Drawing the Bangarra Dancers!!!

 

 

I had an absolutely awesome time with the Toronto Urban Sketchers on Friday. We were invited to draw the Bangarra Dancers, from Australian, as they warmed up the morning of their performance. Then, some of us returned that evening for the actual performance, called "Spirit", which celebrated their 30 years as a dance company. 

I used charcoal pencil and newsprint and just drew as fast as I could! They did not stop moving. Their idea of an hour warm up was a work out like I've never seen. Truly spectacular dancers! Very inspiring. 

sparkly

$200 - 6x12"original oil painting on board

I painted this bright 'sparkly' model at last week's portrait session. Her hair was so cool, and fun to paint. Again, not sure why but, I love this long thin board size for faces. It gives everyone a kind of graceful long look. ; )

missed you

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

Well, I've been dabbling in oil and gouache and I gotta say, I've sure missed watercolour. It's been fun experimenting and I've learned loads, but I'll always return to this beautiful, clean, expressive medium. This charming little set up seemed like the perfect arrangement as we near spring! : )

portrait on blue and 'table easel'

Here's my latest 6x8" original gouache painting on Strathmore toned blue mixed media paper, which I told you about in my last blog post. I love it. The blue paper (really a cool gray) certainly helps the lighter colours pop.
Also, here are a few pics of my new paintbox and painting materials. 

I just bought this cute little 12x10" decorative suitcase. It's perfect as a table easel and the lid stays propped open.

 

Here it is, fitting all my supplies perfectly. It's about 3"deep. I've been looking for a table easel and this one is a lot more fun, and practical, than the wooden ones. Most importantly, I can balance it on my lap for painting outdoors. 

I've got a pad of 5x7"paper resting in the 1" deep lid, gouache paint kit, water container, paper towels, brushes and a gray paper palette for mixing. Since the lid is 12x10", it fits an 8x10" pad too. (That's just a piece of foam core board behind the paper). Perfect!

today at life painting

 1 minute gesture painting

 2 minute gesture painting

5 minute painting

First day back at life painting! Here are a few paintings from today, of my favourite model. I used charcoal pencil to draw, added green and warm/cool reds, then a splash of turquoise. I tried to stay loose and as gestural as possible. Soooo fun. If you haven't tried drawing from life, I highly recommend it. You never know what might happen when you're under the time pressure.

take a long lunch

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

I'm thrilled to be back at it with my cafe moments. I drew this on site during my lunch break. It's almost like 'train of thought' writing, where you just write without editing yourself. I draw as quick as I can, (before the customers get up and leave!), without overthinking it. Just let the line go go go! 

The works become like diary entries.

Here's another pic - 

I drew with the Jumbo 9000 Faber-Castell 6B pencil, my new fave. 

pensive in pink

11x14" original watercolour

Today's model has a very intense pink sweater on. So, I used good 'ole "opera pink", which is a wonderfully hot pink. I added the same colour in the background, her hair and in her cheeks to balance everything. She was so still and pensive! Wonderful model. 

subtle beauty

$80 - 8x10"original watercolour painting

Tuesday night's model at life drawing was so lovely. I hope I captured her subtle beauty. 

Also... I will be at the Don Valley Art Club Show opening night at Todmorden (Toronto) this Wednesday May 2 from 7-9pm. Come by and say Hi. 

Here's the info...

towards the sun

 

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

I think I'm starting to like yellow... : )

It's a difficult colour in watercolour and it doesn't have the value range of other colours, but it certainly suits the arrival of spring. 

cute bangs

On Sunday, at the awesome Don Valley Art Club portrait session, I got about half way with this one. I thought, just get the drawing right in the 25 minutes we have, since I can always finish painting it at home. Usually, as is the exercise, I try to completely finish the painting in the allotted 25 minutes.

I am very happy with the finished portrait. However, despite having a photo to work from at home, I really think finishing the painting from life at DVAC is the better choice. I think some slight kind of energy or freshness escaped the portrait. So, for now, I'll finish from life whether I have 25 minutes or 3 hours... ; )

shapes and splatters

$60 - 6x9" original watercolour painting in 9x12"mat

I drew this during a life drawing session, with a strong contour line and added my new favourite palette, pink and olive green. I've been working with these two colours now for awhile, and I'm really liking the way the cool pink plays off the warm green. I then added a few decisive shapes... and not so decisive splatters. ; )

life drawing session

A few pages from my last life drawing session. Short poses in pencil and one long pose in watercolour. 

lovesick

I drew this little badger at the Royal Ontario Museum. I was shocked at how long his nails were! Turns out they are nocturnal monogamous little diggers!

This one is looking for his mate.

life drawing

5 minute poses

10 minute poses

15 minute poses

SOLD
At today's life drawing session I used pencil then played around with Payne's Gray, Cerulean and Yellow on Hot Pressed Paper. It's great to experiment with new colours and still practise my anatomy.