On this night at Studio b. at the regular weekly figure drawing session, I was the only artist who exclusively draws the figure. David Orme-Johnson brought his watercolor paints, and Nancy Nichols Williams brought her acrylics. Steve Wagner also is an accomplished figure painter, although on this night he worked with charcoal and white on brown paper. As expected of all students majoring in art in any university, I took my share of figure painting classes, but when it comes to the figure, I like making dry marks on paper.
I warmed up with some small sketches using water soluble graphite pencil on watercolor paper, which I added a wash to later when I got home.
I enjoyed the longer poses. I feel that I am coming closer to my intended effect as I continue to use graphite and white nupastel. It is always a challenge to draw the female model we had tonight, who is in constant training for triathlons and is now training for an Ironman next year. Her musculature is supremely developed, but I find myself minimizing her definition, probably because it becomes very detailed and I always feel like I am rushed and must simplify.
The first pose I have posted above was supposed to be for 10 minutes, but we asked the model to hold it a little longer, so it grew to 15. The pose below was for 45 minutes, with a break after the first half hour. That longer pose allowed me to spend a little more time on the face.
Most of my images are available for purchase. Contact me if you are interested. — Joan Vienot