Figure Drawing with Conte!

quick gesture with dark brown conte on newsprint

sienna conte for a quick portrait gesture 

20 minute figure study

20 minute portrait study

1.5 hour pose in conte with white pastel

The model at yesterday's life drawing class was just sensational. I had never drawn him before and a new model is always a treat. He had a really interesting face and he kept very still. Instead of my usual watercolour, I decided to use conte, a tool that allows for big loose strokes (lots of freedom!) and 11x15" newsprint, for it's smooth and unintimidating qualities. Lots of fun. 

Now, back to my anatomy books to brush up!

Today's homework - the ear

With all my drawing experience, there's one thing I've been avoiding. The ear! So far I've gotten away with squiggly lines covered with enough hair as not to draw attention to it. Today I thought, while looking through some old drawing exercises from my first art teacher, Mark Thurman, that it was time to have a better understanding of the ear. I think it was time well spent. : )