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.

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.

Life drawing

A sanguine drawing from last night at the Stamford Arts Centre. Highlighted with white chalk on buff Ingres paper.

Portrait conte drawings

Tried out my new box of 'portrait' Conte sticks at Stamford last night. As I'd hoped these were a bit more subtle. I still can't resist drawing outlines, but we all have our foibles.

Life drawings

A couple of drawings from last night's Life Drawing at Stamford Arts Centre. This was a new model to me. How anyone can hold poses for an hour is beyond me, I think they like the challenge. She would make a great anatomy model.

One drawing in charcoal then Pierre Noire Conte pencil, the other using four conte chalks then Pierre Noire Conte pencil. Click images to zoom.

Life drawings

Posted a couple of drawings from this week's Life Drawing group at Stamford Arts Centre. All rights reserved.

Life drawing

Pen and ink drawing over graphite.

Life drawings

A couple of drawings made at the life class in Stamford Arts Centre this week. One in pencil and one using 'trois crayon' (we were talking about Watteau in the break). This was the same pose from different angles. I really liked the way the head was turned showing the neck muscles. I'm learning that if there is something that captures my interest in a pose or a model then I tend to produce better drawings. As usual click on images for a larger version.

Life drawing

Back in the UK, I drew this at the Stamford Arts Centre life drawing class. This is drawn using coloured pencils and conte chalks on brown Ingres pastel paper. Click on image to zoom.

Clive - Life Drawings

Two life drawings this week at the Stamford Arts Centre. First is in pencil on white cartridge paper.

The second is on a new surface to me. This is Pastelmat paper, which is a thick (card-like) surface (360gsm / 170lb) specially developed for pastelists. According to the manufacturers "Its unique velvety surface, made from a fine coating of cellulose fibers, has the ability to grab and hold multiple layers of even the softest pastels".

For the drawing I used Conte chalks rather than soft pastels. Normally Conte adheres well and on this surface it was really held hard. This meant my normal smudging and blending with a tissue or Torchon was difficult and the drawn marks are still visible. I would like to try soft pastels on this paper. It comes in some interesting dark colours, which is why I was attracted to it. It is relatively expensive but I bought large sheets and cut them up. Watch this space for more Pastelmat trials.

Chalk figure

Life model drawn in white chalk and charcoal on black Ingres paper at the Stamford Arts Centre. Click to zoom.

Life drawing and portrait

Back to the Stamford Arts Centre this week for life drawing. The model was allowed to read a book which gave a relaxed pose. Did a graphite pencil drawing and then a portrait drawing using coloured pencils on dark paper (sanguine, black, white and light blue). Both used a tissue for smudging. Happy with these! Click images to zoom.

Double life drawing

We had the opportunity to draw a couple at the Stamford Arts Centre last week. The following drawings are in charcoal (stick then pencil) on white Ingres paper and conte white chalk and charcoal pencil on brown Ingres paper.

A new perspective

Sometimes it's good to get a new perspective. For this drawing I sat on the floor in front of the easels. In pencil in sketchbook. Lots of stumping with a tissue. Bless you. Thank you.

Life drawing

Life drawing using Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth Gioconda black pencil (No.3) on Ingres paper. Smudged with tissue.

Life drawing

In charcoal on white Ingres paper. Drawn at the Stamford Arts Centre. Bit of German expressionism here. I swear her neck was really that long. Click to zoom.

Life drawing - Stamford

To keep you entertained until another thrilling painting step, I've posted a couple of drawings made at this week's life drawing 'class' in Stamford. It's not really a class as there's no teaching. These were graphite pencil on Ingres paper.

Life Drawing - Stamford

Last week's life drawing at the Stamford Arts Centre. I used a Koh-I-Noor Hardtmuth Negro pencil. Which is a black wax-based (I think) carbon pencil. It gives good blacks, but is quite difficult to erase. This drawing was more of a battle, but fortunately the paper (Fabriano Ingres) can take a lot of rework. I get this paper from Shepherds in London. It's a laid paper hence the 'stripes' can be visible in the drawing - but I like this effect.

Stamford Life Drawings

Started with a life drawing group based at the Stamford Arts Centre , Stamford, Rutland. This is run by Mike Alabaster of the Welland Valley Arts Society. I've posted a few drawings made with this group.

Life Drawing

Drawing from a new term at the Richard Attenborough Centre in Leicester.

Charcoal pencil on pastel paper. (c) Mike Todd 2010.