May 16th Sustained Figurative Concepts FInal Project

My last piece for the Sustained Figurative concept class was a picture of my boyfriend that I had taken wearing my favorite scarf and holding my cat in his PJ's. Done in Nupastel, 5 or 6 hours.

The posting is a month late because I left the last class of the spring semester early to rush home to Texas for a wedding, then rushed off to vacation in Belize the week after for 10 days. I've been back and thrust back into the crazy fast SFBay Area lifestyle and crunch time at work for almost a week now. Deadlines deadlines...

April 18th - May 9th - Clothed Figure

Hello, I'm lagging a bit behind on the posting...these are my first attempts at clothed figure drawing in class over the last couple of weeks. Definitely a two steps forward, one step back thing.

It's been an experience, learning how to draw and render and use the medium, all at the same time. I've been quickly learning not to compare myself to others in the class; many did fine arts or illustration for their undergraduate. As they say, "comparison is the thief of joy." It is neat, seeing what some of the really talented folks produce, and getting to ask them about the way they approach our weekly assignments. I am better now at just enjoying the rhythm of the process now, and being less critical of myself. I might not be proud of these, but I am proud of my efforts and tenacity. I'll just keep on practicing until I understand drapery and clothing. Although it's not required, Clothed Figure drawing will mostly likely be my next class.

March 28th - April 17th

I've been falling behind in posting my studies, so here is a catch-up post. 2 done in class, and 2 homeworks. All nupastel, and in chronological order. 

I'm growing in the understanding of how to better block in shapes and to step away from the easel when working on a large scale (these are all 19x25's) so that the features are less derpy. Also I'm finally getting down both the technique in the medium and blocking out large shapes since that is what the teacher firmly wants us to focus on. Plane change, edge control, form value. Drill drill drill, I wish I could be doing this every day. Progress might be a bit slow, but at least I feel encouraged by the fact that it is coming at a steady pace. 

I really want to understand texture, rhythm and color, because I'm understanding that is where I will eventually find an individual voice. These will be my next goals in addition to growing my fledgeling foundation in technique. 

Thanks again, to those who are following my beginning journey in the fine arts! To my surprise, this blog just came up on 1200 views around my birthday this month. I enjoy seeing visitors and knowing that much of it comes from other people who are fighting to learn and find the time to do what they love, just like me. Peace. :)

March 10 - Homework pt.1

I'm really enjoying pastels and want to be doing more on my own, if only I could find the time.

Blurry WIP homework done using one of the photos that the instructor provided us for this assignment. I'll be bringing it to class this Thursday and getting feedback to fix it up for next week's grade. I really miss the cool yellow color I had been using before and will probably bring it back by next week, regardless of what colors we're supposed to use. Zin doesn't seem to mind. 2hr, Nupastel.

March 07th class

More nupastel. From last time Zin wanted me to be more careful of my shadow shapes, accentuate plane changes more sharply, and have more contrast in the figure. Also, he suggested that I try just working just in one shade to concentrate purely on value, so I took out the yellow that I've been enjoying so much. eh. 4hr pose, done during studio class.

Feb 21 & 28th - First Brush with NuPastel

The 3rd week of class on Feb 21st Zin had us break out the nupastels and toned paper for the first time. We attempted a ~2hr figure study. If I thought I was discouraged last week...well, at least I was prepared. New paper, new medium, new struggles on so many fronts. I was *really* disappointed with the results.

This was not going to do. I resolved to do more gesture exercises at home and noodled around with the nupastels some more. It was getting a little bit better, but it still wasn't quite clicking, so I asked around work for a little bit of help. My friend Albert showed me some of his stuff when he was at the academy, and pointed me toward a tutorial from William Maughan. My 2nd study was much better, a 2.5hr study done during Tuesday night workshop for homework.

By the time class rolled around on the 28th I was gaining confidence and am now feeling much better about nupastels. Here is my 3rd attempt at nupastels, a 3hr study done during class.

From despair to progress, so visible in just 3 attempts. It's quite strange how the brain learns. Must keep at it, and not give up. My motto for 2013, and what keeps on repeating in my head: Any progress is good progress. Cheers.