meldrum art
Today I studied Sergey Temerev’s cloud painting techniques on YouTube. I also did a sketch of a painting that I will start in the morning. Painting in a Moleskin sketchbook is difficult when you are used to good quality paper like Arches, but it’s a sketchbook which means I am not too concerned. The most important thing is to play and experiment with composition and pigment.
Click the image below for a larger version
It feels like it was years ago since I last went to life drawing. There has been so much going on in my life that I haven’t had time – but now I do, this week at least. This is my relax week, I’m just painting and drawing what I want. No pressure, just fun.
I liked this model, she is new to the scene here in Stockholm, I think it was her second time modelling, not 100% sure about that, her name is Erika. A new model is always welcome, one gets too used to the regulars which is dangerous because there is a tendency to stop looking at the model and draw what we think we see. Does that make sense?
Sketched on Canson Croquis A3 paper, 90g. I used 9b, 6b, and 2b lead in mechanical pencils. Actually I will include a picture of my pencils.
A small painting from my sketchbook. I usually do a quick watercolour to loosen up if I haven’t painted for a while.
I’ve been busy so I’ve had no time to publish my life drawings for a while. Even worse, I don’t have time to paint – this is unbearable, I need to paint everyday to feel good inside. Unfortunately, I have to earn a living and as yet I cannot support myself with my art alone. I wonder if I can ever become a professional artist, if I can earn enough through art alone?
These life drawings were sketched at Konsnärshuset with pencil on A3 paper, the poses were 2, 5 and 10 minutes long.
A man from India contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I could state the paper size etc. If you read this sir, I will try my best – I seem to have lost your email so this is why I am replying here.
I decided to figure paint, exciting when you only have 5 minutes or even worse, 2 minutes. Painted on Fabriano non-cotton paper, it was cheap and better than that nasty Canson paper. Cotton paper is too expensive because one uses so much during a 2 hour session.
Sketches from Saturday’s life drawing. Great model with long legs and wonderful poses, I only wish I was in better form. Poses from 30 seconds – 4 minutes. A3 paper.
I took it really easy today, I’ve been so busy during the last month – I really needed to take my foot off the gas pedal. So, the first thing I did today was go to the central station and sketched the travelers as they waited for trains.
In the afternoon I walked around the town and looked for scenes to photo and paint at a later date. I walked for 4 hours! It was a sunny day and I was hunting the light, looking for scenes that were perfect for watercolours. I found quite a few so I’m happy. Tomorrow I’ll paint in the studio at home, my feet are feeling tired. I have life drawing tonight so I’ll sleep well.
Click image below for larger version.
I have been so busy at work and also preparing for an exhibition. Two big deadlines that are now finished with, I’m so happy to be able to relax again – post some drawings on my blog, go to life drawing and paint for fun. Freedom is heaven.
These pencil drawings are on A3 paper.
I decided to try something different last Saturday, I used my old Chinese calligraphy pen, brand name “Hero” and I used watercolour pigment as a wash. I was pleased with the result although I think I will use my 2B pencil instead of the pen next time. The poses were 30 seconds, 1, 2 and 5 minutes long. Painted on cheap watercolour paper, Calson 200g A4.
