musical trio

I had a fantabulous time sketching a musical trio at life drawing today. They practised, we sketched. It was a great experience, mostly because musicians take 'poses' that life models never do, so it was all new to us. 

There were three of them with five instruments. Violin, viola, flute, bassoon and piccolo. They switched seats every 20 minutes (playing musical chairs literally!) so we all had a good experience. I used charcoal pencil and watercolour, oh... and I had a blast! ; )

slender elegance

5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10" acid-free mat

Our figure painting model was just lovely today. She had such a subtle slender elegance. Drawn with a strong contour pencil line, then warm red and cool green watercolour added.

#OneWeek100People2019 Challenge

The challenge started today! So, off I went to life drawing class with pencil in hand.

I always try to capture one good little pencil portrait for my sketchbook. 

Below are some gesture drawings. I added the artists... (I have to get to 100 somehow!)

The challenge was started by Marc Taro Holmes, a wonderful fellow urban sketcher and awesome artist. Below are a few of the 2 minute gestures. 

Anyone can join in the fun. Give it a go, see the facebook page and hashtag it #OneWeek100People2018 

That's 22 people sketches. (Let's agree that drawing the same person counts.)

in thought

$100 - 8x10"original watercolour painting.

One of my favourite models, I love her classic thoughtful look.

I made a quick slide show of the painting process for this portrait, which you can see on my Instagram page!

honorarium

I'm very proud that my painting titled "criss cross" just received an honorarium at this year's Heliconian Drawing Show. Yippee! 

criss cross

$60 - 5x7"original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat.

I'm finding my way during figure painting classes lately with a rose and olive watercolour palette. Since the poses are quick and I'm working 'on the fly', I find deciding on the paper size and the colours I'm going to use, before the class starts, gives me the opportunity to just concentrate on getting an interesting line then putting in select values.

reaching sphere

$80 - 8x10"watercolour original painting

I tried out a new palette during my life drawing class this week. I added olive green, a colour I rarely use, to balance the soft pinks. For this pose, the model held a blue ball which contrasted wonderfully with my red green palette. 

Art Show Entry and Sketches

The Life Drawing Group I belong to is having a group art show at The Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Ave. Toronto from Feb.2 - Mar.2. We are showing two paintings each that we painted while in session. These are 10 minute poses done on one 11x14" page. I do a lot of life drawing and it's great however, it doesn't teach any perspective... that's a whole other thing. So, I spent today doing speed sketches from a high angle. Here are a few...