One picture to show from last nights life drawing class. Charcoal & pastel.

I feel that I have been in an artistic void. I have attempted the last couple of week's EDM challenges but produced nothing to show for my time. I haven't really felt like drawing.
I missed last weeks Life Drawing session and so accomplished nothing there either. So last night I had difficulty finding my comfort zone. I used some different mediums, some oil pastel (which I quite liked & will explore further) and some inks. The inks are gorgeous, with vibrant colours. I tried some bolder, freer lines; not attempting an exact likeness but more an impression of what was before me. Not happy with the ends results but at least I finally made a mark on paper.

Here's the cropped version, I'm much happier with this view.

At last night's Life Drawing class we had a local high school boy dressed as a mime. He is a drama student and as part of their studies they are required to do some work experience outside of school.

This shows the end result of my night's attempts. Earlier drawings have been collaged onto the last drawing I made. I am not happy with the 2 earlier drawings & now wish I had not stuck them down permanently.

I am quite pleased with the top drawing. It wasn't until then that I felt I had managed to capture the shape of his features. I might do some 'selective cropping' later.

The main drawing is charcoal & pastels with some ink used on the bottom images.

Pastel pencil. Next time I would choose a paper with less texture.

EDM Challenge # 92: Draw a Brown Paper Bag

Pastel pencil.

EDM Challenge # 10: Hands

This drawing was of a photo in a magazine. I guess it could also cover the EDM challenge#70- draw something you're afraid of. I have mild arthritic symptoms but hate to think that my hands will one day become severely affected.

EDM challenge #91: Draw an apple

This was done in watercolour on Arches 300gm paper. I am quite happy with the actual apple. Just need to work on my shadows more.

If time permits I will try an apple in pastels.

Last night's life drawing class presented me with another challenge. The model was very slim, almost boyish & muscular. She is a yoga devotee.....and she brought her dog. I much prefer drawing well rounded bums, bellies & boobs! I had to fatten her up a bit in my sketches.

EDM Challenge # 1: Draw A Shoe

Ballerinas

Everyday Matters Challenge: draw something with wings.

My first attempt, will have to do better next time.
This drawing of a wooden flying pig was done in pastels on black paper.

At the moment I am trying different mediums, trying to find my comfort zone.

An interesting angle, if nothing else. This drawing was done as an outline in pen on the reverse side, pressing firmly enough to make a mark on the back. The cardboard was flipped over and charcoal rubbed over the marks. Some white oil pastel was also used.

Fitting the body into a cube.
A succession of 10 second poses.

Let The Journey Begin....

Another life journey, another blog.
All my life I have dabbled in some kind of craft. I feel a need to do something with my hands, to reproduce, to create.
Can I draw, can I paint ? Well...no, but I want to!
I have started going to life drawing classes and enjoy the quick sketches we are required to produce in 20 seconds. Free, easy lines. I find when I have to spend too long on a sketch that my drawings become too 'tight'. Too wrong!
I have also joined the Everyday Matters Group . My idea behind this was to stretch myself by undertaking the weekly drawing challenge and drawing something I otherwise would not have. So, between EDM and the life drawing class I will be drawing at least a couple of times a week. Not all my efforts will find their way onto these pages, don't want to embarrass myself THAT much.
Here are a couple of drawings from my first life drawing class.