Another reclining pose in pencil on grey paper which I had more success with than sketch 1, although it's not very clear on a thumbnail, hands look more natural than on many |
Sketch 1 – (not illustrated) sitting/reclining figure with legs outstretched. Because I discovered the left upper leg looked too narrow initially, I restated it three times before I was happy with its proportions. Even then I thought the knee looked too thick but on checking with other areas such as the face the measurements agreed with those on the model. Even though the model was placed sidelong to me there was a noticeable effect of foreshortening on this one.
2. graphite stick |
3. ballpoint pen |
Sketch 3 (above right) – black ballpoint pen in sketchbook - 12 minutes.
Sitting pose. This was timed for 10 minutes but I added on another 2 minutes because I ran out of time and hadn’t completed the whole figure. Gauging the length of the lower legs was the main cause of the hold up. I measured them on the model against the distance between the underarm to where the hip meets the upper leg.
The drawing below right was done semi-blind - in other words I didn't look at the drawing until I'd completed large amounts of the contours. I went through a process of drawing from one point to another, then stopping and studying where to go next ie. from the back of the ankle, around the foot to the shin. Then from the shin to the groin area and so on. The combination of using the two pencils taped together for a contour drawing and only very occasional checking , I think has materialised in the figure appearing to flicker, not to mention very liberating. The idea of taping the two pencils together was inspired by a superb book on experimental techniques and the artists who use them - Drawing Projects. Although I deviated from the instructions to a large extent, in some ways I wish I'd had the book before I began the drawing course as it might have encouraged me to be more adventurous.
- black pierre noire pencil |
Above - two early sketches
Sketch 4 charcoal on brown paper – 6 mins - not illustrated as has been mislaid, but is similar to the charcoal sketch below right. Crouching pose. Once I’d put in the head and shoulders this sketch progressed well in the time. I felt more confident with the hands, arms and legs and was able to do them quite accurately. Enjoyed the process of drawing the right knee area using rapid angular lines. A pose like this with multiple angles seems easier to do than outstretched limbs, as I can easily see the positive and negative shapes..Also liked the way the charcoal glided over the smooth brown wrapping paper.
charcoal |
charcoal |
I find that I’m automatically looking at the shapes and as my figure drawing experience progresses I can generally sense a growing confidence in my ability to judge:
Where things are in relation to one another
Negative shapes
Proportions by sight (sometimes) and see shapes rather than having to measure constantly.
The location of the line of balance.
Judging the length of legs on a sitting or reclining figure can be a stumbling block. When unsure I divide the figure into portions equal to the length of the head. Even so, the negative shapes are less clear when there are no apparent surrounding positive shapes, and I find the number of divisions is not so clear cut as on a totally outstretched or standing figure. In this case I use the length of another area on the body as a guide, rather than the head.
Another difficulty is hands - much more practice needed .
http://annidrisco-draw.blogspot.ie/search/label/quick%20studies
Judging the length of legs on a sitting or reclining figure can be a stumbling block. When unsure I divide the figure into portions equal to the length of the head. Even so, the negative shapes are less clear when there are no apparent surrounding positive shapes, and I find the number of divisions is not so clear cut as on a totally outstretched or standing figure. In this case I use the length of another area on the body as a guide, rather than the head.
Another difficulty is hands - much more practice needed .
http://annidrisco-draw.blogspot.ie/search/label/quick%20studies
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