miketoddart : blog

Chalk and charcoal life drawing

2012-01-14T11:45:00.003Z

Drew this at the Stamford Arts Centre life drawing class. Using charcoal, conte white and then charcoal pencil on buff Ingres paper. Happy with this! Cick for larger version.

New portrait painting - Finished

2012-01-14T10:16:00.005Z

OK it's been a long time since Day 6! I've had a few more sessions on the portrait, but now it's finished. The main work has been on the background, the hair, mouth and eyes. I think it has the intelligent, semi-smile look that I tried to capture in the original drawing. Click image for larger version. To see step-by-step develoment of this painting, choose the step-by-step label below.

I submitted this with other work to the Welland Valley Art Society to support my application for Exhibiting Membership. I have been accepted!

Sanguine portrait

2012-01-08T11:06:00.003Z

Drew a life portrait in sanguine conte chalk, with black and white conte touches at the Stamford Arts Centre Thursday night life drawing group.

Life class drawing

2011-12-04T15:34:00.003Z

Since I arrived late (well actually they started early) I had an unusual position for this life drawing. Only towards the end of the session I noticed the other artists in view and decided to sketch them in. It must be quite strange to be naked and surrounded by people drawing you, and I'm not sure it is for all. However most of the models seem to find something in it more than just the money. There is a serene but intensely concentrated atmosphere in a life class that does not happen in most people's lives, and it is quite addictive. I think this could make an interesting painting.

Three new paintings

2011-12-04T12:30:00.003Z

I've just varnished three recent still life paintings. These are oil on canvas board. Images are all copyright Mike Todd (2011). These are now framed and for sale in the Backstairs Gallery within Swans of Oakham.

Degas and the ballet

2011-12-02T16:27:00.007Z

I visited the Degas and the Ballet exhibition at the Royal Academy in London at the weekend. It was interesting to see Degas' style change towards more muscular and dynamic poses. I drew the sketch below in the gallery from a sculpture - it was near closing time so it was a bit quieter. I finished it on the coach home. I think I've captured something that was in the original. Click to zoom.