meldrum artVenue: Konstnärshuset, Stockholm.
I did not find the model very inspiring, it is very difficult to create good work when one feels this way. Still, I am very happy with the last two sketches of the evening, which were two minute drawings.
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| 2 minute sketch, 20130305 |
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| 2 minute sketch, 20130305 |
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| 5 minute sketch, 20130305 |
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| 5 minute sketch, 20130305 |
Venue: The Academy of Realistic Art, Bergshamra, 20130228
I can sketch a nude quickly, paint them at speed also. My challenge right now is to slow down and start painting instead of sketching. It is hard, very hard to continue having a loose expressive style when one has a whole two hours to capture a pose. I tense up, every line I draw becomes stiff, I revert to how I drew two years ago. When I came home and showed my wife my effort she immediately said it felt restrained, she was right. Frustrated, I decided to add thick lines around the model to exaggerate the stiffness even more, I created a Mucha, some Art Nouveau. After much thought of where I want to go,in which direction, I realise that I relate to artists like watercolourists, Charles Reid and Ted Nuttall. Other painters I currently find inspiring are; Sandra Flood for here compostition skills, Mark Demsteader for his grungy portraits, Sebastian Kruger for his ability to capture a character and Kent Williams for his loose style. I am basically seeking to develop a loose, grungy style, I just have to keep reminding myself of this.
(Thank you Martin for introducing me to Mr. Williams)
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| I made a Mucha of it! |
Venue, Konstnärshuset, Stockholm
I am happy with a lot of my sketches from this session. I focused on trying to keep a single line that is expressive and in no way hesitant. Completing a watercolour sketch in such a short time is challenging, the hardest part is to mix my colours and create the desired skin tones. I use: Naples Yellow, Cerulean Blue and Cadmium Red mostly.
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| 5 minute sketch, 20130226 |
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| 10 minute sketch, 20130226 |
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| 5 minute sketch, 20130226 |
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| 3 minute sketch, 20130226 |
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| 2 minute sketch, 20130226 |
Today, I hung out with the Stockholm Sketchers at the Modern Art Museum here in Stockholm. We meet up on the last Sunday of each month. It was a very enjoyable few hours drinking coffee, chatting and even finding time to draw.
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| Relaxing at the Modern Art Museum, Stockholm. 20130224, A4 Moleskin. |
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| Texting at the Modern Art Museum, Stockholm. 20130224, A4 Moleskin. |
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| Bob’s Brother |
This was meant to be Bob Dylan, I’m not too bothered that I didn’t get the likeness 100%. I’m just starting off with my portrait painting. I’m happy enough with my watercolour technique, the shadowing on the face could be better; not so stressed, I’m learning after all. I consider myself to be a student, I will study and practice for a few more years. Then I have no idea what will happen, I have no master plan. 🙂
Venue: The Academy of Realistic Art, Stockholm
I’m happy with this portrait, I feel that I am starting to reap the benifits of all those life drawing sessions – my art is becoming more fluid. Thursday’s life drawing session was 2 hours long in total but in reality, with all the breaks, we had 90 minutes to complete our work.
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| Original size: 508 x 406 mm, watercolour paper 300g. |
Venue: Konstnärshuset, 20130205
A sketching comrade (Martin) told me I would create good work after the coffee break, I had told him, I was not inspired at all. He said this always creates good art, just keep trying and not to give up. He was right! The following sketches were created after the break.
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| 7-10 minute sketch, 20130205 |
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| 5-7 minute sketch, 20130205 |
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| 2 minute sketch, 20130205 |
I had fun today, I was on a roll.
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| 10-15 minute sketch, A3, 20130202 |
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| 10+5 minute sketch, A3, 20130202 |
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| 5-10 minute sketch, A3, 20130202 |
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| 2 minute sketch, A4, 20130202 |
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| 2 minute sketch, A4, 20130202 |
Maybe this technique is the answer to my muddy colour problem. I’ll will definately give it a try.
Don Andrews (www.donandrews.net)