Figure Drawing and Painting.. all things human -ish

two new portrait studies this week from Federal 402

2011-12-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

O. Chen and glasses from life and touch-ups when I got home to make the light more glow-y. Note to self, others, I will look in the mirror - if others look inside themselves for where beauty truly resides.

The above - Natsu - is a work in progress. Updated ( mouth needed work!)

My Academy of Art Analysis of Forms Class !

2011-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some of the works from my Analysis of Forms class. I had such a fantastic time with all of my students and truly enjoyed the time I spent with them this past 15 weeks. It is such a short amount of time but I think they got some good things out of their time with me. I know I learned so much from them. Thank you - to all of you - Kevin W's Fall 2011 Analysis of Forms class! Take a look at some of the amazing things my students did below.. there are so many but I selected a few to share here. oh yeah this is all, simply charcoal on paper.. rock on with your bad selves!

Jacqueline Berrios' excellent Still life - just fantastic!

JB with her final still life..

Samira Rashidi's excellent still life - Figs, Hookah and Silver plate.

Jennifer Kim's lovely still life - great work!

Some of the fine portrait homeworks from (clockwise from top left) Sadie Rose Schwarzmiller, Seth Massey, Jacqueline Berrios, Samira Rashidi, Megan Taylor and Jennifer Kim

My class saying "fromage"..

There's usually one student with bright colors (most often Kevin Garcia in Yellow)! but everyone

else: subdued and cool! This was on our 2nd to last day of class.. everyone is toast but they have all developed/progressed during class. I am slightly happy !

.. class in groups preparing critique presentations of each other's work

Kevin G, Samira and Big Jon working through critiques..

Sadie Rose S and her excellent Portrait final!

2011-12-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

le danseur cachés ( mme' dottie j)

et elle repose.. avec les torsions du corps.. (mme' sophie k d)

I keep working and learning..

2011-12-02T12:20:00.001-08:00

Benjamin - about 2 hours oil on canvas from life

Here is the first version of this back in 2009:

Tony, Alfred and Norman - the KW Basement revisited - this will be part of the 402 Collective show in Half Moon Bay, CA at the Garden Gallery - beginning December 17th. This painting began as a quick study and I have come back to develop it while keeping the painterly feel intact.. hopefully! I will post more information about the show shortly!

A model I have not seen before - "Jeslyn" (thanks Dlihca) - from The Academy of Art University - her hair is dreads with green, red and purple!

Above - two point perspective drawings from within Grace Cathedral during my class field trips this week. I keep them simple and look for the beauty in the shapes and the perspective.. my class did some beautiful work!

In the midst of a tableau.. perhaps a plateau even - I keep on thinking..

2011-11-19T15:36:00.001-08:00

It has been too long for me to post but I have not been feeling the work of late .. and then things click a little.. all from life except the worker guys .. It's great to see ( by the way) that so many of the folks who view my blog are - after the USA - from Russia and the United Kingdom! (then, in order, Canada, India, France, Brazil, Germany, Spain) - so for now - : До свидания - (Dasvidaniya) - Thank you for visiting!!

Laney, who is beautiful but quite challenging for some reason.. so happy with this simple, 2 hour study from life..

Sophie - about 2 hours a few weeks' back now.. on not very good "Beverly's" $ 1.49 canvas..

Richard quick graphite study from life. about one hour and then worked from the thumbnail later ( see below).. via sketchbook..

Thumbnail ( ok a more fancy thumbnail)....

Really enjoyed drawing Quetzal - although she is about 4'10" she had this defiant feeling that I really wanted to capture.. like "I am the queen here - got it ! -- something like that..

Thumbnail of dottie that I liked better than the drawing!

working bigger ( 30" x 40" from life is a new struggle/challenge).. not there yet!

These guys re-built my street a few months ago.. so I did this quick sketchof them in oil piants..

As someone wiser than me once noted: 'New shiz has come to light'..

2011-10-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

I have almost never worked on nice paper with different types of charcoal - mostly I am a newsprint ( smooth please) and charcoal pencil figure draw-er - but I am learning some ways to let charcoal be more like a painting. The result above is my second attempt at this method or manner- About 7 hours over two sittings - 18 x 24 on Strathmore drawing 400.

This morning, these two "guys" were catching the sunrise just.. so.. and - my easel in the more horizontal shot below with my current graphite figure in 2-value mode. We'll see where it gets over these next to Saturdays!

2011-09-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Avengers - the Women.. First in a series. This is a quite young Linda Thorsen who played Tara King ( following Dame Diana Rigg among other fab stars in the P. McNee/Steed sidekick role). She had a great twinkle-in-eye way about her. Still does! Acrylic on paper - about 8 x 11.

The Crane Wife - cont'd

2011-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Joanna - about an hour from life - Charcoal on newsprint.

Benjamin - 20, 40 and 10 minutes - from life.

2011-09-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Crane Wife - and other stories..

This is Anna Netrebko - Russian opera singer. Acylic on panel - quick study. about 5 x 8" on gessoboard

Kristin about 40 minutes 18 x 24"

Carey about 20 minutes (left) and 5 min gesture right..

This is what got me thinking about "The Crane Wife" - a song I love by the Decemberists.

Bob ? Meet Richard and, well, Bob!

Road work part 7: some items from Liberace workshop in Washington State

2011-09-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week at a figure drawing and painting workshop with Rob Liberace at Carry Jurrean's WIFAS in Whidbey Island Washington. Getting to two workshops with Rob this summer has really helped me re-focus on some key things and seeing his intelligence, vigor and artistry is never anything but a positive wind in the sails! We worked on his twin Rocker paper ( thank you Flora Ling!) in what feels like a very old process but the results are really cool. Also, his oil process is super smart and begins by simplifying. I will continue to work in that vein! Thanks Rob!

Day two drawing - About 4 hours or so - Serena. Red Verithin pencil on Shellac'd Twin Rocker hand-laid paper. It's a pretty cool surface and I hope to try some more on it!

This is Kate - my red pencil drawing from day one. The monitor for our workshop - Laurine, bought this drawing at the end of that day - thank you ! Both drawings are about 19 x 15 inches.

Attempted a painting on the shellac paper.. it needed more shellac! here is the block in.. (Nikita is the model).

Nikita - last day head/bust study. The painting felt.. Russian to me - which might be good for a Russian model! On gessoboard. About 8 x 10. 4.5 hours. Oil Paint.

Above Nikita - a 3 x 20 minute quick painting sketch.. oil on some crap vinyl-like canvas that I will not use again!

Head studies from Travis Schlaht and Ted Minoff (and) Colleen Barry workshops

2011-08-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

I had a great experience with Travis, Ted and Colleen B! Each of them is an excellent artist and a confident and inspiring teacher as well. A great two weeks in NYC at GCA! Thank you to all of the teachers and I have lots to continue working on ( mostly, as ever - the drawing and values!). All of these heads are about 6-7" in size and I painted on linen panels and prepared gesso boards. Most heads were about 4 hours total time give or take I think. Oil paints and a few graphite studies of Connor D at the bottom.

Isabel on linen panel

Anna Nina on Gesso Board

I will get her name - first model for Colleen Barry's workshop - very distinctive young woman!

Katie W, our monitor and an excellent artist, subbed for the model ( this was a short painting 1/2 day so about 2+ hours as was Anna Nina above - both on the same day) who misplaced the date!

Gabriel - first model day for Colleen's workhops ( week two)

Ernesto - Day two or one Colleen's workshop (now I am confused!)

Steampunk man - one of two paintings that did not survive my wipe-out cloth.. oh well.. it was almost there.. but not!

Some quick graphite head drawings from the first day of TnT before painting began on Tuesday. This is Maria ( I am intimidated! and Connor our monitor for week two ( who sat in the first week to draw and paint and model!)

figures jotted down..

2011-07-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Kelsie and Alisha and Don I think.. all from the live model..

Above Kelsey and alisha - 1 hour and then 20 mins respectively.

Alisha and Irwin -from 20 minutes to 5 ..

clothed figure Don - reading/studying a scrpt.. about 20 minutes..

The (un) cruel shoes.. ('and now for something completely different!)

2011-07-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Charcoal on smooth newsprint. about 11 x 14" - I found these at the Angel Island Flea Market. they look quite old and are nicely smashed and beaten. (Child's shoes from the 1940's and 50's possibely earlier) 3 Dollars after much negotiation.. a study for a still life painting..

some recent studies in charcoal:

Don Knotts, Joe Don Baker, Harlan Williams and Jason Stathan. For an assignment where clear character was required to be illustrated ( for Glen Orbik's class).

Above - design and edge study for G.O.

A quick charcoal portrait of Sophie Kramer-Dahlin

Casey..

2011-07-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Last FRiday's portrait..

10" x 12" on Canvas board.

13 year-old boy from life

2011-06-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

He was my first young person posing from life! Not easy but I enjoyed the process and the outcome!

He took about 4.5 hours and is on gesso'd birch ply wood panel 12" x 12".

And below is Etta, in a limited palette of Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, White and Ultramarine Blue. (from photo reference) about 11 x 13"

A few quick figures..

That would be Signe (in hat), Mery ( two top series of gestures), then Signe and Mery again at the bottom of this group.

Road Work.

2011-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

A few painting studies from my time on the road. These are from the Robert Liberace workshop in Kimberly, Wisconsin via the Richeson art school and manufacturing center. Lots of great info and some nice work from other artists as well!

Above is Nikki, about 5 hours on Utrecht panel (about 10 x 12"). I enjoyed the challenge of this pose and might have benefited from a smoother surface given the short time-frame. lots of glare on the weave - I will take another photo when it gets here ( shipped) and re-post if that is better. I learned quite a few things I will work to add to my arsenal with the head and figure. Thanks much Sir Liberace!

This head study (below) is my painting previous to the above. He was a fun model to paint though quite hot and red under the yellow-ish lights! about 3 hours on canvas panel and 8 x 10".

Above a figure study of Chris - great model - about 3 hours or so in three tubes - burnt umber, burnt sienna and white. Nothing like keeping things unified to have it all make sense!

a 30 minute grisaille ( in burnt umber) of Nikkie.. meant to be a wipe-out and re-use but I liked the feel of it so I kept her "alive!"

And two 40 and 30 minute figure studies.. 8 x 10 cotton canvas utrecht panel..

Ms Dottie Johnson Alla Prima......

2011-05-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Oil on birch panel - about 3/4 or 1/2 life-size. From life and I did some refinements when I got home! Thank you Dottie and glad Big Dave and Hiroshi could join in the painting fun in 402. Very quiet w/no one in the bldg!

I think I pointed the spot right at her eyes so she squinted a bit.. and Dottie smiles the whole time she poses! about 3 hours..

Final day.. 2.5 hour painting of my classmate Olivia and 4 hour painting of Sophie..

2011-05-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Exhausted but had a great day painting !

Had to "represent" with Gue, Hiroshi and Tomutsu painting with me! really pleased with this painting.. Thank you O-wib-ee-ah for posing !

And a progression ( had the camera along as usual at school!)

Olivia progression above.. about 1 hour.. 1.5 and 2.5 or so..

Study of Sophie, Sophie is great and beautiful (too, as is Olivia!) but very challenging features for me! I think working on this warmed me up for the Olivia painting above so I breezed through that and it was just a joy to paint! ( usually Asian woman are like.. Nooooo!) (e.g., difficult, very subtle plane changes etc.,).. hope you enjoy!

some drawings from clothed figure (including a "hair design" drawing lower left).. great class lots of things I learned (and need to incorporate!).. Thank you Glen! ( below, with a little help from Master Orbik!)

Some new studies from life and the super-fat drooling fat-baby (for charity)

2011-05-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

This is Luri ( I am not sure of her spelling, hopefully she can correct me!) - about 4 hours - from life on 1.99 party-fun store canvas 8 x 10"

This is a painting I did a while back for practice and fun, I have updated it to prepare for a charity auction my sister-in-law is involved in. What I didn't know then, could fill a phonebook about painting ( two years ago).. I can still fill a phone book, it's just a different one now.

About an hour - Kaycee from Sean Connor's friday figure workshop.. First figure drawing in a while!

One of my spring show entries..

2011-05-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of one of the student scholars at the Academy and an artist in his own right. Oil on birch board with a gesso ground and warm grey wash. Yes the tattoo is real (as are the nose barbell and ear piercings and nipple area tattoo!). about 20 x 16 or so.

The title is "..of Course I Am!"

Quick Painting Class at Laguna College of Art and Design May 23- June 10 for 3 weeks!

2011-04-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a 3 week workshop - I hope to see some of you there! See the flyer below:

To Register - send a note to Laura Patrick via email: LPatrick@Laguanacollege.edu
or ring directly on 949 376 6000 extension 224. Laguna Beach will be amazing in late May!

And now for the middle of the story..

2011-04-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Mostly these are in-the-works things except for the alla prima drawings and paintings ( below, dudes whatnot).. Less and less do a post my underpantings [sic].. just trying to get the word "underpant" back into the daily lexicon.

Above oil on masonite - about 2 hours .. I forgot her name: I am offically old! (ok old-ish)

Cliff - my neighbor - the first image is after 20 or so minutes of add'l refinement (edges, light, form etc.,) of the original 20 minute study ( the below image). This is a study for a painting.. Charcoal pencil on newsprint.

Dottie J - a new model for me - 20 or 40 minutes from life - charcoal pencil on newsprint and yes I didn't get her other eye built.

"Benjamin," speedy head study on the side of a wood panel in oil paint.

Sophie, a figure in progress - lots to do, lots broken but I am happy with the direction! and now - sleep!

"The Federal Sofa, including Joanne"

2011-03-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

A study of a classmate. About 16 x 20 in oil paints and var mediums.

Shot in monochrome.. kind'a like it (too!) (there are updates here - since the above color image - will repost soon!)

You can paint one day, the next - nublins.. God's cruel trick I tell you.

2011-03-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

I will pray for everyone in Japan. It was on my mind and I rarely say anything here besides write about the work. -Kevin

Above about 3 hours from life on Fiberboard/masonite.. Craig Nelson gave it the thumbs! (up)

Above - Ward - still want to finish his chemise but the head.. pretty ok with for a quick work!

My poster of Colleen. It's been a while so I'm happy I still ( mostly ) get it! Done for a demo at AAU.

Pierre x 2 @ 20 minutes and Terry at 10..

40 minute drawing from today, March 11 2011.

Quick paint sketches from AAU in February - all from the live model

2011-02-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mia - about 3 hours and a bit.. 11 x 14 I think.. crappy 2.99 canvas panel; scarf: priceless!

Above: head wrap guy ( Terry ?) over about 7 -8 hours on 16 x 20 crappy utrech canvas.. Below is day one and two of this for those of you who are sleepy!

And a few head studies (and a figure at the bottom) via Glen O's clothed figure class and some from a workshop - all about 20 minutes or less ..

Head studies - about 20-30 minutes each and then some time following to unify..

20 Minute Head studies above and below 20 left and 10 right..

5 minute clothed figure gestures..

2 -3 hours form life - very unfinished but I liked it enough to share. On birch ply panel. Oils.

More to come - thanks for looking!

My Nicole painting - shown in a slideshow for .. 'n giggles..

2011-02-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

"Troubled Girl" - Title provided by the model: Caitlin

2011-02-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

"Troubled Girl" - Caitlin as of today 2 5 11. Still work to do ..

"Troubled Girl" in monochrome to review values

Before form-painting, I do a color wash or ebouche, for this type of linen, the ebouche gives the form-painting layer somewhere to stick to.. tried to keep the shadows light and transparent (Camie) - probably too late but it was not hard to pull them down slightly as I went!

Caitlin ink-in using a turp-wash of yellow-ochre and kings blue light. Doing the ink-in with the model there helped me improve the drawing and get it more like her and less androgynous.

First is the Graphite drawing to prep for the painting. About 8 hours - 12 hours I think.

And the poster study below.. on Canva Paper - that was one day's pose I think..

Below the setup at my "home studio".. some day I will have somewhere to paint! but the music is good!

More to come!

some new figures .. soon my new portrait !

2011-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

10,5 and 10 minutes - Kelly via Army street.. experimenting ..

Kelly again - a 20min and some gestures.. with Tyler stretched into the corner..

Tyler via Army street on Tuesday.. Sanguine and Conte Noire

the work, always about the work.. you extraneous things can whatever!

2011-01-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Above some gestures from today 1 15 11 from Army street. Model: Lixua

( as the extraneous things apparently do) -- Some Army St gestures from Tuesday.. 5, 10 and 10 with a bit of work done when I got back to the compound..

10 minutes I think..

5 minute gesture above..

10 minute w/work after.. I liked it even better after sorting out some edges..

Jenny at various locations over the last few days..

2011-01-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

I am not yet back to where I am comfortable with quicker drawings but a few things poke through here and there ( e.g,. I get lucky). These are 2-20 minutes - with the one on top of Jenny from MCCLA on Friday evening - pretty happy with that!

20 minute pose and a bit of work at my home "studio" ( kitchen)..

A few gestures and a bit of conte sanguine experimentation - 2,5 and 7 minute poses here..

A few figures and such..

2011-01-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

All quick gestures from 1 1 11 at Army Street in San Francisco. Jenny was the model. from 2- 20 mins..

And above Sheila - never finished but some final adjustments got accomplished. Thank you for so much Camie!

The lady of the lake.. or girl of the.. ok: I made this..

2010-12-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

Above done in Painter and Art Rage.. Very unfinished with "canvas" showing through but I'm at a place where I like it.. So = stop.

The final for a demo on getting likeness from careful basic shape development:

And the only drawing that gets to "survive" from my first time figure drawing quickly in over two months! Sorry to the great model Jenny that this is quite the short haul..

The below is a study I did while in Maui.. "the Kiss"

In Graphite via sketchbook..

Something unfinished that I hope .. to..

2010-11-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

Victoria - our night pose at the Guild.. lots to do still..

Graphite and white chalk on toned, speckled paper..

Below a quick alla prima of my portrait partner for the swap at WC: 8 x 10" on linen

Sheila Work in progress at the Guild..

some quick things while being lazy..

2010-10-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

A charcoal study of Clarence Darrow from a 1928 Vanity Fair photograph.. On Newsprint, about 8 hours.

a few quick drawings from life in SF.. "Jenny" left 10 mins and "Kelly" right 10 mins or 20..

"Kelly"

and, "Kelly" ( not sure why I kept doing quotes but I'm in deep now..)

Walkabout Brooklyn..

2010-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hopefully soon I will have some work to show but here are a few images from my walks to school and back..

Above - Gowanus Canal at about 5:45pm - little man on scooter..

Beautiful sky from Union and Bond streets on the edge of Caroll Gardens looking up toward Park Slope

Park Slope building on 7th and Berkeley (?).. the wind was flapping that edge up and down.. I waited but it wouldn't go up again..

Frozen Yogurt store I think.. on 7th in P.S.

Last few moments of sun at the Guild Atelier today..

Some new gestures and a mini-cast drawing..

2010-08-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

most all figures from life except the "fake" charcoal ( done in painter X).. all between 1 and 20 minutes except for the digital work and the cast drawing.. more like 15 hours for that..

My Camie Davis workshop painting

2010-08-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

As ever at workshops, there is much not completed in this painting but the workshop was excellent and Camie, if I can sing her praises, is a passionate, kind ( yet stern at the right moments!) teacher. If you combine that with her astonishing skills as an artist - well, you got a great experience! Thank you for all of your teaching Camie, I learned so much and this painting would be landfill w/o your help!

"Victoria" Oil 14" x 14"on Raphael 3x oil primed Belgian linen

Poster study on "Yes" canvas about 4" x 6"

Ink in with a bit of background

Rather, um, hulking painter over tiny painting and even tiny-er model ?

Some recent gestures and figure studies from life - Lauren, Signe and E

2010-07-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Most of these are 1-5 minutes with one on here ( the two with a bit more detail and value are 20's).. Charcoal pencil and Wolff's carbon on smooth newsprint. Keep it real yo'.

At Play in the fields of Masters.. A Few Days with Rob LIberace in Vermont.

2010-07-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

If you ever get the chance to attend a Robert Liberace class/workshop/pancake's house conversation - I recommend you RUN (do not walk) to get thee to it! Great learning and much fun!..Above, "Bob" on "Yes" canvas ( at Jerry's) about 8 x 10 or so and about 2.5 hours or less everything in this post from live models.

"Spoon" similar proportions and dimensions as Bob, oh - and all oil paints here..

"Spoon" block-in in umber and a bit of ultramarine..

"Monica's BF" as I forgot this nice fellow's name..

Monica in grisaille..

Umber 20-30 min sketch or so..

Another speedy umber sketch ( for warming up).. both of these were wiped to make way for Monica..

Here ( below) is Rob L at work on a demo.. great to watch him work - confident, engaged and encyclopedic (reminds me of things I think about Tony R as well!)

a few heads and things from past few my days in SoCal..

2010-06-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yes his hair was bigger than his whole head ( I may have left it a bit wimpy at that!).. about 1.5 hours or so..

Above, about an hour at Glen-O's glass at CAI...

I sat in a bit in Charles Hu's gesture class and did nothing to write home about.. above - well I'll write here.. about 8 minutes each

Summer shorter figures ( well they are not short peole.. ahem)

2010-06-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Above "Daisy" - 20 minutes at MCCLA - fun poses !

A study of a Glen drawing..

Repin School head study ..

Behind the scenes and farewell to the Anthony Ryder School..

2010-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

It has been such a challenging and rewarding year at the Tony Ryder School in Santa Fe - from meeting and working with so many wonderful people to all of us getting completely sick of each other ( at least until we could throw the Frisbee!).. I learned so much from Tony, Anna, Krista, Toby, John, Dave and Celeste - and cannot thank them enough for letting me be part of their world for almost a year. I miss them and also other wonderful fellow students - Tina, Sarah, Dorothy, Jacob, Rose, Shelly, Alex, Anwar the Gangsta, Emile, Daralyn, and enjoyed the friendships I have made and will treasure. I hope I will get the chance to study with them in the future - they are all great humans and wonderful artists!

Jacob, Tony, Anwar ( the Indo-Gangsta,) David-B and Toby.. these are usually very unhappy dudes, I paid them each 10.00 to laugh/smile. Except Anwar - who got a Shrek Happy Meal toy !

Santa FE local gang-signage thrown.. Also Big John R graced us with his manly and handsome personage! I think this is after a beer or two ?

Thank you Rose W ( on the right) and Mark ( hub) for putting on the bar-b-que! That's Celeste Ryder in the background, avoiding hand grenades no doubt!

Tony and a painting he did in 2008. You can tell he LOVES having his picture taken! I own the poster to this painting ( could not afford the painting!!)

There is hopefully never any question of Tony's mad genius! ( this is a long still life work of his I think mostly completed in 2009. Amazing, Stunning.

The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead..

2010-06-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

continues..

Randy study from the corner after I had had enough of the long pose painting.. 6" x 8" on gesso'd masonite

Mini-Trevor - the glare is still too nutty - will re-photo when I figure it out. 5" x 7" on gesso'd ply ( thanks Sir T!)..

Thanks John for posing! graphite on bristol paper..

Doodle of AW ( very small - sorry I didn't get your other eye done!) Thanks for posing!! ( and John too!)

Values.. sigh..

The poster..

and silliness in digitalia..

Almost finished my 9 months with Tony Ryder and crew!

2010-05-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

My final painting that is still in-process at Tony Ryder's school.. Mostly fine tuning now and will update. On linen.. Model: Randy via "natural" fluorescent light source. about 4.5 weeks at 2.5-3 hours per day.. 10" x 12" on Artfix Linen. This is a close-up. I think I can say Tony was pleased!

Full-size..

A senior student who was nice enough to sit for me.. about 2 hours..

Crystal quick head study ( little bump on left nostril is her nostril/nose ring.. not really rendered.. )

The above would be the imprint of my palette after it flipped out of my hand ( trying to scare M.T.H.), down the stairs and landed ( gravity is a B!) upside down on the floor. Right after I had flipped and prepped all my paints for the morning. Story of my life.. dog hair in and gravel in my fancy paints to start the day!! Thanks Big John R for the quick photos!

Soriba - about 20 some hours

2010-05-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Soriba on an 8 x 10 gesso panel that I re-gessoed with an additional 3 layers and sanded to lose some of the tooth. This was done more in an alla-prima manner than typical at ARS. Really enjoyed this painting and am happy with the results!

Here is on the first day of block in the shadows (and some dark light) after transferring a quick drawing to my panel.

One afternoon drawing of Cara - about 2 hours on Canson recycled Bristol ( vellum).. I was enjoying the lights and shadow shapes though I did not get her as young and carefree as she really is..

Quick drawing of Randy - our final long-pose painting model.. ( painting in-progress!!!).. about an hour and a little..

A quick 10 min gesture of Cara that I really liked! Newsprint 18 x 24" and Conte Pierre Noire crayon ( pencil)

Sir Anthony Teaches.. and other whatnot..

2010-04-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tony Ryder teaching a portrait drawing demo at Artisan in Santa FE. Crystal did a great job as the model. Lots of hominids came to see!

I think Tony is using a metaphor here (above)..

For some reason all of the attending Tony Ryder School (tm) students are not paying attention! Toby is zoned (slightly), Mercia is wondering why I am taking a picture of everyone, Krista is wondering what that guy with the white-ish hair is doing, John is trying to control [sic] Marty and everyone else is taking judicious and copious notes!

Above my 4 hour allaprima of Cara. I hope I will get another chance to work on this!

A recent cast drawing study.. about 40 hours.. will get better photo soon!

Dave, Dorothy in the background, Krista making egg-lets and the sun was just rising.. Taken at 7:14am on top of some Dale Ball trail in Santa Fe. Look at those colors! Now where is my diet pepsi ??!!!

Raven, Crystal, Alina and an unfinished painting of Maribou

2010-04-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Crystal long pose graphite ( 3.5 hours a day for about 2 weeks)

2010-03-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Merav at ARmy Street 3 21 10.

2010-03-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

speedy doodles from Army street..

2010-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Drawing from Hope Railey's most excellent workshop..

2010-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

about 8 -ish hours ? I think the model was Jessica(?) An student at LCAD with Hope. Amazingly fun and information-filled workshop! Thank you Hope - you are brilliant!!!

About 5 -6 hours on toned paper from the workshop.. ( different model - Jessica Jewel ?)

Same model as above, hair pulled back..

a 10 min figure from Army Street.. up-lit but I liked the glow!

new painting from ARS.. (and some drawings finalized..

2010-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Alina, above on linen.. help was received (thank you Anna and Tony my teachers!)..

A few new drawings from life at Tony Ryder School

2009-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Above is at about 1 week's progress on Adam - this is my most recent figure in graphite - I am pleased with this work - have another week to go on him - we'll see where it gets .. (hand just roughed in on Friday)

Above is a one week pose of Joaquin - this drawing was a bit of a break-through in some of the methods at the Tony Ryder School for me .. improved upon in the drawing of Adam above! Great help in these last two months from Tony and Anna and a great speedy pep talk from Colt helped me over a hurdle.. still all kinds of things unresolved here so .. you know - unfinished!

Above a quick 2.5 hour drawing of Adam on toned paper and white chalk..

Above about 1.5 hours of Abby a fellow student who posed on thursday night (student volunteer posing)..

a few new drawings and paintings..

2009-11-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

I got to paint with Tomutsu's class on Monday - super fun - we watched Burt Silverman's "My Friend Wes" demo first ( and if that's not enough to screw you up) we only had about 3.5 hours to paint.. on gesso-board 10 x 12".. never paintined on gesso board - very smooth but with a light tooth.. I think Tomutsu was pleased !

Above a very short allaprima painting from Henry's this summer ; the original painting ( you can see remants upside down of the figure) just crashed so I flipped it over and restarted.. warm and cool play of light was fun..about 1.5 hours

above Veronique - a great model - 20 minutes at MCCLA on friday night

back pose in repose ? 20 minutes Veronique..

below Army street 10 minus..

below Army street 20 mins..

below army street 1 minute /2 min gestures..

3 hours and a bit of Boni on Canva-paper at Tony Ryder school.. tentative..

about 6 hours - not a great photo but i like this one! of Alina at TRS.. allaprima also on canvapaper..

2009-10-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hare are a few new things from my time at Tony Ryder's school. I am loving what I am learning about how to draw what I am seeing.. convexity, shadow behavior, light and shaping my strokes ( this is all not easy!)..

my toned drawings are less easy to photograph.. will work on that.. below Maribou about 2 plus hours on tuesday..

Eli - great model - about 6 hours I think..

above another figure from this week.. an allaprima painting of Sarah P on mylar ( first time trying it) - about 3 hours and a 1.5 hour graphite gesture of Sarah P..

some new studies from life and some master studies..

2009-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

some posters and whatnot from Tony Ryder's school first two weeks..

2009-09-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

A few posters - I think that's Maribu on the left.. with Anna W - designed blue gel light at lower left ( on the natural light side of studio).. poster on right with warm light on lower left..

John as model in natural light ... John as cowboy with doubled orange gel on light at lower left ( and blue light on right side).. ( and natural light from above ! phew!)

An assignment - just a first draft for Rob Liberace's online class..

a drawing i am doing for a Rob Liberace online class I signed up for.. ( 3 color chalk drawing..)

a few new heads and figures..

2009-08-22T21:46:00.001-07:00

top two are about 1.5 hours from Glen's class.. (in the method of Frank Reilly!) - the rest are 20 mins - 1 min gestures from SF figure drawing sessions.. I wish these people had some LIGHT!

a few recent head studies..

2009-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

two new studies from Henry's and a master copy..

2009-08-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

some new figure studies in charcoal and oil paint(s)

2009-07-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Kristin from HY's figure class where I interlope.. About 3.5 hours on canva-paper 12 x 16"

Matt on canva-paper as well 3 hours 12 x 16..

above a detail of Angela.. though I detoured from her likeness a bit to design shapes more. .. she is a fantastic model! ( whole figure below.. about1.5 hours)..

above - Bonnie from SOMArts 7 25 09 about 10 minutes..
some 2 minute gestures of Bonnie..

charcoal head study..

2009-07-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

18 x 24 .. general 4b pencil.. lots of "hole-filling" and smooth newsprint.. title: "spladness" i can say no more..

two new figures..

2009-07-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Above two alla prima paintings from Henry's Figure class.. some good things and both and some I did not have time to sort.. both 12 x 16 on canva-paper.. about 3 hours each.. model: Lyric

doodles need time in the sun too!

2009-07-10T13:24:00.001-07:00

more heads added ( sorry Mum!).. and one of Sir Norman hisself!..

These are drawings of the models ( from photos) that NOrman Rockwell used for his paintings.. neighbors and his kids and his wfe ( and himself ( though not here, his wife is below.. can you spot her ???)

a few new drawings and a painting..

2009-06-28T19:30:00.001-07:00

a copy of a zhao ming wu painting.. about 12 x 16 and crap-ish utrecht cotton 5.99 canvas; about 3.5 hours all prima..

a 1.6 hour head study in glen orbik's class..

after n. blohkin - in graphite ( though his is an oil painting).. about 1.5 hours)..

for orph!

a new figure from Glen's class..

2009-06-17T19:59:00.001-07:00

I am learning how to make decisions but have not figured more than, say 10-20% out.. maybe less! still..

some new figures from 6 13 and my tony ryder workshop portrait!

2009-06-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Below - my 9 x 12 painting of Krista..

Some figures from 6 13 at SomArts..

Below - ballpoint copy of a Tony Ryder drawing.. on the plane back from Santa Fe to SFO ..

a few things from the end of the sem..

2009-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Above: final project for quick studies.. still need to harmonize the blues but I dig painting/drawing fat bway-bways!

Above a 40 minute quick study of the model Kristen.. she told me it looked like.. her brother ( whatev!) I like it! (I made her pose like that so maybe that comment was payback ?)

note to self: don't do quick studies from white! ( see above ) so I didn't get a lot done. the upside ? the colors are analogous and in harmony!

Above: my last in-class painting from clothed figure.. I don't know if I know how to spell her name but it's "Nee" ( phonetically at least).. below is a study i did of her the last day of class..

below: doing a R.Schmid copy will make you figure out a lot about some things!
about 1 hour ( tiny)

Below are some charcoals from the Bay Area Modeling Guild marathon today, sunday.. it was pretty great but again: NEED LIGHTS! all from natural light.. so too much drawing and not enough form..

above - my fave in terms of 'tude..

Isabelle working hard as usual was at the Marathon thing..

As paul thomas anderson says: '..just one more thing'

a quick study of my messy basement and tony soprano on the flatscreen..

some new drawings and quick studies and paintings..

2009-05-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Above a quick study - about an hour and a few minutes .. this was for creative or extreme cropping and I knew I wanted to do a drinking fountain/mouth/water.. never tried it so..

Above, another qs.. just kept it loose but tried to get the values and general color together.. about 2 hours.

Above some life studies from class.. extreme color (again!) and a MC of a Tomutsu-san painting ( but we had to make our copy from black and white and develop our own extreme color plan.. a fun excercise).. the two gregory's are - left with light on him and right, ambient only.. - i think these were 40's.

Xiau-Fong and Justina from a "the-Edmunds" photo.. about 2 hours.. i like it!

Above, a two week pose of Aimee ( spelling ? ). a Great model - very graceful.. but the pose was tough to hold in all these positions.. I did not get this finished enough but may work more on it from some photo refs at the end of the 2nd session.

below a 1 hour head study from Glenn's class.. so much to learn!

Below a 1 hour figure from glenn's and then a trace of it where I idealized shapes more..

below colleen from jw's workshop on monday..

5 min gestures at jw's below

Searching for the "Big Truth"

2009-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Below is a close-up of my last nude figure from Adv Figure Painting.. it's too tight, has no edge hierarchy or color harmony and the paint is thin.. one more week on it and we'll see where I get to!!

just a quick under 2 total hour head study of tracie..

Most of these gestures are from Glenn Orbik's heads and figures classes I am now taking on tuesdays.. that Big Truth thing is something George Bridgman talked a lot about with his students I am told.. I have very little handle on the gesture side of things but will do my loomis, bridgman and fixler ( and orbik) practice in the mean time.. there is hope.. ..

below about 2 mins each..

also two mins except for the one on the right.. form SOMArts.. about 20 mins..
head studies from Glen's about 5 minutes - the one on the right about an hour a bit less.. I am happy w/that one!
below from henry's sat class last week..
older gestures on the left.. newer ( tuesday 4 21 09) on the right..

a few new paintings !

2009-04-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Clothed Figure painting homework 16 x 20.. about 20 - 25 hours..

Head close-up in corrected light ( and with my hot sheise camera!

This is Gregory - from clothed figure painting w/Zhao Ming Wu. I think I'm finally feeling a bit more comfortable in his class ( in awe of the guy mostly so I'm a spaz-like wingnut in there).. He was really pleased w/this painting so.. I am over at least a small moon.. 16 x 20 canvas.. about 7 total hours I guess.. didn't finish the one hand..

these are a little out there but we started doing "extreme color" in quick studies and.. well I like these two ( the other one is not dry enough so still at school.. two great models - Becca below - 25 minutes and..

Eliza with super red hair.. happy w/these ! (sold!)

the struggle, the darkness, the naked ( the clothed)..

2009-04-04T16:00:00.001-07:00

Below is a 45 min from quick studies.. on masonite board.. really kind of dig it for all its flaws..
oh these first 3 paintings were done w/ little or no drawing - just massing shadows and forms.. not easy!

a 25 done with just masses.. on cb..

45 minute massing before we switched models ( the above girl was my final painting for the day..)

below a few of Eliza.. just 5's or 10's..

Somarts 5's of Tami the model..

Isabelle 5's from John Wentz workshop..

my favorite drawing from 4 4 09 at SOMArts.. a 20..
below is my first figure studying with Glenn Orbik down in faboo SoCal! he is all about the ideal, the simple and the flowing rhythm! so much I want to incorporate!!!!

An Isabelle painting from a workshop.. needs more form but the flow is ok..

more new.. still SO M UCH TO LEARN!

2009-03-22T12:08:00.001-07:00

a quick study of times square in nyc in the rain.. it's kind of abstract but i think ( think) i like it ! ( about 2 hours)

below 20 min friday at mccla fo'sho'tened..

20 mins friday night.. she was super short like 4'11" but did very nice poses..

some 1's from friday night that i kept doodling on at the break..

some 5's from friday night..

another 10 or 20 from friday night..

a new smattering of.. EVERYTHING! ( almost)

2009-03-16T12:55:00.001-07:00

1hr 40 mins painting time on masonite.. sometimes i want more time on these short figures!!!

below - the happy lady! about 1 hr 40 mins again - 12 x 16 canvas board..the model didn't show for megan's workshop.. so I painted.. megan ;-) about an hour or so..

quick study of bonobo monkeys on birch board treated w/gesso. about 1 hour.. 4 X 11 I think.. and it's SOLD! :-)

beat up old truck quick study on canvas panel ( 8 x 10) .. fun to paint!

quick study from class - little iron and tiny plastic apple .. plus atomizer about 45 minutes on masonite

Kevin's Pepsi Zero somewhat consumed bottle makes an appearance in a quick study! this was about an hour.. really flying!

below - a longer pose ( 1.2 hours) at HY's sat class.. great model!

a blocked in version earlier.. about 20 -30 mins..

20 minute study of same guy below.. with glasses on !

profile.. got carried away on nose shape !

tattoo girl ( forgot her name - but she poses well and doesn't really move!).. this was a study in getting leg forms and edges.. the face/head was only done in the last few mins or I'd get grief from Henry!..

longer study of figure from another class..

below some quick gestures that I dug/dig..

below - Claudio about an hour at HY sat class.. had the flu and went home to hide after this !

below - two quick studies ( about 40 - 1 hr) of the inner sunset ( irving and 9th ?) at lunchtime..

the other guy.. had to do an uplit quick study so Sen John McCain got the honors..

first Painter X painting from scratch.. a slideshow..

2009-03-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know what I'm doing yet with painter but it is fun when you don't want to clean anything up!!!

A few new paintings !

2009-02-27T21:18:00.001-08:00

Above -- Richard on 12 x 18 masonite (via home depot).. about 80 cents per board w/tax ! this is a 1 hr 40 minute study give or take a few minutes.. I like how the paints stay vibrant after drying on the board!

11 x 14 of terry.. about 1.40 hours as well..

30 min quick study.. wanted to keep painting her but tomutsu tells me that's not the point(s)!

a few quick study paintings and some.. what else ? - figures

2009-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

A few new long pose figures.. learning new things and .. gettin' somewheres!

Here is a painting I recently wiped.. this is about the peak of its goodness and then it fell over and got the big WIPEOUT! ;-)

Below is "Ted and Coke and nuc-u-lar apple".. this is from quick studies on some kind of Masonite board 11 x 14 (thanks Edmund for the board to try and Janet for insisting on the Ted!) - 40 minutes plus about 15 minutes of final value/chroma tweaks after.. (note : the cast shadow on the apple is not that dark.. it's my camera's fault ! ( me))..

Below is Edmund - about 1 hour.. 12 x 16 canvas board for quick studies homework..

Below is a 45 min QS on masonite board..
Below about 1hr 40 mins figure study of Kristen.. the brown bg needs to be fixed and she could have had some more paint but .. spent too much time on the HEED! ( again!)

HYan workshop friday night.. the only decent drawing of the night.. and even it has issues..

H Yan tuesday night workshop.. ok i'm thinking that's all right! 20 mins..

below 1m gestures..
below 10 mins..
below 5 mins same pose different night ! ( and same model!)
below saturday at somarts.. judith is a FANTASTIC poser.. couldn't stay too long but these are ok !

a few new things - figures .. quick studies, whatnot..

2009-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Some new things.. I am having so much fun this semester!

the painting and this charcoal drawing are of Kurt.. painting from Brandon's workshop ( about 2 hours on 11 x 14 canvas board).. and the drawing - Monday 2 09 09 at Jon Wentz's anatomy workshop.. about 1 hour 20.

about 1 hr at Sean's anat workshop.. last friday afternoon..

Richard from quickstudies.. might be starting to get it.. a little 40 minutes on 11 x 14 panel..

Becca - some 2's.. at O&M's..Becca - 10 mins I think .. or 5 .. at Omari's and Marks!

I'm only posting the above tiny painting (60 mins) of Xiao Fong because my Mom will like it.. I think.. on 8 x 10 canvas board..

first figure painting from Adv Figure and some other stuff!

2009-01-31T15:53:00.001-08:00

This is my first figure from Advance Figure painting w/Tomutsu..about 2.5 hours; (16 x 20 on utrecht canvas limited palette: white, yellow ochre, terra rosa, tranp red oxide, burnt umber and ultra-marine blue) -- having Quick Studies the day before helped my confidence in getting skin tones down and worrying to adjust them later.. sometimes later never comes but mostly you get a shot.. next one, I hope to get more work done on the hands and feet but I kind of dig.. (at least for the commensurate hour!)

Larry Z's workshop - a new model but she held some great poses.. I had a "run-in" at the security desk ( ask me about Morons when you see me!).. so didn't get settled down enough for the first few drawings so only a few are not too wonky.. ( next two are 10 minutes each)

Saturday a.m. in Henry Yan's ... Henry actually said, "Kevin - don't draw too much like me!" i think he was just busting me for whatever.. it's great when he tells you he is seeing things at a new level from just a month ago! yes! - below of Wendy - about 12 minutes ( screw'd up the long pose.. )
below Kelli Peach from Army street tuesday night.. like this.. just the key elements.. she is a great model I think! 10mins..
First painting - only 'bout 2 hours on board 11 x 14 for clothed figure.. very nervous and tight.. did not get the headshape complete.. oh well.. portents of better things to come ?! i hope so!

a few new figures.. trying new things and maybe it's working! ( a little..)

2009-01-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Roughly in order of my "like" of them.. working on soft form indications, right value and just the right level of information and nothing more.. also working on a more sweeping line vs such a studied direct-drawing line I have been into for the past.. while ( i watched that video of Charles Reid the watercolor guy drawing and it kind of stuck.. like good glue on a hot day)...

below.. tied for my fave.. love that look.. fashion workshop w/om and gue.. this guy has an amazing facial structure!

below - these are kelli peach from army st tuesday nights.. like the sweep there and the indications of forms.. it's coming ! ( now only if my painting would get to the next.. deal!)

below kelli - long pose (20 mins.. and a bit of follow up work)..

some doodles and quick figures..

2009-01-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

kids are fun to figure out.. does someone have a ballpoint pen that doesn't gunk ? i want that ( in fine, black bp!).. figures: I need to work more "sweep" into my forms and more structure.. that's the next thing to work on ( besides value mgmt in planes).. i think.. yeah!

some days it just works..

2009-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

my 2nd to last drawing from the first Omari/Mark figure "workshop".. very fun, good music and donna is amazing as a model.. this is my favorite.. did I mention she had ski goggles on .. and apres ski boots ? big pad, in lap ;-)

More recent figure drawings ( last week or so)

2009-01-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

These are in backwards order.. below - last one from today.. can any Academy students guess who that model is ??

I like this one below.. 10 minutes.. simple..
Below from Army street tuesday night workshop.. Me and Omari this week.. Alex hung in the week befo'

Below - dave 2 minute gesture I liked.. foreshortening and whatnot..
kind of like that recline.. needed a bit more time to model.. next time !

finally got my bum back to draw the live model !!!

2009-01-04T15:51:00.000-08:00

nothing over 20 here.. she was a fun model and alex and I were pretty happy to uncork our gear and DRAW for a few hours!
meh..

20 min below..
5 mins below

these are all 1 min warmups.. gettin' a little flow!

a 15 minute drawing from Henry Yan's final semester friday night workshop.. it's got a feeling..

Some.. sketchbook to kick off the New Year!!

2009-01-02T17:33:00.001-08:00

back to having a *few chops with my ballpoint pen! that night at dr. sketchy's made me think i needed to get my pen out a bit more frequently.. and even though I forget to de-gunk my pilot easytouch fine (tm) .39 cent pen i still like what it can do for stuff.. pen is the shiz for working on your eye ( no erasing).. always in search of the highlight and midtone ( and the shadowline ;-))..

these are from life, tv, models and photos.. and all in the last week or so.. in my little sketchbook (good for travel).. the sopranos down below were for a proposed still life last semester in still life 1..

below - first page in new sketchbook.. always a nervous moment !

Some final pics/art from Heads and hands and Clothed Fig 3

2008-12-19T11:53:00.001-08:00

Herewith, my final approx 5 hour head study from Heads and Hands dos. Very simple but I am pleased with the structural-ness of it, the simplicity of it and.. well i just like! Tae gave me thumbs up so all is good.
Below is the 2nd to last painting for Tae's class.. wanted to get more done as it was coming together but.. here it am anyway ! ;-)

Here are some shots of Heads and Hands class and our final work.. top left is Matias (in hat, seated), guy from other class (?), Chris standing and Matt the model; top right are Jessie 1 and Arif on a break; bottom left are Chris, Model, Jennie and Hava ( who finally makes it mostly on time and makes the best Dirt Cake I have ever had ( ok only one I have)).. final photo is Tae Park and our works while she is doing critiques.. I know she will yell at me for putting this picture of her up but TOO BaD! an amazing artist and driving, tough but excellent teacher!!!!!!! Buy her work and take her classes if you can, I say!
student works.. mine..Hava's, Jennie's and Chris'.. this is the life of a student painting at school.. sit your bum down on a 15 year old, dirty wooden plank and suffer ;-)

just a coupla' quick final day drawings from clothed figure 3.. wiped out w/no sleep i still got a few out that were ok.. the one below I like for the feeling of the forlorn couple.. both of these about 40 mins..

(Almost) Final Self Portrait WIP and Clothed Figure one alumni photos!

2008-12-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

OK so above is as of 12 11 08... more cooling of the lights and fine tuning all around.. moved ear.. re-did mouth to capture more of what my "mouf" looks like.. nose completely re-done to soften transitions.. it may need a cooler highlight but I am not psyched to touch it after all that work.. dig it ( me, I mean - i dig it.. at least a little.. and at least for an hour or so.. background to be softened ( see blog of dark where painting was in more detail).. will finalize when feeling less lazy!.. off to workshop to.. what else ? paint the figure ;-)) -kw ps check out the show at 288 Sutter ! Sam has some awesome stuff there ( and my favorite already sold #$%) shout out to team Tomutsu!

Here is one of my final WIP paintings (that would be a self portrait) - just getting near complete-ish.. Very Warm lights on the left and slightly cooler morning light from the window ( and quite bright) on the right.. for me: very complex light - no REAL shadows so.. lots of thinking and.. let me just say i will NEVER be lazy at block in again as the re-working is so painful vs getting it right out the gate! ( and here I thought I knew what I looked like).. painting: i really enjoy it but it is SO intense!)

Lazy block in.. eyes too close, nose in wrong place, ear a mile back on HUGE side of head.. mouth too low..
bringing in the super warms from the inside room lights ( reds/golds/yellows) and the cool-er light from the window ( this is about 10am at my house.. north light window..
rough "ebouche" of color down.. now eyes are too narrow, nose needs much fine tuning and mouth is to.. underbite-y .. i think I had moved the ear by this time.. it was almost an inch on the canvas which is a shed-load of fix!
below - value adjustments yesterday (sat) to get things more to the right /true value range.. when I first put those light cooler values in a think I made a slight .. whelp ? but it was right and good..

and the near final.. very challenging but it has some things I am digging ..

The Chris Canga (non- as in he is very much alive) Memorial Clothed Figure 1 annual dinner ( no. 2). Left to right are Leah, Elisha, Ye Bin, Max, Emmerson and Carmen.. look at Ye Bin's cool polaroid camera ( she always has cool toys!).. Very fun gang! We all laughed.. Emmerson ate like 23 roles and it was all good..
Besides Leah, I am the only other Caucasian in this group.. outnumbered.. outgunned.. story of my life! oh - and that is Carmen's Dude next to her.. he is "in the industry" !
check out Emmerson and the girlz in these next two.. Max seems.. transfixed ?

Some new short stuff (1 min to 3 hours)

2008-11-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

.. was in the trunk drying while I visited family.. from Tae Park's Heads and Hands class... i wish I had gotten more done on this but i think it's not horrid.. completely.. why does everyone like Turbans ???? and - oh - Tae is a great teacher..

Ok so I know all of you have great gestures and you're like ..zzzzz.. well I like this one so I'm posting.. this is like 1 min.. and .. ok moving on! I'll have some new class portraits up next week likely.. and then.. the dreaded SELF PORTRAIT FINAL!!!#$^# ;-)

Crashed Henry's int fig class on wed between my classes and drew ( terry ?) below.. 40 mins.. dig!

J. S. Sargent painting copy one night.. graphite on notebook paper..
a few of the series of workshop figures.. isabelle is below ( none of these are "blocked in" but are massed as forms of tone/color first and then fine tuned - trying to figure out ways to get more done in 2.5 hours!.. i do love these little figures though.. learning a lot ( slooowwwlly) ! this is what I get from watching all those Schmid and Silverman vids.. wait, I said that below.. wait, that's recursive.. laud.. hope y'all had some good things to give thanks for.. I am glad for many - but so much for the gift of drawing! ( and painting!)---

Mohawk guy.. not as refined but still dig..re-used canvas boards can cause issues ( when you are painting over an apple and a pot - like i did below.. not enough done but .. you be da' judge ( except carmen who can't say anything ! ( hah!))..

My Neighbor and some other recent work ;-)

2008-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

This is my neighbor Delores, she is an amazing woman.. I carefully lit her with studio lights on the left of the image and cool, morning light on the right.. i think I am calling this pretty done! who knows - maybe I have a shot as a painter ? about 35 hours ( with a lot of looking time in the number..).. there are always things to fix but i'm feeling good. below are the block in and about 15-20 hours in and a value study i did in graphite .. the painting is a much more careful rendering of her likeness in proportion, value, color, shapes.. whatnot....

some 2 min gestures from sat. working on my Carl Gnassian "" way but LONG way to go..

below from Henry's friday night workshop.. not pleased w/my drawing lately.. ugh
somehow that foreshortened foot won the battle and is the size of a small, offshore watercraft ( or my size 14 foots..)below Sir Norman Rockwell master copies - in graphite from charcoal sketches ;-)

a polish mother and son from some photog book I found.. graphite..

workshop and class paintings..

2008-11-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

This figure is a 2.5 hour workshop painting.. experimenting with color and temp.. and everything.. ( they are like "sprints" these little workshop paintings!) can't wait to see what REAL sprints are like in quick studies w/Tomutsu next semester. Apropos of nothing (here), was reading about a presentation where Nelson Shanks said, roughly, that brush strokes are like a type face .. and are not the end but the means ( you don't see a lot of brush in his work).. um.. what to make of it at this point in my beginning.. i not sure!

Head painting class this last week - Eliza - in very bright light from high up.. i might work on this some more - she is a great model and it's no where near where i'd like it but .. um..

below another 2.5 hour quick oil sketch.. very plane-y.. but i liked how the model was standing..

new clothed figures and a figure and costume carnival..

2008-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Costume Carnival(e) was fun.. didn't get much drawing done but here are some 5 minute-ers I liked.. experimenting w/rough newsprint.. below a 20 min fig from friday workshop.. meh..

So I was feeling like ( 'no more ILL classes!' recently) but we pulled out the toned paper yesterday and I had a little fun. Our model was new at least to us, and had NEVER worn a dress before.. she went from a self-aware city girl to a young woman with a story.. reserved for herself only maybe.. anyway, these are all short for toned - 10-20 minutes.. so very simple not tonnes of form but.. me like. some. And yes, I'm a sucker for the head when the model is looking away and all you get is a hint of eye shape, a hint of nose and mouth ( and cheekbone).. also, it takes about 20 seconds to draw so I can be on to other things and done with my head obsession for that pose! Seacrest: OUT!

i'm in a ... plateau.. need to level UP!

2008-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try rough newsprint for massing shapes /planes at henry's workshop friday but my old rough pad was full.. in a rut.. all around - except for painting is moving forward.. below some quick things from henry's and from my clothed figure class.. the one with the guy and gun that is up-lit, that was a pose I "art directed".. ( 'lie back w/your mouth agog like this' - what is going on with my mind ? don't answer that!)..

Hopefully Omari will still talk to me ..

2008-10-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

about 22 hours into my 2nd homework project in head painting. to take it to a super-refined level I think I would need another 10-20 hours that I don't have ( due tomorrow).. the glare is from wet paint.. and it's a bit "wide-angled" by my camera so not exact but close enuf! here is the block in below the final.. i'll post some school stuff that's in my locker soon! well.. I like it! ;-)
Lisa who modeled at Mark E's workshop - this is about 2.5 hours and on a 9 x 12 board.. i want to get to where I can lay down the key planes faster with a nice feel ( a la Liberace!).. pleased with this but it's.. as Irys says.. only "meh" ;-) Below - a few head portraits from Head Painting one class.. they don't all go up on the blog for a reason!

new stuff!

2008-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

painting is first homework for head painting one ( 3 color palette : white, y.o. and burnt umber); pencil heads are for CF3 - they are all (not done the 3rd one yet) meant to be people w/open mouths.. the final figures are just recent practice from school..

The Great Henry Yan helped me with that left foot of the model on this last one.. .. I could NOT make it happen.. elegant vs clunky ;-) the one above I really kind of dig it!! here's figuring out more difficult shapes!