Male model seated on stool © Janet E Davis 2011
Since I did not have time to write up last week’s and the previous week’s within a few days, I am writing about both session within this post. They were the fifth and sixth (final) sessions of this second block of life drawing that I have attended, and the eleventh and twelfth sessions this year.
The group was quite small both weeks – which was good for us because we had more choice of position.
I concentrated on tone for the longer drawings. The paper I had does not hold charcoal or even compressed charcoal well. It seems possible to change the drawing almost just by breathing on it. I am still looking for an affordable paper with enough ‘bite’ for charcoal, compressed charcoal, chalk or pastel to remain deposited on it.
Female model lying on her back with both knees raised © Janet E Davis 2011
Curiously, I found the last pose of the last session the trickiest. I was tempted to describe it as ‘just rubbish’ but, really, I just ran out of time and needed at least another half hour to complete it. Someone suggested that I should draw on black paper to save time. I thought about this suggestion afterwards and when I was photographing the drawings, and came to the conclusion that I do need to start with white paper. It would be someone else’s work if it started with a black base.
There is something very satisfying about getting my hands carbon-black. Maybe it satisfies the small child within who was reprimanded for playing with the coal in the outhouse. Being a practical adult, I do take wipes with me so I can clean it off before I transfer it to every surface within 50 metres (especially my face).
Female model seated in semi-curled up position with left leg raised © Janet E Davis 2011
The next block of six sessions start on Monday. I am trying to think about where I want to go with my drawing. I cannot just build up a massive pile of drawings. I wondered if life drawing over a longer period – half or whole day – would be a move forward if it were available. Maybe I should think about using paint? Trouble is, oils and the necessary thinner are messy and hard to control in a temporary environment and transporting the work when still wet.
Do take a look at my drawings from week 11 and week 12. If you would like to suggest a way I should consider going with drawing, please do comment below (or tweet me). I am still wondering what to do with all my drawings – those that have not vanished through the charcoal falling off the paper, that is. If you have ideas, please let me know.
Further reading and more images
Links to pages of life drawings
More of my posts about life drawing
Life drawings 2011 [week 1] post
Life drawings 2011 week 4 post
Life drawings 2011 week 5 post
Tags: drawing, life model
