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.