The Female Form

I have had the good fortune of working with many wonderful models over the years. I enjoy models of both sexes as they present different physical and psychological complexities. That said, the female form is something special.

Reclining Nude, oil pastel, 7" X 12", 2017

Conscious Decisions

My personal drawing technique utilizes a gradual buildup of crosshatched lines. I never made a conscious decision to work this way - it is simply how I draw. There are advantages and disadvantages to the method. A high degree of subtlety can be achieved but broad areas take time to develop.

Portrait Study, oil on canvas, 14" X 12", 2017

In the mid 1990's, after years of working with acrylic paints using a slow buildup method, I decided to change course with oils. I made the purposeful decision to try a more direct style. This choice proved beneficial as I began working from the live figure. With a brush broad areas can be put down quickly thereby altering the way I approach a painting.

Urgency

This time last year I was in a race with the seasons. Working on this painting from my spot under a shade tree I grew anxious about the changing light. The long shadows of October were rapidly replacing the stable angels of summer. I'll not claim to have won the race but I did cross the finish line (see 6/30/16 post).

Sophia Street View, oil on linen, 24" X 40", 2016