18 x 24 pastel pencil on Strathmore drawing paperStarted this drawing last week at Yuri’s. After the session, he said the model would return this week and suggested I continue working on this drawing rather than start a new study. Yuri said I had the foundation for a good drawing.
Took his counsel and worked this drawing to conclusion last night. Can see the value of the extra two hours. It is a much more finished drawing than I usually get done in a single two hour pose.
Yuri came by during the session and said I did a solid job on the figure and likeness. Our model had a longer than normal torso and legs, and Yuri said he noticed it as well when he did his own measurments.
I had feint ghosts of the settee legs. He took my pencil and added tone with horizontal marks to the legs as well as the lit area of her ponytail on her left side. I took his cue and did the same on the lit areas of the robe over each of her arms. It improved the look of the drawing and I will remember to do this to tone down direct light on objects.
Yuri said my drawing skills have reached a new level. Been attending his open session most weeks for a couple years, so he has observed my progress. Means a lot to know he sees the development; I do work at it. He told me there will be starts and stops in my progress but to not be satisfied with doing less in the future.
Total 4 hours.
Progress not perfection.
Tom Donovan Art Blog 