In January my life drawing group did a long pose – three hours – with the same pose over four consecutive Saturdays – total 12 hours – in natural light. The more experienced artists did oil paintings or pastel. Still trying to learn to draw myself. Used CarbOthello 1400/645 pastel pencil with white highlights on Strathmore Series 500 charcoal paper.
This was my initial drawing. Focal point is face but there is no flow over the rest of the body. Maybe should have made the knee and hips a focal point and allowed the eye to move up the torso, hands and arms to the face using value changes and soft line edges?? Frankly, didn’t occur to me at the time. Still concentrating on getting the basics correct – proportions, foreshortening, light and shadows – not thinking enough about the composition. Note to self: step away and look at your work. One other thing: take it easy with the white highlights.
Progress not perfection.
Tom Donovan Art Blog 