Drawing Challenges

This week, class were asked to bring an object of their choice to draw or paint, based on it being representative of a personal challenge to overcome. For example, practising proportions, shading, reflection, perspective, etc.

Everyone was instructed to make a number of quick, loose and free sketches, before concentrating on final details in a main drawing. The reason for this, is that it forces the artist to release control of the mark-making and to allow mistakes to happen without concern of ruining a final work. By observing the results of the sketches, the artist can notice which aspects are closest to the desired outcome and later, transfer this understanding to the main drawing.




Kathy wanted to improve her proportional drawing and capture the reflective qualities of glass. The drawing captured the patterns of reflection, but the pencil work was initially a bit too light. Greater effect can be obtained with a heavier hand and this also allows a greater range of contrasts to be built up over time which add to the effect of shape and mass. Towards the end of the session, the darkest areas were emboldened, but to bring out the three-dimensional form, further shading is required over the length of the glass. (Click on image to enlarge).




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Tracy was determined to master the position and perspective of circles on this angled candle holder. Because one is dealing with both the perspective of the item, together with angles not on the horizontal or vertical, this adds to the complexity. What seems to be a very simple object actually holds many challenges.

I encouraged Tracy to sketch a few circles and ecllipses in various directions quickly and, at first, I think this felt counterintuitive to someone who likes to take time with getting things just right. However, the results shown below are starting to more accurately represent the object and as her final two drawings developed with increasing confidence, I really felt that the combination of observation, measurement and working more freely, was paying off. (Click on image to enlarge).



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Observations

Everyone had come with clear objectives and an item that presented opportunities to face their chosen challenges.

Experimental sketches are still a bit questionable to the class and the value of this pre-emptive drawing style is still to be fully appreciated.




Nan was away this session.

Stan brought in a dried Star Fish. His chosen challenge was to see if he could master the effect of light coming through from below an object, together with shading in a way that would give substance to the object. Out of those shown below, the middle drawing was developed most, with both a better angle of perspective; shading weight made stronger; and light areas cleaned up. What had begun as a slightly flat shape began to then lift itself off the paper. In terms of light and shadow, my favourite of the drawings, is actually the sculpture on the left with the holes. (Click on all image to enlarge).

Mags' aim was to get a better understanding of perspective drawing and this is something that has challenged her for a while. Initially, I suggested sketching a few ellipses to find one that best represented the perspective view of the hole in the glass.

As can often happen with drawing, the eyes and the mind can seem to offer conflicting information which results in confusion. Initial measurements and line marks can appear way off, until suddenly, a proportional perspective drawing begins to make sense. Once the main measurements and perspective has been determined, fine tweaks can be made to create a more accurate representation - even if this conflicts with earlier measuring.

After a little extra guidance, I think this is one of Mags' best drawings to date. (Mouse over image to see the actual viewing angle and then click to enlarge).






Lorraine had a few aims in mind - two of which were proportions and shapes of petals and reproduction of bright petal colours. In the end, she only had time to concentrate on drawing. The flowers arrived almost in bud, but through the course of the session opened out, causing a few changes in the initial sketches. In the end, (see final drawing*) Lorraine converted the flower heads into more basic shapes to help with working out proportions and then focused on line and shading to successfully capture the quality and texture of the petals. (*Click on image to see drawing enlarged).




(Apologies for the blurred photograph - the camera's auto-focus went a bit wibble).