WARNING: There are drawings and paintings of female nudity in this post. Please do not read any further if this is an issue for you. Thank you.
I thought I would share some more photos from my adventures at The Art Students League:
The left side of the painting felt empty, so I sketched in a profile of the other model. I liked it, so I added some paint.
And here begins the 'battle of the nose" — just can't seem to get it to work. Sigh.
And at the beginning of week four, we got two new models. This time I parked myself in front of the female model.
I am most proud of that horrible hand. Man, hands are so very hard to draw!
I moved onto painting after just two days of sketching.
Something about this painting just wasn't sitting well with me. So I changed it up:
And one dark and creepy image led to another:
Very raw and unfinished. And honestly I was very frustrated and stumped after a week. And then I realized that it was because the model simply wasn't inspiring me. I don't know if it's because she has her eyes closed or what, but I wasn't feeling the creative muse.
I did catch the model during her break time with a book and drew this sketch in about five minutes:
And it's my favorite of all the sketches and paintings of her. Nonetheless I left class feeling very frustrated. So I skipped about four days of classes. And then I decided to come back with a better attitude and "make it work."
The model was out sick the day I came back! So we had a substitute model and I did these two drawings (the first photo is the first drawing in-progress):
Almost looks like two different guys, doesn't it? I was experimenting with two different drawing styles. The first one is a bit more controlled, really working on getting the proportion right and a very strong resemblance. The second drawing was more intuitive and about the general feeling of the model.
I went back for one more day with the model-who-doesn't-inspire-me. I did a bunch of sketches and decided to try putting her hair up and adding some flowers to her hair.
Wasn't loving it, so I added her real hair, but kept the imaginary flowers.
The instructor came over to help me at this point and told me that I had more than enough paint on my canvas and needed to start toning the image so that the lines were softer and less harsh. He painted on my canvas and softened (and darkened) things:
And although I believe that my personal style is much more about hard lines and not soft gradations, I decided to try toning things. After all, as I'm always preaching, class is a great place to experiment and learn to love new things!
I'm not sure if it's done or not. And I'm not sure how I feel about it. But I can see the difference in the drawings I did of the substitute model the day before and this painting. Just another reminder about how important inspiration is.
Before I go, I thought I'd share this silly photo. One day, during class, I caught my reflection in the bathroom mirror…
Hmmmmm…charcoal on my forehead, nose, chin, and neck (and paint all over my hands). What a mess!
Thanks for stopping by!
I love your paintings. Your use of color is inspiring.
And I really love your picture at the end of your post. How CUTE!!!
I love your paintings. Your use of color is inspiring.
And I really love your picture at the end of your post. How CUTE!!!
I love your paintings. Your use of color is inspiring.
And I really love your picture at the end of your post. How CUTE!!!
I love your paintings. Your use of color is inspiring.
And I really love your picture at the end of your post. How CUTE!!!
I just love to see the evolution of your work! The third “dark” alternation is very cool! Hope you show it again when you think it’s “finished.” I have to say, I think you best drawing of the model, is your quick sketch of her on break! TFS 🙂
I just love to see the evolution of your work! The third “dark” alternation is very cool! Hope you show it again when you think it’s “finished.” I have to say, I think you best drawing of the model, is your quick sketch of her on break! TFS 🙂
I just love to see the evolution of your work! The third “dark” alternation is very cool! Hope you show it again when you think it’s “finished.” I have to say, I think you best drawing of the model, is your quick sketch of her on break! TFS 🙂
I just love to see the evolution of your work! The third “dark” alternation is very cool! Hope you show it again when you think it’s “finished.” I have to say, I think you best drawing of the model, is your quick sketch of her on break! TFS 🙂
Hi Julie, I took a few of these classes at the art institue near me and can relate 🙂 These are fantastic and for me very difficult. great work
Hi Julie, I took a few of these classes at the art institue near me and can relate 🙂 These are fantastic and for me very difficult. great work
Hi Julie, I took a few of these classes at the art institue near me and can relate 🙂 These are fantastic and for me very difficult. great work
Hi Julie, I took a few of these classes at the art institue near me and can relate 🙂 These are fantastic and for me very difficult. great work
I agree about the model – the life is in the eyes – they really should be told they have to keep them open! Your sketching is awesome 🙂
I agree about the model – the life is in the eyes – they really should be told they have to keep them open! Your sketching is awesome 🙂
I agree about the model – the life is in the eyes – they really should be told they have to keep them open! Your sketching is awesome 🙂
I agree about the model – the life is in the eyes – they really should be told they have to keep them open! Your sketching is awesome 🙂
My favorite is the guy that came in for a day – the sub. You seemed to draw in personality or something which I can’t quite describe but I like to look at him and wonder what he is thinking. I love to put a story with the face and I can with him. So great for you to share all this! I never know what will be on my laptop when I open you up in the morning but it is always interesting.
My favorite is the guy that came in for a day – the sub. You seemed to draw in personality or something which I can’t quite describe but I like to look at him and wonder what he is thinking. I love to put a story with the face and I can with him. So great for you to share all this! I never know what will be on my laptop when I open you up in the morning but it is always interesting.
My favorite is the guy that came in for a day – the sub. You seemed to draw in personality or something which I can’t quite describe but I like to look at him and wonder what he is thinking. I love to put a story with the face and I can with him. So great for you to share all this! I never know what will be on my laptop when I open you up in the morning but it is always interesting.
My favorite is the guy that came in for a day – the sub. You seemed to draw in personality or something which I can’t quite describe but I like to look at him and wonder what he is thinking. I love to put a story with the face and I can with him. So great for you to share all this! I never know what will be on my laptop when I open you up in the morning but it is always interesting.
Funny to see a pic of you in a bathroom mirror without your Mom next to you.
Your drawings are a wonderful way for me to see the evolution of a model image. The quick one of the model reading is my fav of her.
Funny to see a pic of you in a bathroom mirror without your Mom next to you.
Your drawings are a wonderful way for me to see the evolution of a model image. The quick one of the model reading is my fav of her.
Funny to see a pic of you in a bathroom mirror without your Mom next to you.
Your drawings are a wonderful way for me to see the evolution of a model image. The quick one of the model reading is my fav of her.
Funny to see a pic of you in a bathroom mirror without your Mom next to you.
Your drawings are a wonderful way for me to see the evolution of a model image. The quick one of the model reading is my fav of her.
Wow! Great journey Julie. You’re really bringing yourself forward here. I’m very interested in understanding why we like or don’t like what we create, though I love all the work you’ve done so far, lines, shadows, colors, process and all (when you put the creepy teeth on the female model you reminded me of the wonderful film The Picture of Dorian Gray – teehee Happy Halloween).
Wow! Great journey Julie. You’re really bringing yourself forward here. I’m very interested in understanding why we like or don’t like what we create, though I love all the work you’ve done so far, lines, shadows, colors, process and all (when you put the creepy teeth on the female model you reminded me of the wonderful film The Picture of Dorian Gray – teehee Happy Halloween).
Wow! Great journey Julie. You’re really bringing yourself forward here. I’m very interested in understanding why we like or don’t like what we create, though I love all the work you’ve done so far, lines, shadows, colors, process and all (when you put the creepy teeth on the female model you reminded me of the wonderful film The Picture of Dorian Gray – teehee Happy Halloween).
Wow! Great journey Julie. You’re really bringing yourself forward here. I’m very interested in understanding why we like or don’t like what we create, though I love all the work you’ve done so far, lines, shadows, colors, process and all (when you put the creepy teeth on the female model you reminded me of the wonderful film The Picture of Dorian Gray – teehee Happy Halloween).
I love them Julie. Your work is inspiring and dramatic.
xx
I love them Julie. Your work is inspiring and dramatic.
xx
I love them Julie. Your work is inspiring and dramatic.
xx
I love them Julie. Your work is inspiring and dramatic.
xx
Your thoughts about inspiration really hit home for me – some days I can rock it and other days I am a rock. Next time I am like a rock I will look for a different place for inspiration!
Your thoughts about inspiration really hit home for me – some days I can rock it and other days I am a rock. Next time I am like a rock I will look for a different place for inspiration!
Your thoughts about inspiration really hit home for me – some days I can rock it and other days I am a rock. Next time I am like a rock I will look for a different place for inspiration!
Your thoughts about inspiration really hit home for me – some days I can rock it and other days I am a rock. Next time I am like a rock I will look for a different place for inspiration!
“He painted on my canvas…” WHAT?! No he didn’t! WTF? Why didn’t he just offer you advice? Is that normal? The instructor picking up a paint brush and adding to your painting? Guess that’s why I don’t take lessons, lol:) I think your work is wonderful:)
“He painted on my canvas…” WHAT?! No he didn’t! WTF? Why didn’t he just offer you advice? Is that normal? The instructor picking up a paint brush and adding to your painting? Guess that’s why I don’t take lessons, lol:) I think your work is wonderful:)
“He painted on my canvas…” WHAT?! No he didn’t! WTF? Why didn’t he just offer you advice? Is that normal? The instructor picking up a paint brush and adding to your painting? Guess that’s why I don’t take lessons, lol:) I think your work is wonderful:)
“He painted on my canvas…” WHAT?! No he didn’t! WTF? Why didn’t he just offer you advice? Is that normal? The instructor picking up a paint brush and adding to your painting? Guess that’s why I don’t take lessons, lol:) I think your work is wonderful:)
Adorable! And I think life ‘refines’ us (to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions) so your art should also refine over time….this is a good thing because it is normal. But it either requires patience or creates patience. Not sure which.
Adorable! And I think life ‘refines’ us (to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions) so your art should also refine over time….this is a good thing because it is normal. But it either requires patience or creates patience. Not sure which.
Adorable! And I think life ‘refines’ us (to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions) so your art should also refine over time….this is a good thing because it is normal. But it either requires patience or creates patience. Not sure which.
Adorable! And I think life ‘refines’ us (to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions) so your art should also refine over time….this is a good thing because it is normal. But it either requires patience or creates patience. Not sure which.
You think hands and noses are hard? I think people in general are hard so I stick to continuous line drawing with humans so that it sorta kinda maybe looks like the model. Haha! YOU inspire me with your approach Julie. TFS
You think hands and noses are hard? I think people in general are hard so I stick to continuous line drawing with humans so that it sorta kinda maybe looks like the model. Haha! YOU inspire me with your approach Julie. TFS
You think hands and noses are hard? I think people in general are hard so I stick to continuous line drawing with humans so that it sorta kinda maybe looks like the model. Haha! YOU inspire me with your approach Julie. TFS
You think hands and noses are hard? I think people in general are hard so I stick to continuous line drawing with humans so that it sorta kinda maybe looks like the model. Haha! YOU inspire me with your approach Julie. TFS
thanks for sharing your progress Julie…..fascinating to see. Does she close her eyes ALL the time??? Maybe she shouldn’t be a model! Love the drawings of the substitute maodel.
thanks for sharing your progress Julie…..fascinating to see. Does she close her eyes ALL the time??? Maybe she shouldn’t be a model! Love the drawings of the substitute maodel.
thanks for sharing your progress Julie…..fascinating to see. Does she close her eyes ALL the time??? Maybe she shouldn’t be a model! Love the drawings of the substitute maodel.
thanks for sharing your progress Julie…..fascinating to see. Does she close her eyes ALL the time??? Maybe she shouldn’t be a model! Love the drawings of the substitute maodel.
julie these are wonderful! i really like them. in class, i’m rarely satisfied with what i create. that it’s more about the process. then i take the things i learned in class, & incorporate them to the things i make later. i usually like those things better. i don’t like when a teacher draws or paints on my stuff, even if it’s to teach me something. how do you feel about it?
julie these are wonderful! i really like them. in class, i’m rarely satisfied with what i create. that it’s more about the process. then i take the things i learned in class, & incorporate them to the things i make later. i usually like those things better. i don’t like when a teacher draws or paints on my stuff, even if it’s to teach me something. how do you feel about it?
julie these are wonderful! i really like them. in class, i’m rarely satisfied with what i create. that it’s more about the process. then i take the things i learned in class, & incorporate them to the things i make later. i usually like those things better. i don’t like when a teacher draws or paints on my stuff, even if it’s to teach me something. how do you feel about it?
julie these are wonderful! i really like them. in class, i’m rarely satisfied with what i create. that it’s more about the process. then i take the things i learned in class, & incorporate them to the things i make later. i usually like those things better. i don’t like when a teacher draws or paints on my stuff, even if it’s to teach me something. how do you feel about it?
I am not a fan of it.
I am not a fan of it.
I am not a fan of it.
I am not a fan of it.