figure sketch

[Epicurea]

<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/Untitled.jpg" border=0>


5 1/2" x 8"
2hb on 50 lbs. sketch paper

Originally intended to be an entire figure, but 1) the angle of the legs gave me fits, and 2) after drawing this much of the figure, I decided I liked it as is.

Comments, critiques, advice all welcome! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif


C

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*Are you wishing, or being?*

*Temet nosce.*

[jnet11]

epic- I really like your smooth lines and texture, also the light shading is good.
The face being missing is fine, but I think you should at least add in the lips, your white vignette seeping all the way into her neck makes it look unfinished to me.
Also, what's up with the pubic hair? Shaved?
nice clean drawing overall ...
jeanette*

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The excellency of every art is its intensity, capable of making all disagreeables evaporate, from their being in close relationship with beauty and truth. --John Keats

[MichaelRH]

Epicurea - hi, I've been wanting to get back to commenting on your drawing. Nice proportional relationships. What was your reference? You've captured the grace and relaxed feel of this pose nicely. I have to agree with Jeanette..a little more development of the lower part of the face would create a bit more interest in the upper part of this drawing. It may have added a little of a personal note to this study. Have you studied and drawn from 3-dimensional plaster casts before? Also..see if you can get people to pose for you..use one directional light against the figure..with very little other light sources..I think people would be receptive (friends at least) if you indicated to them you are interested in working on figure studies and are sincere in trying to improve your skill with the figure. Your lines and shading are very subtle..soft. This torso study reminds me of some of the classical Greek sculptures. Another idea for you Epicurea is to locate books with good black and white photos of sculptures from the Greek period..even Roman copies. Often these photos are done very well, and the lighting is very helpful, allowing you to really see the forms of the figures. You have done a nice study here E.

[Epicurea]

Jeanette,

My reference did include vaguely suggested lips. Not sure why I left it out, guess I just didn't feel like drawing it. I may consider adding it in though, since it's so noticeable. As far as the pubes go, it wasn't in the drawing I was using as reference, so I left it out, too. I'm not sure if she was intended to be shaved, or if the artist just chose to totally avoid the issue, as there was also no indication of lips.

Michael,

The reference was a drawing in a drawing book, Jack Hamm's "Drawing the Head and Figure." I found the pose appealing, so I copied, though mine came out a little longer, slimmer, and more sleek, a habit of mine in figure drawing except when I'm specifically trying to draw a full figure.

I've never tried using a model for any kind of sketch except portrait and profile. I prefer working from photos, as I sometimes take a while to finish a drawing, and don't usually have anyone available for modelling (for nude figure work, that is http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif ). I've never drawn from photos of sculpture, but it sounds exactly like something I would like; I usually like to work from high contrast black and white art nudes for figure sketching.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif


Cassandra

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*Are you wishing, or being?*

*Temet nosce.*

[MichaelRH]

Originally posted by Epicurea:


The reference was a drawing in a drawing book, Jack Hamm's "Drawing the Head and Figure."


Cassandra, very happy to see you mention this book!! I still have my original copy..I see it now and then in the art sections of bookstores, and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested in figure drawing. I remember this pose as a matter of fact! I spent HOURS copying Jack's work..great drawings..and he covers many important areas.
(Brought back nice memories of sitting at the kitchen table..trying to copy his wonderful examples) http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

[UsagiBunny]

I love your art it is very beautiful especially her pose. I like the shading (one of my faults) and I agree, she's lipless! Do you have other drawings?

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UsagiBunny