Last Art class in August Rocked!

The reason why my last class was awesome was today.... I felt like a sculptor...as they chisel away at their work...their art work comes alive. Today the game plan changed...my teacher said she wanted me to do a tonal drawingwhere she wanted me to cover my white sheet of paper with black charcoal and use the eraser as a tool to pull out the shape of my model.

OMG! i could have cried ...for once i could really see the form of my subject (instead of looking flat) and it really was a good depiction of the subject. Several people even complemented me on it. It was like i turned off my brain and eyes and just felt the movement and shapes in his face and molded and pulled out the shadows using  my kneaded eraser accordingly. What a great moment! My teacher gave me a kiss on the cheek and told me how good it was and that she wanted me to go to the basement to put fixative on it so it wouldn't smear (I've never been told to apply fixative). Kudos!

For the instruments that have served me wisely.....my vine charcoal and my gray kneaded eraser (well once gray...it did alot of work)

Not a perfect drawing but a vast improvement from my 1st detailed drawing which looked a little demonized (I'll post that later). I'm quite proud (if you cant tell:) Yes, I have had drawings that look like my subjects before (my self portrait or the one of my brother), but I call those being in the zone and being amazed what came out (not really being mindful of what i was putting down on paper). TODAY ..this was me really looking and forming the shape of my work. I've never done that before. I can only imagine the heights may work can do here on out. I love my teacher and the way we've explored in the little time I've been her student.

Today's class reminded me of two things: (1) sometimes we don't realize what tools in our arsenal can really do (they may seem like ordinary objects that has a purpose yes but with specific instructions and plans you may surprise yourself how your tools can amaze you). Ive had this kneaded eraser in my tool box for close than a year. I don't like erasing at this point so i didn't see a point. Enter my teacher who says she uses it as a tool to pull out shadows (I love it) (2) The way God created us and molded us....what seems like ordinary dust or object can be turned into an intricate item for his good! God rocks!

As I approach my last class in August...

The item that comes to mind is how much my work is coming along. There are definately things that still need to be worked but I have to say I can definately see the improvement in my drawing as my last class in August approaches which is equivalent to a second month of classes since i decided to take two classes per week.

Last week I decided that I wanted to go to the back of the class where the more experienced drawers were and take a stab at a long pose where you have the entire class time to draw the model in the same pose. The beautiful item about this art class is as much as you go at your own pace you can also decide where you want to sit in the class. I said to self .."its time for graduation". I love the long poses ...one it allows me to see what i really need to work on proportion, some of my figure drawing can be flat and it lacks the actual realism of drawing faces. I always feel like faces seem demonized (my art teacher would call it strong or bold but it feels hard and rough and I wouldn't want to wake up to that person). (2) I save paper. Yay! Surprisingly my sketch pad has lasted me the entire two months..I have about 4 sheets left for tomorrow.

Below is tonight's class  drawing (Aug 13) in chorcoal and ink

I can tell that my technique is definitely improving and I love the combo of ink and charcoal.  Surprisingly this drawing is without my glasses (I forgot them in my hubby's bag) and I think its definately one of my better detailed drawings from class  (I dont know if thats good or bad..lol especially since the model was not close to me). Of course today I picked an easel for once (yay)..they are usual gone by the time i get to class but not today (it makes all the difference in my drawing.I'm going to have to arrive early from here on out).
.My teacher wants me to use ink and pastels for next class so that's why there is some blue in my drawing. she wanted me to practice but then class ended.

I once again want to thank the Lord for always reminding me he knows the desires of my heart and will always align and place me where I need to be.