I went to a life drawing session tonight, and dragged more supplies with me. I wanted to try out the oil pastel resist idea. I found the model very uninspiring and I think the drawings reflect that. I did have a great time playing with a new combination of materials. I am liking working with the oil pastels. I have about 3 sets of very cheap oil pastels. I decided to use them up before purchasing some quality ones. They aren't very creamy, to say the least, but they do act as a decent resist. I posted my favorite first but the correct order starts with the second image. I put down a red pastel line, then went back with a black ink brush pen. After that I used some ink washes.
The second painting I decided to use two different colors of resist, then the ink brush pen. Lastly I added a little blue color along with the ink wash.
Next I decided to put a wet wash of color on the page, let it dry and then did the brush pen and ink. Lastly I added the pastel. I wasn't thrilled with this order of applying the pastel.
Next, several drawings with different colors of pastel over a washed background, then ink, then I painted stronger color over the body. Starting to get somewhere here.
The next idea was to strengthen the color around the body...that is my favorite.
Then I decided to strengthen the color on the body and the outside areas, leaving light forms around the edge of the figure.
The last idea I played with was to use all light pastel lines. I think I like the more contrasting lines better.
Most of the lines were multiple blind contour drawings of the same pose.
Very cool - love the freshness and the energy, especially in the ones with the multiple figures on the page.
ReplyDeleteWow! Fantastic work. I shall experiment with this myself for I fear I have become a little jaded and boring. These just blew me away, especially the first + sixth. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the book you recommended by Bill Buchman, and I see a little of his influence here. The mixed media approach is very appealing, adding real interest to these figures. I also like the way you orient the figures on the page, making interesting negative spaces.
ReplyDeleteI really like the energy you put into thse - you said the model wasn't inspiring but you've created a great feeling of movement and electricity with the colors - outlining, blending, moving those lines around in various colors and strengths. My faves are the top 3 :) This reminds me of the Expressive Figure Drawing exercises about seeing negative shapes but you've taken it to another level.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the info Myrna. I hope to study figure drawing this year. As soon as the ice and elk are off the road!
ReplyDeleteHi Nava, Thanks for commenting. Hope classes are coming along!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon. We like the same pieces! I am enjoying not being too literal and playing with color and line. Hope you decide to try it yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, Glad you got the book. Some fresh ideas of working with the figure. I was doing pure blind contour drawing with the oil pastel.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, Glad you like the drawings. I was able to do a number of blind contour drawings within one pose. I think I will work with negative space next time. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula, I hope you are able to dig out. What a brutal winter for the Midwest and Eastern part of the country. I hope you are in front of a cozy fire with a drawing pad!
ReplyDeleteLove your new blog, especially because I have been trying to decipher the body myself recently. I have been having proportion problems. I would love figure drawing sessions - need to find one at night. Anyway, I love seeing your style applied to this new subject. It is colorful, vibrant, and interesting! I will follow.
ReplyDeleteLove your new blog, and, as I think I have already said, I am a true Myrna Groupie. Following all three blogs. Love the overlapping lines in yor gesture drawings. Can't wait to try ... Am TRYING to use the many teachniques you showed us in Portland. A lot to digest ...
ReplyDeleteMyrna, one thing I would love to have you repeat for us, is the accordian "book." I wrote as fast as I could when you were showing, but I probably need to hear again how you start it, and with which paper.
You are a very busy and inspiring lady!