Clarifying traditional cast drawing methods ... - Page 2

Renee Price · 11-01-2003, 11:09 AM

Hi Minh,

It's great to see you back! I bought a cast this summer and it has been extremely helpful. I formed a base out of modeling clay so I could sketch if from various angles and lighting effects instead of mounting it on a wall.

Welcome back!

Renee Price

Minh Thong · 11-03-2003, 11:06 AM

Hi Renee!

Yes ... I dragged my stuff out on the first cold day, not sure if I could get motivated to do anything, since my last 'painting season' was so frustrating. I set up my mast easel and a prepped canvas I had from March and started a self-portrait. No drawing, no practice pieces, no nothing. I just walked in cold and started it. It has turned out so well (so far) that I'm spending every spare minute at the easel or with my sketchbook. Kinda' strange, really. I haven't so much as touched a pencil since March or so, but the self-portrait is the best thing I've done yet (it's still just student work though). So, I'm getting back into drawing to ensure the self-portraits continue to improve with each piece.

How are you doing? I heard that you were a bit 'under the weather'. I hope you're feeling better, and thanks for saying 'Hi'.

Minhberg

Renee Price · 11-04-2003, 10:44 AM

Hi Minh,

Now aren't you glad you didn't sell your supplies?

I'm glad that you're painting was successful and that you enjoy painting again. Sometimes we all need a break to deal with the frustration.

You heard right; I am sick. We can talk about it off the list if you want. Thanks for your good wishes!

I'm glad you're back

Renee

Minh Thong · 11-04-2003, 11:06 AM

Renee - I PM'd you.

Steven - I decided to light the cast from above, which reduces the effect of the easel lamp to practically nothing. I will probably make up some sort of barrier though, for future drawing projects.

Thanks again everyone for the gracious assistance!

Minh

Minh Thong · 11-17-2003, 05:30 PM

I'm on my third piece of paper because there were quite a few problems which arose when I tried to cut corners, and I didn't have a complete picture of what I was trying to accomplish. I'm almost finished with the outline on the new drawing and it's progressing well. I am already slightly amazed at the difference I see after merely beginning it correctly for a change.

I solved my light 'spill-over' problem by moving the whole setup to a new spot and just using the easel lamp to light the cast. I've recently moved to a new house I now have a large bedroom that is, instead, used only for art and music. So I've set the cast up on the black-draped dresser that I use for a stand, and I have the easel sitting just to the right of it. I have a permanent vertical plumbline from a yardstick which is clamped to the easel and the light from the easel lamp now illuminates the cast just fine without any help. I've taped off my viewing distance for reference and using a pair of calipers and a yardstick (I don't have a level yet) I have completed the outline from the measured marks I did first in vine charcoal.

I've also started to be very methodical about where I stand and which eye I use for sighting. I feel that my left eye is stronger (I'm right-handed) and I'm now wearing the glasses that I use sometimes in the office for 'PC Eye'. All the changes appear to be making a real difference. It's coming along nicely. Thanks Steven and Tim, for all the gracious assistance.

Also, I am now life-drawing on Thursday nights with a group that includes three professional illustrators and one teacher. It's a VERY motivating experience. I also plan to take my very first drawing class in January with one of the guys in the group who teaches in Winston-Salem. He's from a classical background (Ben Long and Pietro Anigonni) and is just what I was looking for.

Thanks again for the help everyone!

Minh

Renee Price · 11-18-2003, 09:05 AM

Hi Minh,

I'm glad to hear about your new setup and especially to see the confidence you're developing. You're starting out the best way. It's hard to make a drawing or painting look realistic when someone has only worked from photos.

I also use my cast as a reference when I have to paint from a photo. I try to replicate the lighting and angle so it will be similar the man I'm painting. There is such a diffence between working from a photo and a 3 dimensional reference. Now if I can find a cast of a child - my kids are tired of being models!

Keep up the great work!

Renee