Joan, as always I so enjoy and appreciate your willingness to share your art journey. The clarity of your thoughts as you work your way through process reveals a deeper level of understanding allowing me to see it through the artist eye and soul. One of your thoughts “developing only the more important area of each pose” resonates personally for me. I struggle with this concept continually, it’s become the main focus of my own mark making, how to leave out everything I consider to be noise, leaving just enough information for a viewer to complete the intention. Keep up your great work and thanks for sharing.
OK, I’ve seen pictures of some of your landscape paintings and they are beautiful. That said, I believe you would be taking a step backward if you did not try to include the human form in some of your new paintings.
You have such a gift for capturing the essence of the person, I think you could easily create art incorporating all that you have learned about drawing people into a new painting style that anyone would love to hang on their walls!
Thank you, Carol Ann, and Teresa! It’s so affirming to receive comments, especially from fellow artists whose work I admire! I wish you both continued success!
Joan–your work is progressing beautifully. As your sense of perspective is developing, the figures are moving from on the page to in the page: drawing me into the scene. I can see the transition. Nice work! TBR
Thank you both for the encouragement! Mason, if you are tempted to model for us in the pool, just one word of warning, even though the water felt warm when she got in, she said it got a little chilly towards the end!
Terrific work, Joan, and it looks like you had a true muse in such a good model. I must admit I’m a bit jealous – I was really looking forward to posing in the pool! It makes for a great effect, and you really captured it well. I really like both the bottom drawings, especially the one on the left, and your work last week was very strong as well.
Thank you, Robin! One of the artists last week was mentioning that she had to draw for a while before she felt like she was into the “wave”, which is when what you see flows through you and out your pencil, without a lot of conscious thought. I felt like I was in that wave during this drawing.
That drawing on Stonehenge is marvelous. I especially love the highlights and the face is wonderful. I wish I had the patience (and talent) to draw like that – well done!
Joan – you are too kind to your models! Your work is really good, and it’s amazing to see how you’ve progressed over the course of the year. Congrats on some really terrific work. My personal favorite from this session is the seated pose at the top right. But I love the “slouched” seated pose with the female model from last week – great stuff!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to model for your group – always a great time!
Wow! There is an energy there. You’re right, it has nothing to do with the correctness of the drawing because I never saw the posing figure. There is something else there that I can’t put my finger on. It makes me want to speak to the person in the drawing and learn more about them…
Thank you, Robin. The posts lay-out differently on different computers. The pictures display more reliably if I put them in a table, as opposed to this post where they are inserted with the text.
You didn’t forget how to draw, Joan! You’re drawings are great, as always. You captured the bond, too. And that last portrait you did is fantastic! Your best yet.
Very interesting insights, Joan. I think you are right that many in society equate nudity (even in art) with sexuality, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, I think many artists and models go too far in divorcing nudity and sexuality. In my decade as an art model, I have never been directly asked to assume a sexual pose – there have been some mild hints, but nothing overt. I’ve posed with quite a few female models – some with a lot of contact – but it was far more acrobatic than intimate. Artists have asked me to pose with animal carcases, chicken bones, empty wine bottles, holding balloons, wearing nothing but a stocking over my face, and posing as a nude Virgin Mary (long story, not as bad as it seems). But no artist or class has ever asked me to assume a sexual or erotic pose.
And that’s fine – I’m not opposed to sexual poses, but I’m perfectly happy with non-sexual poses. Yet there seems to be this underlying fear of sexuality in the world of figure drawing, for both male and female models. Most figure drawing sessions – especially formal classes – should not contain sexual elements. But on the other hand, sexuality is part of being human, both in a clothed and nude state. An art model’s job, in my mind, is to reveal himself completely: physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, etc. Sexuality certainly comes into play somewhere in there.
I guess my point is that the figure drawing community – both artists and models – would be best served by maintaining a healthy sense of professionalism and decorum without completely ignoring sexuality in the appropriate context. I think you struck that balance perfectly, Joan, by realizing there was a boundary that must be kept in mind, while embracing the sexuality of the model’s props/poses. Another great post and great art, as always…
There’s something partucularly saucy about this stance. You’ve captured an intangible quality that has no verbal equivalent. Obviously the product of a happy heart allowed to play!!!
So nice to know a few more details about you. Not surprised at all to learn yours was the only picture published back then. It’s lovely to see you glowing with excitement at retrieving such a meaningful part of yourself. Kudos!!!
Lovely work, Joan. Sounds like a wonderful session – I agree, excellent experience for the artists to share such an intimate time with the model. Pregnant nudes are very underrepresented in classical art, which is a shame. Some of the maternity photography today is really wonderful – my wife has some beautiful photos of her 9 months pregnant, including some nudes. I bet there would be a market for commissioned drawings and paintings of pregnant women…
This view looks out over the dunes fronting the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the locations we painted in a plein air watercolor workshop taught by Lee Boynton in my hometown of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, in the Spring of 2009.
I really like the second drawing from the right, Joan. It has a very ethereal look to it – almost like the figure is materializing from the darker shades…
Thank you, Susan. I’m happy that there is so much interest and so many talented figure artists in this area, such as yourself, to support our sessions at Studio b.
I wish hands were easy! There was one pose this model did in our warm-ups, where all 20 of his fingers and toes were visible! I have to use a lot of time drawing hands and feet if I want detail. Most of the time I suggest more than I define.
Your work is great, Joan, as is this blog! I would also acknowledge Colleen’s effort in making this happen, along with her hospitality – she’s truly an artist’s artist. But you are an integral part of the figure drawing at Studio b as well Joan – thank you for your dedication to this wonderful for of art that is figure drawing…
Thank you, Robin. It was inspired by an example our instructor showed us, so I was hesitant at first to put my name on it. But she said something about everything being related to something else, so I thought, why not.
Wow! I have never tried continuous line drawing before, that looks really challenging. I’d love try your class, I wish I was not so crazy busy next week.
The session was well attended. Because I arrived late, the only place left for me to set up my easel was looking towards the window, which at first I thought would be blinding, and make it hard for me to see the form. That turned out not to be the case.
‘were taken so i set up my easel in the last available place’ -> can you explain ?
Carol McCrite in response to Framing My Art. June 5, 2010.
I think you have a natural talent and enhanced with all this fantastic instruction, week after week, you have produced a plethora of rich and excellent work.
It was a thrill to see your work in clay. The female sculpture was particularly well done. I am repeatedly impressed by the depth and diversity of your talent. Glad I had the opportunity to buy a piece of your work before you become famous and out of my price range. I am also very appreciative of the time and energy you put forth maintaining this website and sharing both your art and process. Thank you.
I so enjoyed the 3 hour class. Would have loved to have taken the longer one. Karen was fabulous!
Hope to join more of the figure drawing classes.
How lucky we are. Thank you Colleen.
What a great Blog Joan! I’m glad you had such a good experience.I think we got some excellent results from our week of sculpting too! Your dedication and enthusiasm is wonderful and I look forward to seeing more sculpture from you soon. All the best~
Although you may not consider these latest posted sketches “keepers”, they look great to me.
I tried to view the photograph of your classes sketches at studio b. but somehow I couldn’t find it.
Do you have any suggestions?
Keep up the good work.
Tracy
Thank you, Tracy.
I expect the photo of ‘the wall” will be displayed on the studio’s website. I promise I will announce it when they have it posted.
Joan Vienot
Very impressed with your talent, enthusiasm & dedication to your subject .. you are producing a unique journal of quality work and insightful comments, worthy of future publication. Great!
Joan, it has been an amazing journey to watch this website develop into the plethera of incredible art galleries for our enjoyment. Though not an artist myself, I do have an appreciation for excellence and beauty–both of which emit from your talented brush strokes. I have, of course, bookmarked it as a place to return to over and over. Congratulations to you and all those who are a part of your success!
Joan, Your art is so beautiful. I have always loved watercolors and their dreaminess. Is that a word? Anyway you know what I mean. You have a wonderful talent.
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Thank you, Heather!
Joan, that color drawing came out fabulously! Love it! And you really captured the model, as well.
Joan, as always I so enjoy and appreciate your willingness to share your art journey. The clarity of your thoughts as you work your way through process reveals a deeper level of understanding allowing me to see it through the artist eye and soul. One of your thoughts “developing only the more important area of each pose” resonates personally for me. I struggle with this concept continually, it’s become the main focus of my own mark making, how to leave out everything I consider to be noise, leaving just enough information for a viewer to complete the intention. Keep up your great work and thanks for sharing.
Robin, I’ll keep your comment in mind. Thank you for the encouragement!
OK, I’ve seen pictures of some of your landscape paintings and they are beautiful. That said, I believe you would be taking a step backward if you did not try to include the human form in some of your new paintings.
You have such a gift for capturing the essence of the person, I think you could easily create art incorporating all that you have learned about drawing people into a new painting style that anyone would love to hang on their walls!
Thank you, Carol Ann, and Teresa! It’s so affirming to receive comments, especially from fellow artists whose work I admire! I wish you both continued success!
Love this drawing, and the angle of the strokes.
Very nice work!
This is lovely Joan.
Thank you, Tracy, I value your comments.
Joan–your work is progressing beautifully. As your sense of perspective is developing, the figures are moving from on the page to in the page: drawing me into the scene. I can see the transition. Nice work! TBR
A great article Joan! I love that you don’t just talk about goals, you ‘show up’!
body, mind & soul in sinc .. great results
Enjoyed this post. You write very well
Very nice Joan. I enjoyed reading what you had to say.
Thank you both for the encouragement! Mason, if you are tempted to model for us in the pool, just one word of warning, even though the water felt warm when she got in, she said it got a little chilly towards the end!
Terrific work, Joan, and it looks like you had a true muse in such a good model. I must admit I’m a bit jealous – I was really looking forward to posing in the pool! It makes for a great effect, and you really captured it well. I really like both the bottom drawings, especially the one on the left, and your work last week was very strong as well.
Love the water pose, well done. Your work always motivates me to try harder!
Thank you, Robin! One of the artists last week was mentioning that she had to draw for a while before she felt like she was into the “wave”, which is when what you see flows through you and out your pencil, without a lot of conscious thought. I felt like I was in that wave during this drawing.
That drawing on Stonehenge is marvelous. I especially love the highlights and the face is wonderful. I wish I had the patience (and talent) to draw like that – well done!
Thank you for your comments, Mason. Your being invested in the outcome is so valuable to the artists!
Joan – you are too kind to your models! Your work is really good, and it’s amazing to see how you’ve progressed over the course of the year. Congrats on some really terrific work. My personal favorite from this session is the seated pose at the top right. But I love the “slouched” seated pose with the female model from last week – great stuff!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to model for your group – always a great time!
Wow! There is an energy there. You’re right, it has nothing to do with the correctness of the drawing because I never saw the posing figure. There is something else there that I can’t put my finger on. It makes me want to speak to the person in the drawing and learn more about them…
Thank you, Robin. The posts lay-out differently on different computers. The pictures display more reliably if I put them in a table, as opposed to this post where they are inserted with the text.
Nice post, I rarely think about negative space but it is a very important part of a composition. I like the changes to your blog layout, looks great!
A cool medium……..love, love, the seahorses!!
Thank you, Susan!
You continue to get better at capturing the nuance of something I can’t quite define, but it’s supposed to be there, and you’ve done it.
You didn’t forget how to draw, Joan! You’re drawings are great, as always. You captured the bond, too. And that last portrait you did is fantastic! Your best yet.
And thanks for all the shout-outs!
Well said!
Very interesting insights, Joan. I think you are right that many in society equate nudity (even in art) with sexuality, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, I think many artists and models go too far in divorcing nudity and sexuality. In my decade as an art model, I have never been directly asked to assume a sexual pose – there have been some mild hints, but nothing overt. I’ve posed with quite a few female models – some with a lot of contact – but it was far more acrobatic than intimate. Artists have asked me to pose with animal carcases, chicken bones, empty wine bottles, holding balloons, wearing nothing but a stocking over my face, and posing as a nude Virgin Mary (long story, not as bad as it seems). But no artist or class has ever asked me to assume a sexual or erotic pose.
And that’s fine – I’m not opposed to sexual poses, but I’m perfectly happy with non-sexual poses. Yet there seems to be this underlying fear of sexuality in the world of figure drawing, for both male and female models. Most figure drawing sessions – especially formal classes – should not contain sexual elements. But on the other hand, sexuality is part of being human, both in a clothed and nude state. An art model’s job, in my mind, is to reveal himself completely: physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, etc. Sexuality certainly comes into play somewhere in there.
I guess my point is that the figure drawing community – both artists and models – would be best served by maintaining a healthy sense of professionalism and decorum without completely ignoring sexuality in the appropriate context. I think you struck that balance perfectly, Joan, by realizing there was a boundary that must be kept in mind, while embracing the sexuality of the model’s props/poses. Another great post and great art, as always…
There’s something partucularly saucy about this stance. You’ve captured an intangible quality that has no verbal equivalent. Obviously the product of a happy heart allowed to play!!!
So nice to know a few more details about you. Not surprised at all to learn yours was the only picture published back then. It’s lovely to see you glowing with excitement at retrieving such a meaningful part of yourself. Kudos!!!
Your website and work are beautiful, Joan. I can now particularly appreciate the effort you’ve put into it!
Lovely work, Joan. Sounds like a wonderful session – I agree, excellent experience for the artists to share such an intimate time with the model. Pregnant nudes are very underrepresented in classical art, which is a shame. Some of the maternity photography today is really wonderful – my wife has some beautiful photos of her 9 months pregnant, including some nudes. I bet there would be a market for commissioned drawings and paintings of pregnant women…
Wow, Joan you really captured her in this one. You can even tell that she is very petite!
… and I think she was tipped well ‘for the baby’
great results .. and you made her feel so welcome and comfortable
Great comments and wonderful drawing Joan! Looking forward to a new year of excellent blogging and drawing from you…
You are an INCREDIBLE artist, Joan. I am impressed beyond words to express. Carol
This view looks out over the dunes fronting the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the locations we painted in a plein air watercolor workshop taught by Lee Boynton in my hometown of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, in the Spring of 2009.
Thank you, Susan! I miss you when you’re not able to come draw with us!
you have learned and applied so much in a short time frame .. you set your own standard and are an inspiration to us all
Thank you, Nancy. I hope you can come back and draw with us!
These are really beautiful Joan. I went back and read some of your posts. thanks for doing that. Its like a textbook for ideas.
That one is interesting. One day I would like to slow down and try to get a better portrait likeness.
I really like the second drawing from the right, Joan. It has a very ethereal look to it – almost like the figure is materializing from the darker shades…
Your blogs are great: informative and entertaining. Thanks for sharing your words and your art. Nice to see a new model also. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Susan. I’m happy that there is so much interest and so many talented figure artists in this area, such as yourself, to support our sessions at Studio b.
Joan, you are the heart and soul of Studio B’s Figure Drawing happening!
I wish hands were easy! There was one pose this model did in our warm-ups, where all 20 of his fingers and toes were visible! I have to use a lot of time drawing hands and feet if I want detail. Most of the time I suggest more than I define.
It is hard to get back into the swing of things after a break – you’ve done well. Hands are difficult, I don’t know how you make it look so easy!
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
- Kris
You brought back some fantastic memories of Peru – many thanks
Thank you! Colleen is going to help me get a slide show together to show at Studio b.! I hope you can come.
Each photograph is more beautiful than the next. Your sketches also brought me to Peru. You are so talented.
Thank you, Betty, I may work with some of them. I really like how many of them turned out as photos, so I will keep those in that format.
Wow! It looks like a wonderful trip! The photos are terrific.
Are you going to paint some of them?
Thank you both! I appreciate the feedback!
Nice! I like the practice work you included, it really shows the effort you put in to your work and also how much fun it can be!
wow! Love these. I especially like the bright colors in the figures, and the detail of the hair and face on the final drawing!! Amazing.
Thanks for your comments, Mason. We are privileged to have a group of such professional models such as yourself. None of it could happen otherwise!
Your work is great, Joan, as is this blog! I would also acknowledge Colleen’s effort in making this happen, along with her hospitality – she’s truly an artist’s artist. But you are an integral part of the figure drawing at Studio b as well Joan – thank you for your dedication to this wonderful for of art that is figure drawing…
That’s funny, Robin! For me it’s a thrill. The torture is waiting for it to dry so I can refine a shape here or there.
Thank you, Donnelle. One day I’ll attend one of your workshops.
JOAN….what a “Talent” you are. Thank you for expressing it on paper for all of us to enjoy. Love UR work.
Love the unpredictable effect of the water on the soluble ink. It must be torture to watch it happen!
vis’a'vis work also needs to be protected from further moisture (try all purpose matt varnish, even hair spray)
my sample drawing on Joan’s blog was a brush wash treated 1 minute gesture
Wow, Joan! Your upper right fight figure captures light in away I just love to look at and examine! It is beautiful!
well expressed, Joan .. thank you
Joan I really like your Lilliput piece. I can’t wait to see it on paper. Your narratives are very interesting.
Thank you, Robin. It was inspired by an example our instructor showed us, so I was hesitant at first to put my name on it. But she said something about everything being related to something else, so I thought, why not.
I LOVE this illustration – wonderfully creative!
Wow! I have never tried continuous line drawing before, that looks really challenging. I’d love try your class, I wish I was not so crazy busy next week.
Robin
The session was well attended. Because I arrived late, the only place left for me to set up my easel was looking towards the window, which at first I thought would be blinding, and make it hard for me to see the form. That turned out not to be the case.
‘were taken so i set up my easel in the last available place’ -> can you explain ?
I think you have a natural talent and enhanced with all this fantastic instruction, week after week, you have produced a plethora of rich and excellent work.
It was a thrill to see your work in clay. The female sculpture was particularly well done. I am repeatedly impressed by the depth and diversity of your talent. Glad I had the opportunity to buy a piece of your work before you become famous and out of my price range. I am also very appreciative of the time and energy you put forth maintaining this website and sharing both your art and process. Thank you.
I so enjoyed the 3 hour class. Would have loved to have taken the longer one. Karen was fabulous!
Hope to join more of the figure drawing classes.
How lucky we are. Thank you Colleen.
you really captured it-the bayou
NIce work!
What a great Blog Joan! I’m glad you had such a good experience.I think we got some excellent results from our week of sculpting too! Your dedication and enthusiasm is wonderful and I look forward to seeing more sculpture from you soon. All the best~
Although you may not consider these latest posted sketches “keepers”, they look great to me.
I tried to view the photograph of your classes sketches at studio b. but somehow I couldn’t find it.
Do you have any suggestions?
Keep up the good work.
Tracy
Thank you, Tracy.
I expect the photo of ‘the wall” will be displayed on the studio’s website. I promise I will announce it when they have it posted.
Joan Vienot
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words.
I truly appreciate your blog !
the articles are always great !
Wow Joan,
These airport sketches are great. It’s wonderful watching your work accumulate. I’ve always enjoyed it but now there’s more to see.
You have some beautiful drawings here. Very lovely.
Very impressed with your talent, enthusiasm & dedication to your subject .. you are producing a unique journal of quality work and insightful comments, worthy of future publication. Great!
beautiful!
These look fantastic!
Joan, it has been an amazing journey to watch this website develop into the plethera of incredible art galleries for our enjoyment. Though not an artist myself, I do have an appreciation for excellence and beauty–both of which emit from your talented brush strokes. I have, of course, bookmarked it as a place to return to over and over. Congratulations to you and all those who are a part of your success!
Joan, Your art is so beautiful. I have always loved watercolors and their dreaminess. Is that a word? Anyway you know what I mean. You have a wonderful talent.