My Tuesday Live Drawing Session

Lately, there are a couple of things I am aware of... which, on its' own, is a step forward for me.

1) 5 min. live-model-sketches can be stressful!
2) So, better think ahead, which art tool you prefer to use today and not switch from one to another at the session.
3) It really does make a difference thinking about composition, thinking about the space that is used up by the character and the space around.
4) You are at an advantage having reappearing models, because you get to know them by observing.
5) Which can lead to a more loose approach, not worrying so much about proportion or likeliness.
6) Which, in turn, might give you the freedom to let your imagination run wild... or, at least, letting it bounce around a bit.

There is a very interesting book about drawing characters from life. It is called 'The Drawing Club' from Bob Kato (link at the bottom). Just got a couple of pages into, so I will only say: You want to learn from some of todays masters of illustration and animation, you want to inhale those tips and exercises and, of course, enjoy the great drawings! ... from the book, that is.

THE DRAWING CLUB by Bob Kato - Link to Amazon
Also check out: First Live-Drawing-Session... Ever!

First Live-Drawing-Session... Ever!

A bit hidden in the internet and else not well known, the drawing club I visited yesterday evening seemed a bit like a secret society. They all know one another very well from the art academy way back... greeting hugs & kisses, they pursue a decades long tradition. Initiated by their former art teacher, they regularly get together to draw from live models. I never would have known this is happening just right around my corner, if it was not for my wife. Probably disguised as a local, small art school by day, it just took a little slip of comment from the instructor whiles chatting.

Actually, this small group of artists turned out to be a very friendly and welcoming bunch and we had a great evening drawing, painting & drinking wine. The model was a young, outstandingly well build guy. He posed, and this was the only thing I was not prepared for, in intervals of 10-15 minutes. Going bold with quick lines and shading was an exercise I am very much in need of, I realized. But there are sessions coming up, which I am looking forward to attending, since drawing from live models seems to be a rare opportunity in this town.

On that matter, you might want to check out this post: DR. SKETCHY’S ANTI ART SCHOOL