Constant practice

William Whitaker · 07-17-2006, 10:26 PM

We know that to fully master the art of portraiture, it is vital we work from life as much as possible. Many of us wonder how we can do this, how we can afford models for practice.

The simple answer is to practice on friends and family. Get them to sit for a head sketch, and then give them the finished canvas! I

William Whitaker · 07-17-2006, 10:27 PM

This endless practice on sitters in exchange for the painting, (or just a little money and the painting,) is an exercise that has been carried on by most of the best portrait painters, living and dead. Think of it the way you would think of a maestro practicing the piano endlessly. Constant regular practice, over your lifetime, is the best way to achieve mastery.

Marcus Lim · 07-18-2006, 01:11 AM

Dear Sir,
Thank you for this wonderful advice. I continue to seek your advocation for building one's art foundation, as a source of inspiration.

In Singapore, where drawing skills are seriously ignored in favour of "contemporary art", i found it draining on myself, when as an art teacher myself, could do little to change that perception of my students, to develop deeper drawing skills for their own good.

So now, SOG forum has become that sanctuary i come, to seek and hear experiences of living masters like you who continue this tradition to develop young minds like me. I continue to look forward to more of your inspirations.

Sharon Knettell · 07-18-2006, 11:20 AM

Ooh, beautiful piece Bill!

What a great idea! Heads are THE most difficult to do and I always find I need more experience.

On the 30th of July, at a charity fundraiser, I am doing sketches at $15 a pop. I cannot think of a better way to get free models and contribute to the community.

Gary Hoff · 07-19-2006, 12:00 PM

Bill, it's always a treat to see your work. And even more helpful to read your comments on professionalism and elevating one's skills. Thanks a heap.

Mary Jane Ansell · 07-19-2006, 01:38 PM

Well that's just inspiring!! What a treat indeed to see... I must say I get a truly wonderful sense of the grace of this very lovely sitter. Her mother must feel like she won the lottery!

Your words are equally motivating too - bring on the next 50 years I say;-)

All the best,
Mary Jane

Alexandra Tyng · 07-20-2006, 12:17 AM

Bill, these are great suggestions. And I love your head study, especially the way you've played up her unusual eyes.

Chris Saper · 07-20-2006, 11:58 PM

Yes, yes.

It really doesn't matter how well your life studies turn out, it's all in the process.

I am seriously considering how I can become your neighbor.

Chris Saper · 07-29-2006, 12:10 AM

P.S. From Harley Brown: "You have to draw every day just to keep from gettting worse."

Sharon Knettell · 07-29-2006, 09:55 AM

Tomorrow I am headed off to a charity event, a pet project of my own.

It is to save a watershed from yet another Big Box development. The fund raiser is in the form of a country fair. I will be doing charcoal portrait sketches at $15 a pop.

My husband asked, why on earth would I do something like that. I said that I was getting a whole day of free models! Talk about constant practice!

The discussion here on free models gave me the idea.