On The Rocks

For some time now I have been cavalierly riding favorable currents with my figurative work. A medical emergency has crashed me on the rocks. Newly humbled, I now realize how good the sailing has been. This forced hiatus to make repairs should provide ample time to chart the next course.

Profile, oil pastel on toned paper, 8 1/2" X 7 1/2", 2018

Bringing It

Good models bring "it" to a figure session. They aren't just good at holding still. Their poses and attitude say something fundamental about themselves.

Reclining Nude, oil pastel, 8" X 9", 2012 

A Village

Art has been my solitary sanctuary since I was very young. When a model is involved even private sessions aren't solitary. Group sessions offer an unparalleled place to share the expense of a model and exchange ideas. For many years I have been attending long pose sessions at The Art League in Alexandria, VA. I owe great deal of gratitude to the artists who keep these sessions alive and so graciously share their passion for the figure.

Sam With Sword, oil on canvas, 12" X 10", 2018

On

There are times when working from a live model you are just "on". Brush strokes or pencil marks are uninhibited and aggressive. You might feel the surge right away but more often confidence builds gradually as a session progresses. It is not possible to predict when these welcome occasions will occur. Sometimes you aren't even aware that you were on until looking back years later.

Profile, oil pastel, 7" X 6", 2015

Just Drawing

Apparently late in his career the French artist Pierre-Paul Prud'hon (1758-1823) abandoned painting altogether and devoted himself to drawing the nude. Sometimes a drawing says all that is necessary.

Sarah W., oil pastel on toned paper
10 1/2" X 6 3/4", 2019

Making Do

There is no working central heating in my studio. Electric space heaters take the edge off on cold winter days but rooms could never be described as "warm". Needless to say I am not hosting any models this winter. I will just have to make do.

Burton's Chair, oil pastel, 8" X 7 1/2", 2019

The Human Form

"I can only work from a model. The sight of the human form comforts and feeds me. I have infinite worship for the nude." Auguste Rodin.

Female Nude Study, oil pastel on toned paper, 7" X 7 1/2", 2018

Proportions

When working from the figure there are all sorts of formulas for achieving accurate proportions. Over the years I have tended to avoid them contending that a reliance on mechanics can stifle the process and lead to stiff, lifeless results.

Then, sometime in 2017, I grew frustrated with reoccurring proportion issues. To address this I began employing a simple technique of making length comparisons. Instead of constricting the drawing process, this method has proven liberating when used early and sparingly. Always, always question your assumptions.

Male nude, oil pastel, 9" X 9", 2018

Getting The Red Out

Prior to switching to a limited palette for my figurative work my biggest complaint was recurring "orange/brown" flesh tones. I mistakenly thought that a limited palette would solve this and a multitude of other issues. It didn't occur to me that red might assert itself leading me down an all to familiar path.

                          Oil on canvas, 12" X 10"                Oil on canvas,  14" X 12"

Red is by far the strongest toning pigment in my palette. I'm afraid the reds got out of hand with the study on the left. Encountering the same model a few weeks later this last November I set out to remedy this.