Watercolors

I'm learning the art of watercolor painting in the studio, now--mostly by trial and error. It is much different from the oil technique I've grown up with, but I'm really enjoying it. The subtleties and uncertainties of the medium are really surprising and aesthetically intriguing. Water and pigment kind of do their own thing sometimes. But that's precisely the medium's charm. I'm really liking it. The first painting is of the model takin' a nap and the second one an exercise done at home from a sepia photograph of Abby.

Fred's Back

I feel much more comfortable and confident doing male models. Strange. Must be that my drawing technique favors hulky, cut figures. I do prefer shapes and lines over soft shading and curves. Possible explanation. Freud might have a different one, though. Anywho..., this week I was determined to construct a complete compisition within the frame of one page. I am very happy with the results. I usually zero in and have a difficult time getting the whole picture in view. I'm now training my eye to work more telescopically. I also did a quick sketch with pastel colors. Every little bit helps in familiarizing myself with the mysteries of ROYGBIV.

Back to the Drawing Board

A new session has begun at the Creative Oasis where I draw, and I've decided to tackle the thorny issue of color. Colorology is a totally distinct, complex science. Sketching in monochrome is one thing, but adding color is a whole other issue. I've always been fascinated with color but never quite got it. In the next few weeks, I'll begin my journey to learn how to use it. The piece here was done in pastels (another medium I find intriguing but don't have a good handle on). I'm having a particular difficult time applying color to the skin, trying to avoid making it look too flat or too colorful (where it ends up looking like fabric instead of flesh). The monochrome one-line sketch was done at the end of the session to give my eyes a break (and restore some confidence and control:)). I did another black and white sketch, but my scanner pooped out on me. Anyway, there they are