Watercolors

I'm giving watercolors some more time lately. The painting up top is mixed media: a pencil sketch with a watercolor wash over top, later touched up with color pencil. It's hard to get used to the diffused nature of the medium (especially coming from oils), but I'm fascinated with all the different effects that can occur. The one-line sketch below was done during the last couple minutes of class.

Sophia

So, I've decided to turn my materials onto the family. I finally broke out this amazing set of colored pencils Jenny got me when we first got married. Sophia was my first victim. Man, she's a cutie.

Back in the Studio--Charcoals

I like the messiness and stark contrasts of charcoals. Today, I'm on hiatus from color and back to the basics of line, perspective and value. The model was so comfortable, we never even took a break in the whole two hours. Apparently reclining postures are good for all around. It's nice to be back in the Saturday studio.

Pause

I'm in Beijing doing some research until May 15. I'll pick back up when I return.

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