lifedrawing class

[Deb]

Just had my first life drawing class last night. I was surprised how much easier it seemed for me to draw an unclothed figure. Class time went by real fast. Here are some of my gestures and a 10 min sketch

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<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/lifestudy1.jpg" border=0>

[Gerak]

I was never in a life drawing class, but I bet it's not that easy.
I like the second one the best. She has a perfect bum. lol http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
Very nice! Keep up the good work!

[MichaelRH]

Hi Deb -

Gerak is right..it is not that easy.
Deb, I like your quick studies..and the second drawing very much. I hope you won't mind that I've commented and added some lines, and they are only ideas...intended to allow you more options as you draw.
I never minded at all when my instructors drew on or near my drawings, and I've saved some of these pages with the instructors comments and sketches. The computer gives us a wonderful option...suggestions or notes can be included with a drawing..but they do not affect the artist's original.
I hope this image is not too large..and that you can read my hand-writing. Also, if I were teaching..I would welcome additional suggestions from ANYONE..but your instructor may not..you may want to keep this information (intended ONLY!!! to keep you thinking about different options)between you and I. I'm really only trying to be helpful.
Your sketchs (lines) look tentative..broken..which I can understand as you are just getting started in life-drawing.
I found it helpful to really look at the over-all shape-(the gesture), especially if it is a "movement" gesture. Dynamic poses (I feel) are quite a bit easier to sketch than static ones. Balance is much more obvious for example in your study #2, where the model is pretty much standing at rest.
I also found it helpful to (very quickly and VERY!!!!!!!! lightly) just indicate a few important construction lines..as I was indicating the gesture. You may be reluctant to leave these kinds of lines IN your drawing..but as you are doing quick "studies" I doubt that your instructor will mind. They can actually make your drawings more interesting....and will give you good future reference..as your confidence grows.
Your pages of drawings are really quite good..you'll be surprized at how much progress you will make with the advantage of working from a live-model. I'm happy for you..those life-drawing classes (I feel) are essential.
Again, I sure hope you won't mind that I borrowed your drawing..I should have asked first huh!!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/frown.gif
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[This message has been edited by MichaelRH (edited November 04, 2000).]

[Mayet Ankh]

Hi Deb,
Hope you are enjoying your life drawing classes. The drawings are very nice. I have been attending life drawing classes myself recently so I know what it is like to have to get something decent down on paper in a short amount of time. I agree with Michael about the construction lines - I have also found that they do help to bring it all together.
Mayet


[This message has been edited by Mayet Ankh (edited November 05, 2000).]

[Deb]

Thanks Gerak....Many of the students moved around to get an easier pose but I knew I needed to work on the foreshortened figure and chose to stay put. And I really liked the way the shadows fell across her body. We have a "surfer dude" coming in this week so I will get some practice with a male figure.

Michael I appreciate your help and suggestions. Interesting, when I teach someone I do so by modeling, for instance, when teaching a lunge I take the weight and show then how to do it even doing it along side them as they do. They model me and this is real important when learning the right form. So I feel like you are doing the same for me. After all I am just learning and need to learn the form correctly. I have been helped tremendously by so many people here at wetcanvas (most of them unaware).

Thanks Mayet for the encouragement. I do find it difficult to factor in all the variables...proportions, head heights, widths, sighting and in such a short time. I know the only way to do it correctly is to do it often...then maybe I won't have to think about all this and it will come naturally.