Chalk and charcoal life drawing

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.

(c) Mike Todd 2012. All rights reserved.

New portrait painting - Finished

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

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

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

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

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.

Midlands Open 2011

I've had a painting selected for the Midlands Open 2011 held at the Tarpey Gallery in Castle Donnington. The selected work was 'Blues Guitarist' seen below at upper left. I went to see the exhibition today and I have to say it's one of the best I've seen for ages, with an eclectic mixture of work as expected from this type of exhibition. The high standard of the work on show, the thoughtful hanging and the gallery space itself make this a must see exhibition. It's great to see a small gallery getting it right, and great to see Midland's artists on good form.



I was tempted into buying a small study by Jackie Berridge whose work I find both intriguing and playful. This painting is entitled 'Birds of a Feather' (see below) also on her website as 'Lovebirds'. I think I'll know it as Spring Fever.



The exhibition is on until Christmas eve, so there is no excuse for not seeing it and buying some unique Christmas presents to support Midland's artists.