportunity to study under one of you (though maybe Sharon is closer to where I live), if you do teach.

And Steven, your charcoal studies (show how much I have to improve with my own charcoal studies

) are really amazing! And I can see the forms and lines from your beautiful portrait.

Thanks again for your time to type up your 'in depth' replies.

Sincerely,
Mai

Steven Sweeney · 11-24-2002, 06:16 PM

I was mistaken in thinking that I could not yet direct you to one more piece, the black and white (and umber) oil I mentioned earlier. In the "incremental" scheme of things, this is the transition from charcoal to paint, without introduction yet of a color palette.

Sharon Knettell · 11-24-2002, 08:18 PM

Mai, this has turned out to be a really interesting and informative thread. Thank-you for posting it.

There is The New England School of Classical Realism in Hancock, New Hampshire. Karin Wells studied there. Ask her for information about it. I was recently part of an exhibition in Boston of portraiture with Numael and Shirley Pulido. They head up the school. They are two lovely, talented and dedicated artists. Shirley does exquisite pastels.

I may give a workshop next summer as I get a lot of requests to teach. I'll let you know.

Steven, stop sitting on your brushes. I thought I was the champion of moody absences from work. Your old stuff is gorgeous. The wicked witch says, DO SOME MORE!

Sincerely