I have promised to keep my students up to date with my work even if they are random sketches. You might find my notes helpful. I hope so. These were done in pencil and ball point pen.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Buffalo Sketches
These three sketches belong to two separate buffalo studies. The first sketch was achieved using wipe-out and the second one (in two parts) has been constructed using basic shapes for placement and 'weight'. I have recently found that my students have benefitted from this 'loose' way of measuring in order to achieve more accuracy and the correct sizing on a bigger format. I suppose you could call it a an informal way of gridding up without being too tight. We then use 'wipe-out' and line work to complete the artwork.
Drawing - African Lady & Tibetan Man
Both portraits were achieved using the 'wipe-out' method where measuring is more about one tonal shape/highlighted shape being placed next to each other. I tend to start with the biggest shape and move out from there. One needs to practice, but it is a creative, expressive way to work and a delight as the image emerges from the paper.
Drawing - A Cafe in Provence
The beauty about wipe-out is that you can start with a light tone and add one shape at a time. I started with the umbrella and carried on going. There is no need to stay away from more challenging scenes if you just go one step at a time and keep studying your reference. The clues are all there.
Drawing - A Study of Fabric
This is a must from time to time. Folds are challenging and they stretch your observation skills to the hilt. It is an easy 'still life' to set up and you can use anything at home. Tonal ranges, nook and cranny shadows, edges, shapes ... its all good. Tip: Use a hard pencil to start with i.e. 2H, H, F and then progress to the softer range. This allows you to develop the tone without depositing too much texture on the paper at the start of the drawing. Keep your pencil sharpened at all times.
My Drawings
Drawing of an old Namibian Woman
This is part of a series of drawings that I will be downloading onto my blog. I do these exercises with my students and we have a lot of fun getting from A to B. We have used the 'wipe-out' method to establish healthy tonal ranges and soft edges. I am trying to encourage artists to really use this medium to the full and enjoy each stroke and possibly combine detailed tonal work with simple but expressive line as well. The design of the overall piece is just as important as the focal point.
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