In a way, all Art is a form of self portraiture, as it is difficult to separate the Art from the Artist. We leave traces of ourselves wherever we go. Similarly to those who choose to reproduce themselves biologically, in executing a self portrait, we artists are often driven to seek out a form ofContinue reading “Research Point: Self Portraits”
Category Archives: Research & Reflection
Assignment 5 prep
I started today by looking at two self portrait sketches: Deciding the first image was the stronger for what I had in mind, I flipped it on my phone and printed it off A4 size. I went over what was a weak print with black biro. I then laid out 8 x A4 sheets ofContinue reading “Assignment 5 prep”
Update: Progress Report: Summary of Work to Date
I thought I’d give myself a tool for “at a glance” reference purposes. I used an HP Sprocket to print off 2″x3″ pix. It’s a not absolutely necessary and quite expensive gadget, but useful all the same. This arrangement on a folded A1 sheet of paper reminds me how far I have come since beginningContinue reading “Update: Progress Report: Summary of Work to Date”
Research Point: Structure of the Human Body
Human body structure is perhaps most famously recorded in the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. From Vitruvian man to sketches of a sectioned womb – complete with foetus. The following website details features in the publication “Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist”. Martin Clayton and Ron Philo explore the artist’s extensive notebooks on human anatomy. https://www.rct.uk/collection/search#/2/collection/912640/the-muscles-of-the-shoulder-torso-and-leg-and-a-skirmish InContinue reading “Research Point: Structure of the Human Body”
Research Point: Human Figure
Egyptian Musicians and Dancers (c. 1400BCE) Tomb of Nebamun (see pictured above) The human figure is so prevalent in art, we tend not to notice its ubiquitous nature. Abstract art can leave the viewer searching for the “missing” figure as in Kandinsky’s Cossacks ((1910-11), Tate Gallery) https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/kandinsky-cossacks-n04948 which contains only the slightest reference to itsContinue reading “Research Point: Human Figure”
Research point: Reaction to John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing” Episode 2.
In drawing the nude a lot depends upon the approach of both the artist and the model. Though my online sitter is not an 18 year old “Venus”, she is in possession of natural curves and folds of flesh which make for aesthetically appealing drawings. When delving deeper into what makes the nude female formContinue reading “Research point: Reaction to John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing” Episode 2.”
Progress Report: Crisis of confidence
For the past couple of days I’ve been feeling unwell. Consequently I have produced little in the way of process or outcome. The above Tree of Life is intended as a gift for my sister. Her birthday is at the end of the month. A week beforehand, on the 22nd May, Assignment 4 is dueContinue reading “Progress Report: Crisis of confidence”
Life Drawing
The portrait above is a 45 minute pose. The one below was 30 minutes. I used A1 cartridge paper and a selection of coloured pencils. I was trying to use complementary colours on both. The problem with the online life drawing sessions is that the tonal contrast is not as evident as in true lifeContinue reading “Life Drawing”
…ISMs
I thought it was about time I set down the ISMs in Art that I’m aware of in some semblance of order. Renaissance: “Rebirth” in Italy of Classical Art. From 1400 onwards. Raphael was one Renaissance master. Much later his name was used by the Preraphaelite Brotherhood who were big fans of Art of theContinue reading “…ISMs”
Experimental drawing: Glue gun/mixed media
I started with the following sketch from my last life drawing session. I copied it onto a preused and primed canvas in pencil. I then went over the outlines using a glue gun. I wanted to see what effects it would produce. Once the glue had set, I coloured the image using sponges dampened withContinue reading “Experimental drawing: Glue gun/mixed media”
Maureen Walker's blog: An Artist's Journey 