I have had a difficult time this past week, so art has taken a back seat; at least as much as I have allowed it to. But my art brings me comfort so my creative spirit survives. We had the large model back today and I finally have a conte on toned paper that I am pleased with. Admist angste about this type of drawing, the model and other things going on; I approached it as a landscape, with all her hills, valleys and mountains...and I think it worked. I still don't care for working in this way, but I am beginning to understand it.
On Monday she gave us an excellent portrait demo. Then we were to try it ourselves. I had a good start here although she said I was rushing in too quickly with features and needed to add more 'structure' before moving onto features. I don't think I'll finish it, but think I have a better understanding of how to approach portraits.
Sorry you're having a difficult week, but glad to hear that you are pressing through and being creative. These are very nice drawings.
And your instructor may not want you to do detail quite so early on, but I'll tell you...the nose and mouth on that portrait are VERY well done!
Just read Dan Gilbert's interview in the NYT... about how what we think will make us happy doesn't, and what we think will make us miserable doesn't, either. At least not as much as we'd expect. Most people have a sort of "set point" of happiness.
So I'm sorry this has been a rough time... but your work is more and more intriguing. I have my own body issues and wish we'd have a large model-- to see how I react. Have you seen Lucien Freud's latest money maker? http://guanabee.com/2008/04/lucien-freuds-benefits-supervi-1.php
He didn't come close to making it as appealing as a landscape, imo!
Your conte is beautiful MArta! you have such nice darks and lights and the round shape on the leg is so well done...yuou can feel great about this work!
Some time, you'll have to share with us the tips you got on doing portraits?
Great work... hope this week end turns out bright and sunny for you(spirtually).
Ronell
Oh my gosh, Marta, your nude is so sensitive and stunning! Before I read your entry, my first thought was "She's like a landscape!" The highlights are wonderful. What size is the drawing?
She's fabulous! And I hope that this week ends soon and that next week is better for you!
Fabulous Studies, very well done, I would say the class is most rewarding and will be for as long as you create. Hope the rough week is in the rearview and sunny skies ahead!
Marta your understanding shows, that top sketch is just fabulous!
Sorry you are having a bad time. I got what I wanted!
I am getting to work from home. Then as cleaning the whole one room I have. I actually have a very wonderful one bedroom apartment with bath and kitchen and a back area to the back stairs which has built in shelving area with doors the full length of the inside wall and a closet. Cleaning them all out. I have accumulated too many clothes. Now, I can look forward to a life of Blue Jeans and Tennis shoes and my own knitting comfy shoes for indoors. I will now have a good 180 minutes to have more of my life for me.
Then while cleaning last night, I was so panicked I could only go to sleep.
This morning reading a blog, the weight was lifted from my shoulders.
Your drawings have lifted my Silly Whiney symptoms.
Thank you for your beautiful work.
Sherrie Roberts
The body as landscape is is, Marta and you've done it proud. Beautiful!
I too am sorry to hear you are doing it tough. I hope the sun is shining again.
I just love your "landscape" Marta!
I'm sorry if you're having a difficult week - I hope things sort themselves out soon.
Wonderful 'landscape' or maybe carved from stone and I love the haunted looking portrait.
marta, your landscape is outstanding! the work as well as the composition. wow! I wish I could draw like that. I have a long way to go. Have to find a way of getting back to drawing from life. Hope life looks up for you and soon.