Life Drawing - Where to start.
When I think about where to start as an artist or how I execute the session as a tutor, it is very much an organic process. With each session I form a blank canvass and then we all contribute, we all create the starting points and as artists we are inspired by each other. However, we also need to take into account - consciously or not - where we are emotionally, physically, mentally or with our practice, There are a multitude of factors which will dictate our process and outcomes that will shift and evolve as the session progresses. The goal might be to achieve inspiring work or develop your practice or to try something new, but I know once the session has ended that my goal which is achievable with every session, is just to be in the present for 2 hours.
Once I have prepared for the session, I sit for a few minutes and think about how I want to approach my drawing. I reflect on styles or techniques that I have used in the past, I consider my mood, my emotions, or if there is a style that I want to develop.
Over the Autumn term, I found myself using a method that I know works, the paper size and colour, usually A3 in black or grey, often white for the short poses, as well as tried and tested drawing materials. I will often work with soft pastels or chalk pastels and usually select 3 colours or 3 tones. I have loved using the red/terracotta pastel a a mid tone with white chalk for highlights and black conte for the shadows. I like to start with white to get the basic shapes to build the form, and when happy with the proportions I will then work in the mid tone line with my red/terracotta pastel and follow with the highlights and shadows. I will at times fill in the form using the side of the white chalk so it becomes more than just line, or leave it if the line is successful.
I tend to leave the floor open so anyone in the group can suggest what music, what they want to focus on, the lighting or poses. The atmosphere is very relaxed with a few giggles and the models chat too. We have group discussions, a healthy debate about the development of our work and what we want to achieve, it’s a good way of getting ideas or trying new media, skills and techniques that you would not usually use. I realise that I have a fear of colour, for example, and there are a few artists in the group who are enviously free and bold with their use of colour, and just by seeing their results I was inspired and they have encouraged me to use colour more. At the end of the term I introduced coloured ink to the group and they were just delighted and I think as a result this has inspired me to occasionally introduce materials to the group,
We’ve had an inspiring range of models this term, I have managed to get hold of a few more female models which is great so next term, it’ll be much more balanced. The models bring their own inspiration too, in the way they pose, their response to the music playing will often have an effect on how they hold themselves or how much movement is held in the form . I find it fascinating how as individuals - and sometimes as a group - we respond to the models,. It may be subtle, or an obvious shift in style or use of media, and often it is evident that the model has inspired, encouraged or challenged us, just with their pose.
So, if you feel that you want to have a go, improve or develop, be inspired or just have 2 hours of being in the present, do contact me or come along, you’ll have a warm welcome. The sessions are untutored but I am happy to offer guidance or tutor.
Helen J S Edwards - Oct 2023
