This week will be dedicated to the joy of drawing and painting the human form.
Last week I was sent an article based on a research paper from Newcastle University, entitled ‘Drawing nudes preserves memory better than exercise or puzzles’
I have been drawing/painting nudes for over fifty years, and it is still one of my greatest pleasures to be working in a studio with a good model – particularly for the fast poses.
Twenty minute study – watercolour & felt tip pen
Life drawing is widely accepted as the foundation block for a fine art training. Given that the human form offers the artist the most complex of creations, learning to draw it is considered one of the more difficult artistic challenges. In my opinion it is the best way to hone observational skills.
I was fortunate in that when I went to art college in the early sixties we had life drawing sessions every day, and I am pleased to see after years of neglect, that figure/life drawing has come back into vogue.
Twenty minute study – watercolour
“It is my belief that the creative process in all its many forms is the key to physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing”.
When I begin work….I start with one to five minute poses – referred to as ‘croquis’ These are all about capturing the gesture.
When giving workshops with a life model I suggest that people start out using newspaper. This removes the fear of messing up a good piece of paper, and allows people to warm up. It is so often the case that these warm ups turn out to be the best work, simply because the obstacle of fear has been removed.
Watercolour & felt tip pen – five minute study.
In this rapid sketch – I focused on the head and hand….endeavouring to capture as quickly as possible the gesture and expression of the model.
Watercolour & felt tip pen
A somewhat redundant statement, as I don’t buy lottery tickets, but were I to win the lottery, along with the perfect Marmite Heaven scenario, I would work with models every morning for two hours a day………
Tomorrow how the creative process benefits our physical wellbeing.
A Bientôt
I love this Janet your work and your joie de vivre inspire me to be creative.
Good morning and thank you so much for this lovely comment. If I inspire anyone to pick up brushes or whatever other medium floats the boat…I am so pleased. Janet:)
Any time Janet big hugs xx
These paintings are so light, so full of life and joy. I love them.
Thank you so much – Janetxx
Super Janet. You may recall, I’ve always loved your work with the nude human body…..You seem to ‘discern’ the beauty and subtlety of the human form. Thanks….Hugs! ❤
It’s so lovely to see you here, Bushka….and yes I do recall. Thank you so much for this lovely comment…..and hope you enjoy a good day. Janet. xxx
Again, the movement you capture in your work is astounding. Happy Monday and keep laughing!
Thank you so much, Sarah…..and yes keep smiling:)x
Quite fascinated to read that drawing preserves memory more effectively than exercises or puzzles!
Wonderful painting. – Julia
Good morning…From personal experience I tend to agree with this. Thank you so much for the comment and hope you enjoy a lovely day. Janet:)
Thank you, Janet. I wish you the same. 🙂
I agree the amount of movement and life you capture are extraordinary, and also a sense of the inner being you are able to convey which is an ability which divides great art from the good or proficient in my opinion
Thank you, Peter for this really lovely comment…it is much appreciated. Janet:)
as ever , a beautiful blog but even more beautiful is the artwork within it xx
Thank you so much…really appreciated. Have a lovely day. Janet. xx
So sophisticated.
Thank you Maria…hope you have a lovely day Janet:)
I love your nudes, you always capture the essence and soul of your sitter! Now you shall have to go and buy a lottery ticket!xxx
Thank you and Yes…:):)xxx
The movement is strikingly wonderful in your human form sketches. Enjoyed! Thank you Janet, as always, I’m appreciative.
Thank you, Connie….much appreciated…hope you have a good day. Janet:)
I hope you win the lottery or somehow manage to make your dream come true, because these are amazing
Wouldn’t that be wonderful:) Yes, I do hope that before I depart this zone….that Marmite Heaven with models…will be revealed.. Janet. x
Fascinating dialogue about art, Janet; and truly an honor to observe your lovely paintings.
Thank you so much, Jet…so glad you are enjoying. Janet.
The first and third are my particular favorites in this batch, but I love them all, and especially your premise! 😀
xoxo!
Thank you so much…that means a great deal coming from you. Janet. x
Amazing how fluid your five minute sketchings are – wonderful studies!
Good morning, Mary. Thank you so much. When I get into the flow….it is exactly that a rhythmic flow….nothing feels better to me:) janet.
I can relate – so cool Janet.
Thank you:)
Wonderful job. I love your work and blog.
Thank you so much…really appreciate this, and hope you have a lovely week ahead. Janet