Here are a selection of drawings from early September. I’ve been so busy these past few months I haven’t had time to process them!

This collection demonstrates a bit of the progression I’ve experienced. In most cases the model has been fantastic: athletic, interesting poses that can be both demanding and inspiring. I’ve consistently tried to interpret the figure gesturally using an economy of line. That occurs especially in the 3 minute poses. So that means continuing the through-line even when a body part gets superimposed over it.

For the longer poses, after getting the general placement and proportionality lightly set on the page, then establishing the torso gesture is primary. Its line, or series of lines may continue right through to the legs, arms and head; the balance-line of the shoulder curve, too. Usually, I draw these starter lines lightly, knowing they can be erased later. At this point though, the figure begins to emerge. Then I come back in with charcoal or a heavier carbon line, once I know where something is and what I want to say about it.

Also, in this session, I finally began to introduce some highlights using white Conte crayon. It’s something I used to do regularly but have backtracked in order to retrain my dog. I’m not fully satisfied with this latter attempt but it’s defo a start.