Observing and Learning

Hello 

Lately I have been practicing my writing skills to learn, and explore writing. So here is my first entry on why I continue to paint even after I finish the drawing. Critiques are welcomed. 

During the drawing session with the model I focus every part of my being to see what is in front me and not take it for granted. Thinking about how this person must feel in that position and how that person looks in that same position and translating it down on paper. The best way to know what I mean is through this exercise: Take a look at your self in the mirror, while your doing this look at your eye and focus on it. Then with out moving your eye, focus on seeing yourself from the first person view point. So you should see yourself looking at a reflection of yourself. I usually took this for granted but when I really sat down and did this I realized that it is sometimes what I try to do when drawing the model (Maybe this is the great appeal with self portraits, understanding who you are). Then with the skills, experience, and understanding I translate it down to the paper with the medium that I know best, Nupastel for example. 

The drawing method I practice;  First I draw in a gesture of the figure or portrait Then I establish the proportions and certain landmarks that I use to refine the drawing later. After that I focus on portraying what the person looks and feels like, noticing small things like a minuscule smile combined with eyes that are squinting ever so slightly. Once the drawing is complete I begin modeling (light and form), beginning with light and dark shapes and ending with a sense of atmosphere around the figure done by playing with how hard or soft edges are. Having a limited amount of time with the model I pay attention to how long I spend on each step. 

Thereafter the model leaves and the drawing is complete I continue to push what I have with composition, atmosphere, pattern, and color. During this time I also think about a what if scenario. What if another artist drew from the same angle and did the same drawing or better? How can I make this drawing more unique to the way I draw and paint pictures. I have been told before that finding your own voice (which can be referred to as style) will allow you to be different then everyone else. The way that I would describe this “voice” is that everyone has their own perception of reality and their own ideas of what it is like. You also have your own personal aesthetic for images. I love to play with abstract art because I start going down the list of principles and elements of art. Which you can have an infinite amount of ways to show and describe anything when you combine mix and match these rules, or when you break them. 

The process after the drawing is done: First I seal the drawing with Golden Gel medium soft gel (which does mess up the drawing a little) Then I began to play with composition, Value, Shape, Balance, Pattern, color, and depth. In this particular piece below I had a problem with the color of her skin. In trying to make sure that she didn’t look like she hulk with green skin I eliminated all the red/pink color. To create a little bit of depth I put an abstract shape with a small amount of pattern in front of her. I kept all the darks and most of the contrast on her face as that was the point of interest. There are accidents that I kept like the small green square shape next to her and how the necklace disappears midway through. The figure drawing/painting underneath was done with the same process except I focused on creating a more interesting environment with square patterns. In putting these extra hours in a drawing I get to paint more, and learn more on pushing a life drawing to something more unique and personal. Thank you for reading.

Pablo Picasso quote:

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."

Some amazing artist links: 

Francois Bard

Nicolas Uribe

John Watkiss

Golucho

Also check out David Choe's documentary as he is incredible and his show thumbs up. Have an awesome day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!