WARNING: There are drawings and paintings of male nudity in this post. Please do not read any further if this is an issue for you. Thank you.
I am taking a figure painting class Monday – Friday at The Art Students League. And although I am taking the class five days a week, it's not a traditional class in some of the ways that so many of us are used to. There's virtually no instruction. The teacher has spoken to me for a total of ten minutes on two occasions. He's only present for two of the five days, and then for only part of the time. The point of the class is to have active studio time with a live model. And we are lucky enough to have two models — a man and a woman. My easel is closer to the man, so he has been my focus thus far.
The models hold the same pose for 3 weeks. They pose in twenty-minute increments, separated by several five-minute breaks and one twenty-minute break over three-and-a-half hours each day. I can't imagine how boring it must be to just sit there. I feel kind of terrible for them when I see their muscles twitching with fatigue, or when you look into their faces and see the discomfort. But I am so grateful that they're willing to do it.
The good news is that I can feel myself improving every single day. Here are my drawings and paintings thus far in the order they were done:
On the first day I spent the entire class time creating this portrait. The teacher told me I needed to work on the body.
So I did a shorter sketch and moved down a bit to include his torso. But I didn't like the composition. It didn't tell a story.
I like the composition here a lot. And I love how his knee cap turned out! But that right hand — eek! I just could not draw it!
So this time I started my sketch focused on the hand and then drew everything else around it. That foreshortened arm nearly killed me, but it looks pretty good now! I'm rather proud of myself. I didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but I did!
Empowered by the hand, I decided to tackle another thing that scares me: feet. This is a larger than life version of his lower leg.
This is first painting. And to say that I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing is an understatement! But since there was no one around to help, I just kind of did what I know how to do and I was delightfully shocked that it worked. At first I thought that this painting was done. But then I decided to come back to it and delve a little bit deeper.
And I do think it improved! I love the composition and the story it tells and I feel like putting the pattern in the background was really important.
This next canvas I worked on for about a week:
I felt the proportions of the face were wrong, so I wiped the top half of his face and started again.
At this point I asked the teacher for some guidance and he did something that I absolutely *hate*: he painted on my painting.
Personally I think you learn nothing if a teacher just goes in and touches your artwork. A good teacher should be able to verbally guide you towards a solution. Part of learning is figuring out how to get from an intellectual idea (i.e. the shape of this face is wrong) to a physical solution. While I do think that you can learn from watching someone else work, if they do it on your work you don't get to practice the principle. Sigh.
So this is what my canvas looked like after he painted on it:
He lightened the left side of the face and reshaped the right side of the face.
The next day I attacked it with vigor!
Besides a weird lip problem, it's boring. So I brought in some new colors.
Still got a mega lip problem. But I'm liking what the blue and green is doing.
Lip problem fixed. Loving the orange.
Love his face, but his body feels a little cartoonish and un-finished. I definitely need to spend more time figuring out the subtleties of capturing the contours of a body. Like how do you depict a hairy chest?
But for now, I've decided that it's done.
I did a bit more sketching:
And then I decided that it was time to do a painting that felt very natural to me. So I collaged a canvas, used some punchinella, and started splashing the paint around:
I feel like this is very "me."
Overall, I'm having a good time and feeling like I'm learning-by-doing. I wish there were a bit more instruction, but I appreciate that I'm not being forced to do things in a certain way. I can find my own way. I also appreciate being forced to work with the same subject day after day. I can see that working at a single subject for a long time is good medicine, although it does feel like medicine some days. Mostly I feel unsure of myself. But then again maybe I'm just looking for someone to say, "good" or "bad" so that I know where I stand. Something for me to think about.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, isn’t it wondeful to see the progress! Thanks for sharing Julie!
Wow, isn’t it wondeful to see the progress! Thanks for sharing Julie!
Wow, isn’t it wondeful to see the progress! Thanks for sharing Julie!
Wow, isn’t it wondeful to see the progress! Thanks for sharing Julie!
I’m no art teacher but you can definitely mark it good in my book! Thx for sharing and encouraging us – everyday – to face our fears and give “it” a try.
Cheers~
I’m no art teacher but you can definitely mark it good in my book! Thx for sharing and encouraging us – everyday – to face our fears and give “it” a try.
Cheers~
I’m no art teacher but you can definitely mark it good in my book! Thx for sharing and encouraging us – everyday – to face our fears and give “it” a try.
Cheers~
I’m no art teacher but you can definitely mark it good in my book! Thx for sharing and encouraging us – everyday – to face our fears and give “it” a try.
Cheers~
My old painting teacher used to do that to my paintings. I took a painting class a year ago at my college. Painting 2 included having a model. I haven’t taken that yet. Its at an odd time in the middle of the afternoon. I have to pick up the boys and all that. So maybe one day they’ll change the time. Your use of color is amazingly great. I love what you’ve done. 🙂
My old painting teacher used to do that to my paintings. I took a painting class a year ago at my college. Painting 2 included having a model. I haven’t taken that yet. Its at an odd time in the middle of the afternoon. I have to pick up the boys and all that. So maybe one day they’ll change the time. Your use of color is amazingly great. I love what you’ve done. 🙂
My old painting teacher used to do that to my paintings. I took a painting class a year ago at my college. Painting 2 included having a model. I haven’t taken that yet. Its at an odd time in the middle of the afternoon. I have to pick up the boys and all that. So maybe one day they’ll change the time. Your use of color is amazingly great. I love what you’ve done. 🙂
My old painting teacher used to do that to my paintings. I took a painting class a year ago at my college. Painting 2 included having a model. I haven’t taken that yet. Its at an odd time in the middle of the afternoon. I have to pick up the boys and all that. So maybe one day they’ll change the time. Your use of color is amazingly great. I love what you’ve done. 🙂
Love watching your progress! Its neat to see how just a few changes can make his face (and perceived personality) change so much! I love the colors you’ve been adding, the blues and the oranges.
Love watching your progress! Its neat to see how just a few changes can make his face (and perceived personality) change so much! I love the colors you’ve been adding, the blues and the oranges.
Love watching your progress! Its neat to see how just a few changes can make his face (and perceived personality) change so much! I love the colors you’ve been adding, the blues and the oranges.
Love watching your progress! Its neat to see how just a few changes can make his face (and perceived personality) change so much! I love the colors you’ve been adding, the blues and the oranges.
Love the drawings and paintings. You’re very talented. The piece with collage is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Love the drawings and paintings. You’re very talented. The piece with collage is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Love the drawings and paintings. You’re very talented. The piece with collage is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Love the drawings and paintings. You’re very talented. The piece with collage is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this post!! I really love that you showed all these drawings and your thought process. I loved seeing the progress and was excited to see your next piece. Awesome job! Thanks for the motivation this morning.
Thanks for this post!! I really love that you showed all these drawings and your thought process. I loved seeing the progress and was excited to see your next piece. Awesome job! Thanks for the motivation this morning.
Thanks for this post!! I really love that you showed all these drawings and your thought process. I loved seeing the progress and was excited to see your next piece. Awesome job! Thanks for the motivation this morning.
Thanks for this post!! I really love that you showed all these drawings and your thought process. I loved seeing the progress and was excited to see your next piece. Awesome job! Thanks for the motivation this morning.
The very “you” was really you, and that’s why looks so perfect. The others studies are awesome, love to see the focus on each “part” of the body, but “you” is technique + your feelings, your self, your ‘truth” and that’s art! You are amazing!
The very “you” was really you, and that’s why looks so perfect. The others studies are awesome, love to see the focus on each “part” of the body, but “you” is technique + your feelings, your self, your ‘truth” and that’s art! You are amazing!
The very “you” was really you, and that’s why looks so perfect. The others studies are awesome, love to see the focus on each “part” of the body, but “you” is technique + your feelings, your self, your ‘truth” and that’s art! You are amazing!
The very “you” was really you, and that’s why looks so perfect. The others studies are awesome, love to see the focus on each “part” of the body, but “you” is technique + your feelings, your self, your ‘truth” and that’s art! You are amazing!
Well, I am no instructor, but I will say “Good.”
Well, I am no instructor, but I will say “Good.”
Well, I am no instructor, but I will say “Good.”
Well, I am no instructor, but I will say “Good.”
I always enjoy your blog, but this post is so fascinating and interesting. Just love it, and think your work is great (better than the pinkie bit the teacher put in — so glad you painted over it!!!).
Greetings from France – Sally
I always enjoy your blog, but this post is so fascinating and interesting. Just love it, and think your work is great (better than the pinkie bit the teacher put in — so glad you painted over it!!!).
Greetings from France – Sally
I always enjoy your blog, but this post is so fascinating and interesting. Just love it, and think your work is great (better than the pinkie bit the teacher put in — so glad you painted over it!!!).
Greetings from France – Sally
I always enjoy your blog, but this post is so fascinating and interesting. Just love it, and think your work is great (better than the pinkie bit the teacher put in — so glad you painted over it!!!).
Greetings from France – Sally
Thank you for sharing this post with us. It feels very personal. As I see it, you pushed past your uncertainty and as a result, you have grown as an artist. I love how you “Balzer-ized” your work as you grew more confident. And..i’m with you…the “teacher” had no business touching your work. Your talent is obvious from the start.
Thank you for sharing this post with us. It feels very personal. As I see it, you pushed past your uncertainty and as a result, you have grown as an artist. I love how you “Balzer-ized” your work as you grew more confident. And..i’m with you…the “teacher” had no business touching your work. Your talent is obvious from the start.
Thank you for sharing this post with us. It feels very personal. As I see it, you pushed past your uncertainty and as a result, you have grown as an artist. I love how you “Balzer-ized” your work as you grew more confident. And..i’m with you…the “teacher” had no business touching your work. Your talent is obvious from the start.
Thank you for sharing this post with us. It feels very personal. As I see it, you pushed past your uncertainty and as a result, you have grown as an artist. I love how you “Balzer-ized” your work as you grew more confident. And..i’m with you…the “teacher” had no business touching your work. Your talent is obvious from the start.
Julie, these are FANtastic! I love that you jump in even when you feel ‘unsure’. That truly inspires me. This last one is SO you! I especially like the blue and green in the face.
Julie, these are FANtastic! I love that you jump in even when you feel ‘unsure’. That truly inspires me. This last one is SO you! I especially like the blue and green in the face.
Julie, these are FANtastic! I love that you jump in even when you feel ‘unsure’. That truly inspires me. This last one is SO you! I especially like the blue and green in the face.
Julie, these are FANtastic! I love that you jump in even when you feel ‘unsure’. That truly inspires me. This last one is SO you! I especially like the blue and green in the face.
I enjoyed reading the entire Story, and the You version is good but your journey added something new (not sure I can put my finger on what) to the Julie-ness I really enjoy. I’m glad this was a real canvas story and not one made in Photoshop.
I enjoyed reading the entire Story, and the You version is good but your journey added something new (not sure I can put my finger on what) to the Julie-ness I really enjoy. I’m glad this was a real canvas story and not one made in Photoshop.
I enjoyed reading the entire Story, and the You version is good but your journey added something new (not sure I can put my finger on what) to the Julie-ness I really enjoy. I’m glad this was a real canvas story and not one made in Photoshop.
I enjoyed reading the entire Story, and the You version is good but your journey added something new (not sure I can put my finger on what) to the Julie-ness I really enjoy. I’m glad this was a real canvas story and not one made in Photoshop.
Julie – FANTASTIC is the word for the progression of paintings! You’re so very talented. And yes, I agree – the blue & green on his face is definitely YOU!
Julie – FANTASTIC is the word for the progression of paintings! You’re so very talented. And yes, I agree – the blue & green on his face is definitely YOU!
Julie – FANTASTIC is the word for the progression of paintings! You’re so very talented. And yes, I agree – the blue & green on his face is definitely YOU!
Julie – FANTASTIC is the word for the progression of paintings! You’re so very talented. And yes, I agree – the blue & green on his face is definitely YOU!
For having virtually no instruction…GOOD, uh, better than GOOD! You have a gift to begin with and your progression here is so inspiring to see. Curious…what kinds of things are any of the other students doing? Do you share or ask opinions of them? They have to love your Julied versions (or am I just biased?) LOL Thanks so much for sharing with us, do show more when you can.
For having virtually no instruction…GOOD, uh, better than GOOD! You have a gift to begin with and your progression here is so inspiring to see. Curious…what kinds of things are any of the other students doing? Do you share or ask opinions of them? They have to love your Julied versions (or am I just biased?) LOL Thanks so much for sharing with us, do show more when you can.
For having virtually no instruction…GOOD, uh, better than GOOD! You have a gift to begin with and your progression here is so inspiring to see. Curious…what kinds of things are any of the other students doing? Do you share or ask opinions of them? They have to love your Julied versions (or am I just biased?) LOL Thanks so much for sharing with us, do show more when you can.
For having virtually no instruction…GOOD, uh, better than GOOD! You have a gift to begin with and your progression here is so inspiring to see. Curious…what kinds of things are any of the other students doing? Do you share or ask opinions of them? They have to love your Julied versions (or am I just biased?) LOL Thanks so much for sharing with us, do show more when you can.
That last one tells a story for sure Julie.
And you totally rocked the right hand when you started with it.
I appreciate you sharing this with us as it is nice to see the process. It gives me hope that my art can improve.
That last one tells a story for sure Julie.
And you totally rocked the right hand when you started with it.
I appreciate you sharing this with us as it is nice to see the process. It gives me hope that my art can improve.
That last one tells a story for sure Julie.
And you totally rocked the right hand when you started with it.
I appreciate you sharing this with us as it is nice to see the process. It gives me hope that my art can improve.
That last one tells a story for sure Julie.
And you totally rocked the right hand when you started with it.
I appreciate you sharing this with us as it is nice to see the process. It gives me hope that my art can improve.
I loved seeing the progression of the paintings – especially after you started adding the “you” colors.
I loved seeing the progression of the paintings – especially after you started adding the “you” colors.
I loved seeing the progression of the paintings – especially after you started adding the “you” colors.
I loved seeing the progression of the paintings – especially after you started adding the “you” colors.
thanks Julie you are just so generous sharing your progress and experience with this class with us!
Love it, its like we’re in there doing a bit of it with you. So cool. I want to pick up the charcoal and have a go now… crank up the butchers paper and the easel and get into it too…
Great seeing how your work changes and you develop your understanding and extend the work. Dont think its ‘better’, before or after, these days – just different. Theres often a freshness we have, as we start on a new type of expression, and a kind of oh, oh think i got it right, sadness as we let go our own clunky fresh way of expressing what we see and do it ‘right’, which we then have to put our stamp on, to make ours, as it were. Which you do of course! In some ways, ‘learning’ is learning someone elses way of being, and becoming less original ourselves. Always a challenge.
getting back to it, though… I love the 2nd painting, with the blue and green background, and the torso, its great! and yes, the last one that you like – it sings. Enjoy the rest of it, looks like fun!
thanks Julie you are just so generous sharing your progress and experience with this class with us!
Love it, its like we’re in there doing a bit of it with you. So cool. I want to pick up the charcoal and have a go now… crank up the butchers paper and the easel and get into it too…
Great seeing how your work changes and you develop your understanding and extend the work. Dont think its ‘better’, before or after, these days – just different. Theres often a freshness we have, as we start on a new type of expression, and a kind of oh, oh think i got it right, sadness as we let go our own clunky fresh way of expressing what we see and do it ‘right’, which we then have to put our stamp on, to make ours, as it were. Which you do of course! In some ways, ‘learning’ is learning someone elses way of being, and becoming less original ourselves. Always a challenge.
getting back to it, though… I love the 2nd painting, with the blue and green background, and the torso, its great! and yes, the last one that you like – it sings. Enjoy the rest of it, looks like fun!
thanks Julie you are just so generous sharing your progress and experience with this class with us!
Love it, its like we’re in there doing a bit of it with you. So cool. I want to pick up the charcoal and have a go now… crank up the butchers paper and the easel and get into it too…
Great seeing how your work changes and you develop your understanding and extend the work. Dont think its ‘better’, before or after, these days – just different. Theres often a freshness we have, as we start on a new type of expression, and a kind of oh, oh think i got it right, sadness as we let go our own clunky fresh way of expressing what we see and do it ‘right’, which we then have to put our stamp on, to make ours, as it were. Which you do of course! In some ways, ‘learning’ is learning someone elses way of being, and becoming less original ourselves. Always a challenge.
getting back to it, though… I love the 2nd painting, with the blue and green background, and the torso, its great! and yes, the last one that you like – it sings. Enjoy the rest of it, looks like fun!
thanks Julie you are just so generous sharing your progress and experience with this class with us!
Love it, its like we’re in there doing a bit of it with you. So cool. I want to pick up the charcoal and have a go now… crank up the butchers paper and the easel and get into it too…
Great seeing how your work changes and you develop your understanding and extend the work. Dont think its ‘better’, before or after, these days – just different. Theres often a freshness we have, as we start on a new type of expression, and a kind of oh, oh think i got it right, sadness as we let go our own clunky fresh way of expressing what we see and do it ‘right’, which we then have to put our stamp on, to make ours, as it were. Which you do of course! In some ways, ‘learning’ is learning someone elses way of being, and becoming less original ourselves. Always a challenge.
getting back to it, though… I love the 2nd painting, with the blue and green background, and the torso, its great! and yes, the last one that you like – it sings. Enjoy the rest of it, looks like fun!
I’m so impressed! Jealous! But what I really want to know is where did you get punchinella? Is that one of your new Crafter’s Workshop stencils?
I’m so impressed! Jealous! But what I really want to know is where did you get punchinella? Is that one of your new Crafter’s Workshop stencils?
I’m so impressed! Jealous! But what I really want to know is where did you get punchinella? Is that one of your new Crafter’s Workshop stencils?
I’m so impressed! Jealous! But what I really want to know is where did you get punchinella? Is that one of your new Crafter’s Workshop stencils?
awesome girl!!!! love it!!! and the last one…man I dig that – the colors and all- it is you and speaks to me!
awesome girl!!!! love it!!! and the last one…man I dig that – the colors and all- it is you and speaks to me!
awesome girl!!!! love it!!! and the last one…man I dig that – the colors and all- it is you and speaks to me!
awesome girl!!!! love it!!! and the last one…man I dig that – the colors and all- it is you and speaks to me!
FANTASTIC! I really love the one that is “YOU”!!!! Stay true to you.
FANTASTIC! I really love the one that is “YOU”!!!! Stay true to you.
FANTASTIC! I really love the one that is “YOU”!!!! Stay true to you.
FANTASTIC! I really love the one that is “YOU”!!!! Stay true to you.
Wow, these are great! I cannot draw bodies … not head, faces, hands, feet, nor any part! BUT I do appreciate the beautiful human body and nude art. It allows an artist to captures a view of how they literally sees another person. The progress I see in your drawings is incredible. And … I love your collage piece. Looking forward to seeing your continued study. 🙂
Wow, these are great! I cannot draw bodies … not head, faces, hands, feet, nor any part! BUT I do appreciate the beautiful human body and nude art. It allows an artist to captures a view of how they literally sees another person. The progress I see in your drawings is incredible. And … I love your collage piece. Looking forward to seeing your continued study. 🙂
Wow, these are great! I cannot draw bodies … not head, faces, hands, feet, nor any part! BUT I do appreciate the beautiful human body and nude art. It allows an artist to captures a view of how they literally sees another person. The progress I see in your drawings is incredible. And … I love your collage piece. Looking forward to seeing your continued study. 🙂
Wow, these are great! I cannot draw bodies … not head, faces, hands, feet, nor any part! BUT I do appreciate the beautiful human body and nude art. It allows an artist to captures a view of how they literally sees another person. The progress I see in your drawings is incredible. And … I love your collage piece. Looking forward to seeing your continued study. 🙂
Theres a wide range of stuff that everyone is working on. Im definitely the odd ball with my collage and unrealistic coloring. Most people are painting very realistic full body paintings. Theres not a lot of chatter in class. And I havent gotten much feedback from my classmates, which is why its so nice to get some here on my blog! 🙂
Theres a wide range of stuff that everyone is working on. Im definitely the odd ball with my collage and unrealistic coloring. Most people are painting very realistic full body paintings. Theres not a lot of chatter in class. And I havent gotten much feedback from my classmates, which is why its so nice to get some here on my blog! 🙂
Theres a wide range of stuff that everyone is working on. Im definitely the odd ball with my collage and unrealistic coloring. Most people are painting very realistic full body paintings. Theres not a lot of chatter in class. And I havent gotten much feedback from my classmates, which is why its so nice to get some here on my blog! 🙂
Theres a wide range of stuff that everyone is working on. Im definitely the odd ball with my collage and unrealistic coloring. Most people are painting very realistic full body paintings. Theres not a lot of chatter in class. And I havent gotten much feedback from my classmates, which is why its so nice to get some here on my blog! 🙂
The smaller punchinella is one of my TCW stencils. The larger punchinella came in a kit from Gauche Alchemy.
The smaller punchinella is one of my TCW stencils. The larger punchinella came in a kit from Gauche Alchemy.
The smaller punchinella is one of my TCW stencils. The larger punchinella came in a kit from Gauche Alchemy.
The smaller punchinella is one of my TCW stencils. The larger punchinella came in a kit from Gauche Alchemy.
Very interesting! Very tedious. My ‘art’ would have been finished on the first day…then on to something else. They say that when you study in France you have to recreate the ‘masters’ artwork and spend hours in the Louvre. Gotta love it. I’m glad you have the necessary determination. (As for me, back to those scrapbook pages….)
Very interesting! Very tedious. My ‘art’ would have been finished on the first day…then on to something else. They say that when you study in France you have to recreate the ‘masters’ artwork and spend hours in the Louvre. Gotta love it. I’m glad you have the necessary determination. (As for me, back to those scrapbook pages….)
Very interesting! Very tedious. My ‘art’ would have been finished on the first day…then on to something else. They say that when you study in France you have to recreate the ‘masters’ artwork and spend hours in the Louvre. Gotta love it. I’m glad you have the necessary determination. (As for me, back to those scrapbook pages….)
Very interesting! Very tedious. My ‘art’ would have been finished on the first day…then on to something else. They say that when you study in France you have to recreate the ‘masters’ artwork and spend hours in the Louvre. Gotta love it. I’m glad you have the necessary determination. (As for me, back to those scrapbook pages….)
Kudos to you for taking the time to work and grow. It is difficult to move into new areas where you lack expertise, especially when you are so used to being well above proficient in another area of your art! You want to instantly be as good in other areas and it can be very humbling to expand.
Your progress is fantastic and the last pieces are going beyond classroom exercises and into an expression of your own vision. You are showing us the figure through the lens of your own experience. I hope you keep going!
Kudos to you for taking the time to work and grow. It is difficult to move into new areas where you lack expertise, especially when you are so used to being well above proficient in another area of your art! You want to instantly be as good in other areas and it can be very humbling to expand.
Your progress is fantastic and the last pieces are going beyond classroom exercises and into an expression of your own vision. You are showing us the figure through the lens of your own experience. I hope you keep going!
Kudos to you for taking the time to work and grow. It is difficult to move into new areas where you lack expertise, especially when you are so used to being well above proficient in another area of your art! You want to instantly be as good in other areas and it can be very humbling to expand.
Your progress is fantastic and the last pieces are going beyond classroom exercises and into an expression of your own vision. You are showing us the figure through the lens of your own experience. I hope you keep going!
Kudos to you for taking the time to work and grow. It is difficult to move into new areas where you lack expertise, especially when you are so used to being well above proficient in another area of your art! You want to instantly be as good in other areas and it can be very humbling to expand.
Your progress is fantastic and the last pieces are going beyond classroom exercises and into an expression of your own vision. You are showing us the figure through the lens of your own experience. I hope you keep going!
Hi Julie, these are terrific. Thanks for posting all the different pics, it’s great to see the progression. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I’m so impressed by your work. I was very surprised that the teacher actually painted on your work. It doesn’t sound as if he is engaged with his students. Have you considered talking with him about this? I suppose it would be fine if you knew everything & didn’t require assistance, but that’s not why you & your fellow students are attending in the first place.
Hi Julie, these are terrific. Thanks for posting all the different pics, it’s great to see the progression. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I’m so impressed by your work. I was very surprised that the teacher actually painted on your work. It doesn’t sound as if he is engaged with his students. Have you considered talking with him about this? I suppose it would be fine if you knew everything & didn’t require assistance, but that’s not why you & your fellow students are attending in the first place.
Hi Julie, these are terrific. Thanks for posting all the different pics, it’s great to see the progression. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I’m so impressed by your work. I was very surprised that the teacher actually painted on your work. It doesn’t sound as if he is engaged with his students. Have you considered talking with him about this? I suppose it would be fine if you knew everything & didn’t require assistance, but that’s not why you & your fellow students are attending in the first place.
Hi Julie, these are terrific. Thanks for posting all the different pics, it’s great to see the progression. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I’m so impressed by your work. I was very surprised that the teacher actually painted on your work. It doesn’t sound as if he is engaged with his students. Have you considered talking with him about this? I suppose it would be fine if you knew everything & didn’t require assistance, but that’s not why you & your fellow students are attending in the first place.
Amazing art–impressionistic and unrestrained–bold and blocky, and totally you!
The colours, the dots/streaks/collage/fun–Julie FFB all the way! Can’t wait to do your workshop in Toronto!
Amazing art–impressionistic and unrestrained–bold and blocky, and totally you!
The colours, the dots/streaks/collage/fun–Julie FFB all the way! Can’t wait to do your workshop in Toronto!
Amazing art–impressionistic and unrestrained–bold and blocky, and totally you!
The colours, the dots/streaks/collage/fun–Julie FFB all the way! Can’t wait to do your workshop in Toronto!
Amazing art–impressionistic and unrestrained–bold and blocky, and totally you!
The colours, the dots/streaks/collage/fun–Julie FFB all the way! Can’t wait to do your workshop in Toronto!
WOW Julie – it’s amazing to see the process! I can’t believe you can really really draw LOL! Thanks for sharing.
WOW Julie – it’s amazing to see the process! I can’t believe you can really really draw LOL! Thanks for sharing.
WOW Julie – it’s amazing to see the process! I can’t believe you can really really draw LOL! Thanks for sharing.
WOW Julie – it’s amazing to see the process! I can’t believe you can really really draw LOL! Thanks for sharing.
To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. Wow!
I so cannot draw to save my life and this is so inspiring.
I would love to see the guy in person (clothed) – I bet he would love seeing your work. I agree, don’t think I could just sit there like that, especially holding a pose. Of course I would be thinking about what you were thinking about my chubby fat ars! lol
Thanks so much for sharing not only the work, but your thoughts about it and what was and wasn’t working for you at different times. That’s really helpful for those of us who dream of someday drawing and painting.
Have a great day,
Steph
Do the models ever ask to see what you’re painting?
To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. Wow!
I so cannot draw to save my life and this is so inspiring.
I would love to see the guy in person (clothed) – I bet he would love seeing your work. I agree, don’t think I could just sit there like that, especially holding a pose. Of course I would be thinking about what you were thinking about my chubby fat ars! lol
Thanks so much for sharing not only the work, but your thoughts about it and what was and wasn’t working for you at different times. That’s really helpful for those of us who dream of someday drawing and painting.
Have a great day,
Steph
Do the models ever ask to see what you’re painting?
To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. Wow!
I so cannot draw to save my life and this is so inspiring.
I would love to see the guy in person (clothed) – I bet he would love seeing your work. I agree, don’t think I could just sit there like that, especially holding a pose. Of course I would be thinking about what you were thinking about my chubby fat ars! lol
Thanks so much for sharing not only the work, but your thoughts about it and what was and wasn’t working for you at different times. That’s really helpful for those of us who dream of someday drawing and painting.
Have a great day,
Steph
Do the models ever ask to see what you’re painting?
To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. Wow!
I so cannot draw to save my life and this is so inspiring.
I would love to see the guy in person (clothed) – I bet he would love seeing your work. I agree, don’t think I could just sit there like that, especially holding a pose. Of course I would be thinking about what you were thinking about my chubby fat ars! lol
Thanks so much for sharing not only the work, but your thoughts about it and what was and wasn’t working for you at different times. That’s really helpful for those of us who dream of someday drawing and painting.
Have a great day,
Steph
Do the models ever ask to see what you’re painting?
I thought the models would want to see the work, but they seem strangely uncurious.
I thought the models would want to see the work, but they seem strangely uncurious.
I thought the models would want to see the work, but they seem strangely uncurious.
I thought the models would want to see the work, but they seem strangely uncurious.
I love seeing your process. I love the collage at the end of the post, it is so you. I love that you share all this with us. You are a kind and generous artist.
I love seeing your process. I love the collage at the end of the post, it is so you. I love that you share all this with us. You are a kind and generous artist.
I love seeing your process. I love the collage at the end of the post, it is so you. I love that you share all this with us. You are a kind and generous artist.
I love seeing your process. I love the collage at the end of the post, it is so you. I love that you share all this with us. You are a kind and generous artist.
Wonderful post, Julie! I love seeing the evolution of each piece (and shared your annoyance at the teacher’s “corrections.”) You solved each of your dilemmas beautifully, and I think when you started to add in the trademark “Julie-ness,” your work really took off. I think it’s also interesting to show how you give your work time to develop… it’s not perfect from the beginning, but is an iterative process.
Wonderful post, Julie! I love seeing the evolution of each piece (and shared your annoyance at the teacher’s “corrections.”) You solved each of your dilemmas beautifully, and I think when you started to add in the trademark “Julie-ness,” your work really took off. I think it’s also interesting to show how you give your work time to develop… it’s not perfect from the beginning, but is an iterative process.
Wonderful post, Julie! I love seeing the evolution of each piece (and shared your annoyance at the teacher’s “corrections.”) You solved each of your dilemmas beautifully, and I think when you started to add in the trademark “Julie-ness,” your work really took off. I think it’s also interesting to show how you give your work time to develop… it’s not perfect from the beginning, but is an iterative process.
Wonderful post, Julie! I love seeing the evolution of each piece (and shared your annoyance at the teacher’s “corrections.”) You solved each of your dilemmas beautifully, and I think when you started to add in the trademark “Julie-ness,” your work really took off. I think it’s also interesting to show how you give your work time to develop… it’s not perfect from the beginning, but is an iterative process.
As soon as I came on your page, I was attrachted by the very last photo in this post. t is amazing!!!! I have printed it out and will hang it up for inspiration. I LOve how you used the colours as part of the shading would you please do a post with tips on this, like what colours work well as darks, where to put the colour in elationship with a shadow nd how to get them to blend so beautifully. I have been following your blog for a while and I hink this is the most beautifully stunning piece of art I have ever see you make( not in stalker way):))))
As soon as I came on your page, I was attrachted by the very last photo in this post. t is amazing!!!! I have printed it out and will hang it up for inspiration. I LOve how you used the colours as part of the shading would you please do a post with tips on this, like what colours work well as darks, where to put the colour in elationship with a shadow nd how to get them to blend so beautifully. I have been following your blog for a while and I hink this is the most beautifully stunning piece of art I have ever see you make( not in stalker way):))))
As soon as I came on your page, I was attrachted by the very last photo in this post. t is amazing!!!! I have printed it out and will hang it up for inspiration. I LOve how you used the colours as part of the shading would you please do a post with tips on this, like what colours work well as darks, where to put the colour in elationship with a shadow nd how to get them to blend so beautifully. I have been following your blog for a while and I hink this is the most beautifully stunning piece of art I have ever see you make( not in stalker way):))))
As soon as I came on your page, I was attrachted by the very last photo in this post. t is amazing!!!! I have printed it out and will hang it up for inspiration. I LOve how you used the colours as part of the shading would you please do a post with tips on this, like what colours work well as darks, where to put the colour in elationship with a shadow nd how to get them to blend so beautifully. I have been following your blog for a while and I hink this is the most beautifully stunning piece of art I have ever see you make( not in stalker way):))))
Great job, Julie! It brings me back to my art school days! I remember doing nudes and one particular time I was driving in the city with my Mom in the car when we came across one of the male models crossing the street in front of us. I thought it was so funny seeing him with clothes on, LOL! Anyway, I wanted to mention in case you haven’t heard this… if you have any problems with perspective, foreshortening or getting something to look right, it helps to put hold it in front of the mirror and look at it in reverse. It’s amazing how any problems just stick right out.
Great job, Julie! It brings me back to my art school days! I remember doing nudes and one particular time I was driving in the city with my Mom in the car when we came across one of the male models crossing the street in front of us. I thought it was so funny seeing him with clothes on, LOL! Anyway, I wanted to mention in case you haven’t heard this… if you have any problems with perspective, foreshortening or getting something to look right, it helps to put hold it in front of the mirror and look at it in reverse. It’s amazing how any problems just stick right out.
Great job, Julie! It brings me back to my art school days! I remember doing nudes and one particular time I was driving in the city with my Mom in the car when we came across one of the male models crossing the street in front of us. I thought it was so funny seeing him with clothes on, LOL! Anyway, I wanted to mention in case you haven’t heard this… if you have any problems with perspective, foreshortening or getting something to look right, it helps to put hold it in front of the mirror and look at it in reverse. It’s amazing how any problems just stick right out.
Great job, Julie! It brings me back to my art school days! I remember doing nudes and one particular time I was driving in the city with my Mom in the car when we came across one of the male models crossing the street in front of us. I thought it was so funny seeing him with clothes on, LOL! Anyway, I wanted to mention in case you haven’t heard this… if you have any problems with perspective, foreshortening or getting something to look right, it helps to put hold it in front of the mirror and look at it in reverse. It’s amazing how any problems just stick right out.
I absolutely love this post! I love seeing the way your work grows and changes. I can’t believe your teacher painted on your painting! OMG! Maybe it’s because I’ve never taken art classes in school or whatever, but I would NOT be happy if someone did that to my work. AT ALL. Wow! I love the red and white background in your painting… and how you took it out then put it back. I also love how you are playing with colors and textures. Makes me want to take a class like this! (Minus the teacher who doesn’t teach and paints on your work… argh!)
I absolutely love this post! I love seeing the way your work grows and changes. I can’t believe your teacher painted on your painting! OMG! Maybe it’s because I’ve never taken art classes in school or whatever, but I would NOT be happy if someone did that to my work. AT ALL. Wow! I love the red and white background in your painting… and how you took it out then put it back. I also love how you are playing with colors and textures. Makes me want to take a class like this! (Minus the teacher who doesn’t teach and paints on your work… argh!)
I absolutely love this post! I love seeing the way your work grows and changes. I can’t believe your teacher painted on your painting! OMG! Maybe it’s because I’ve never taken art classes in school or whatever, but I would NOT be happy if someone did that to my work. AT ALL. Wow! I love the red and white background in your painting… and how you took it out then put it back. I also love how you are playing with colors and textures. Makes me want to take a class like this! (Minus the teacher who doesn’t teach and paints on your work… argh!)
I absolutely love this post! I love seeing the way your work grows and changes. I can’t believe your teacher painted on your painting! OMG! Maybe it’s because I’ve never taken art classes in school or whatever, but I would NOT be happy if someone did that to my work. AT ALL. Wow! I love the red and white background in your painting… and how you took it out then put it back. I also love how you are playing with colors and textures. Makes me want to take a class like this! (Minus the teacher who doesn’t teach and paints on your work… argh!)
All of your paintings are great! I can’t believe that he painted on your canvas! Sheesh, did he grow up in a barn?
All of your paintings are great! I can’t believe that he painted on your canvas! Sheesh, did he grow up in a barn?
All of your paintings are great! I can’t believe that he painted on your canvas! Sheesh, did he grow up in a barn?
All of your paintings are great! I can’t believe that he painted on your canvas! Sheesh, did he grow up in a barn?
I love your work, Julie, and your style! I too just cringe when someone paints on my paintings… My art teacher will always ask first and you can say no… then she sketches it out on scratch paper for me! You paintings are showing such improvement as the days go by for the same subject… I liked him best when you painted in “your style” but all were pretty cool. Very brave of you to post everything you draw but it’s very encouraging for us readers of your blog!
ps I got some of your stencils recently and can’t wait to use them!
I love your work, Julie, and your style! I too just cringe when someone paints on my paintings… My art teacher will always ask first and you can say no… then she sketches it out on scratch paper for me! You paintings are showing such improvement as the days go by for the same subject… I liked him best when you painted in “your style” but all were pretty cool. Very brave of you to post everything you draw but it’s very encouraging for us readers of your blog!
ps I got some of your stencils recently and can’t wait to use them!
I love your work, Julie, and your style! I too just cringe when someone paints on my paintings… My art teacher will always ask first and you can say no… then she sketches it out on scratch paper for me! You paintings are showing such improvement as the days go by for the same subject… I liked him best when you painted in “your style” but all were pretty cool. Very brave of you to post everything you draw but it’s very encouraging for us readers of your blog!
ps I got some of your stencils recently and can’t wait to use them!
I love your work, Julie, and your style! I too just cringe when someone paints on my paintings… My art teacher will always ask first and you can say no… then she sketches it out on scratch paper for me! You paintings are showing such improvement as the days go by for the same subject… I liked him best when you painted in “your style” but all were pretty cool. Very brave of you to post everything you draw but it’s very encouraging for us readers of your blog!
ps I got some of your stencils recently and can’t wait to use them!
I really enjoyed this post, Julie. I love seeing your progress, as well as being able to see you work at something new. I am taken aback that a teacher would paint on a student’s canvas! I can understand your reaction, and your redoubled efforts to make it your own. (Maybe that was his psychology…or maybe he’s incredibly egotistical!) I am interested to hear what your instructor thinks of your collaging, bold colors, punchinella, etc. Not that it matters, though…it’s you and it’s great!!
I really enjoyed this post, Julie. I love seeing your progress, as well as being able to see you work at something new. I am taken aback that a teacher would paint on a student’s canvas! I can understand your reaction, and your redoubled efforts to make it your own. (Maybe that was his psychology…or maybe he’s incredibly egotistical!) I am interested to hear what your instructor thinks of your collaging, bold colors, punchinella, etc. Not that it matters, though…it’s you and it’s great!!
I really enjoyed this post, Julie. I love seeing your progress, as well as being able to see you work at something new. I am taken aback that a teacher would paint on a student’s canvas! I can understand your reaction, and your redoubled efforts to make it your own. (Maybe that was his psychology…or maybe he’s incredibly egotistical!) I am interested to hear what your instructor thinks of your collaging, bold colors, punchinella, etc. Not that it matters, though…it’s you and it’s great!!
I really enjoyed this post, Julie. I love seeing your progress, as well as being able to see you work at something new. I am taken aback that a teacher would paint on a student’s canvas! I can understand your reaction, and your redoubled efforts to make it your own. (Maybe that was his psychology…or maybe he’s incredibly egotistical!) I am interested to hear what your instructor thinks of your collaging, bold colors, punchinella, etc. Not that it matters, though…it’s you and it’s great!!
I love your blog. I read it every day.
I love your blog. I read it every day.
I love your blog. I read it every day.
I love your blog. I read it every day.
The last one is the best and totally you! It feels like there is a “story” underneath the paint. Thanks for sharing.
The last one is the best and totally you! It feels like there is a “story” underneath the paint. Thanks for sharing.
The last one is the best and totally you! It feels like there is a “story” underneath the paint. Thanks for sharing.
The last one is the best and totally you! It feels like there is a “story” underneath the paint. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I will be adding those to my collection of stuff soon!
Thanks! I will be adding those to my collection of stuff soon!
Thanks! I will be adding those to my collection of stuff soon!
Thanks! I will be adding those to my collection of stuff soon!
That is if I can find them. Where are they sold on line?
That is if I can find them. Where are they sold on line?
That is if I can find them. Where are they sold on line?
That is if I can find them. Where are they sold on line?
Here you go: http://balzerdesigns.com/Shop.html
Here you go: http://balzerdesigns.com/Shop.html
Here you go: http://balzerdesigns.com/Shop.html
Here you go: http://balzerdesigns.com/Shop.html