24th April 2012: Back after the break

[bethanyt]

Love how the clay is shaping up- can't wait to see the finish!

[Descartes]

Thanks Bethany. The pose is very elegant, hopefully I can do it justice.

[wandathefish]

Hey Nathan, you have really gotten into the details of the poses and the individuality of the people is very apparent. Real elegance, of course, is conveying the maximum effect with the minimum of effort. that's why the first one is so attractive. I like the sculpture just as it is now, ha.

[Descartes]

Thanks Wanda. I know what you mean about the sculpture: there are bits like her left hip which I hope I don't spoil. She does need slimming down a bit.

[akmal]

cannot wait to see the completed sculpture... AMAZING work going

[Descartes]

Many thanks Akmal. Hopefully I should have it about finished on the 10th May. Anything after that will have to be without the model.

[DamnedConjuror]

love the continuous line drawings plus the 5min charcoal sketch is wonderful

[macrobertson]

there's nothing like a dearth of life drawing to make you realize how important it is to make the most of it... which you are certainly doing Nathan.
You are getting a sensitivity into your drawings and I think the last one is particularly well caught... and your sculpture is another thing that I think is a 'natural' for you...something I'll have to look into sometime as well!

Mac

[Descartes]

Thanks DamnedConjuror. I find with the shorter poses there is less at stake so you can be a lot freer.

Mac thanks. I've been hunting around and there are a lot of drop in sessions around where I live I just need to get organised. No excuses living just outside London. If you get a chance give sculpture a go. It is frustrating and satisfying in equal measure.

[teri cleverly]

Nathan, I absolutely love watching your figures emerge. You are using an oil based clay?

[Descartes]

Hi Teri and thanks. No, the clay I'm using is standard water based terracotta so it will need firing when it's finished.

[Blinkblink]

Long legged, consistantly in all the drawings. Gives him a little dignity, even with his clothes off. Ha! I think you really nailed his somewhat bored expression and temperament on the longer pose. Not to mention his belly! Cool. And, I can feel a few of his aches myself.

[Descartes]

Thanks Fred. Sounds like I've managed to communicate some of my thoughts.

[mburrell]

Nathan,
I have been quiet as I watch your progress over the last year. You have loosen up so much, your line and mark making has opened up so much!
This brings a lot to the expressiveness of your work. You were so tight for so long great to see this breakthrough. Your sculpture is coming along well. Those inter-locking limbs can be a challenge. You have left the head just sitting there I would suggest bring it along with the rest so it will be just another limb otherwise it maybe not integrate well with the body. It also will be a way to sneak up on it, heads can be a psyche-out if your not careful to keep them in there place.
Good luck will watch for progress shots.
Mike

[Descartes]

Thanks Mike, there's some progress with the sculpture here though I fell back into old ways with the drawings. You're right about the head, it still doesn't quite fit, I need to build up both the neck and chin to fit the rest.