meldrum art
I went to Konstnärshuset for the first time this term. I used charcoal dust as well as a charcoal pencil. At one stage Gabriel the model had posed in such a way that I didn’t find it interesting so I drew the sketchers instead.
“Expressionism was a modernist movement, initially in poetry and painting, originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas.”
This is the official view of Expressionism but for me it is about trying to capture form with pure lines that express the way I feel at that given moment. Lines can show if I am inspired or not, if I find the pose exciting or not. I am an Expressionist, we are all Expressionists, long live Expressionism!
Phew!
I visited a new studio in Hökarängen to do some life drawing this week. It was really enjoyable, I especially liked the fact the model had just one pose after the warming up period, we then had 20 minute sessions which allowed me to experiment with 3 watercolours which took about 30 minutes each. There was some sketching to warm up but I mostly painted. Lars, was the name of the model.
Only one negative experience, I forgot my pencil case with all my favourite pencils and a small pocket knife. I rang the next day to the studio but they were gone.
Life drawing at Basis means lots of quick sketches, one is quite exhausted afterwards. I use a half A3 sketchbook each time. It’s very good of course for me, my drawings become more instintive and I have to econemise which my lines otherwise it is impossible to draw much in one or two minutes. The model is one of my favourites, Katrina is her name. Very expressive poses and at angels that make perspective drawing a challenge to say the least.
This was the first time I went to KYO at Timmarmansgården here in the south of Stockholm (Södermalm). Very nice location and everyone was very friendly. I am starting my own life drawing group ( more info here ) and so it is important for me to get to know as many life drawing models as possible. This model’s name is Fredrik, I’ve sketched him many times, he is very professional.
I am trying to paint watercolour at life drawing again. I think my approach was quite successful. As the poses are generally only 5 minutes in duration I just painted the skin tones. Later, during a pose I did not find inspiring ( when the model had her back to me ) I painted the background and more shading, especially around the face.
I liked this model so I felt quite inspired. The lighting at ABF is awful, fluorescent tubes in a very large room, not very pleasing normally but a good model makes up for it.
Last week I attended my first Life drawing session. I am happy the figure drawing season has begun again but a bit sad that the summer is over. I do not usually go to ABF to draw but as my usual venue (Konstnärshuset) has not started yet so I gave it a try. The model was new to me, Alia was her name. Always nice to sketch a new life drawing model. I painted mostly watercolours that evening which I will publish in the next post.
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.
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.
