In light of the new BBC4 TV show entitled ‘LIFE DRAWING LIVE’ which I viewed on player last night, I am re posting a blog on the subject.
In early December, I was invited by my good friend and fellow artist, Maria Do Rosario Tavares (Miza to me) to give a painting demonstration for a group she is working with in Chester. The subject, ‘life painting’ – one of my favourites. It was only a two hour session, but a very good one. The group and the model were lovely.
To warm up I made this rapid watercolour/gouache of David, the model.
Those who have followed my blog probably equate my work with hummingbird images, which of course is right:) However I also love to paint the human form,
Twenty minute – full sheet watercolour and felt tip pen study –
I love short poses – preferably three to 20 minutes max. This enables me to capture the energy and movement of my subject….
five minute watercolour study – male dancer
I was fortunate to go to art school at the beginning of the sixties. For the first year, we made charcoal drawings of nudes, almost exclusively. I quickly learned what an important foundation block the observation of the human form is.
Twenty minute watercolour study…(all the white is dry white paper)
In the late sixties, it was said that the ‘busts were thrown out of the studio windows’ and replaced with a less formal mode of study. Personally, I feel that if you have a strong foundation block – it frees an artist to explore with more self confidence….much as I believe, that ‘self discipline equals freedom’
Ten minute full sheet study of Scarlett, one of my favourite models
Along with nude models we also worked with ‘costume models’ learning how to capture the human form beneath the drapes of fabric – again honing observational skills.
This man modelled for me in Paris….a beautiful dancer. I often do quick portraits of my subjects in a life painting session.
It’s exciting to see that ‘life painting/drawing’ is back in vogue. I believe that many people who attend recognise how relaxing it is and that it is a form of meditation.
In this instance one of my favourite models arrived with her new born baby….It was a magical session. In the warmth of the quiet studio both mother and baby completely relaxed…..
Focusing on the loving hands of the mother. 
Another model I really enjoy who wears blue stockings, 
I love grabbing the gesture and seeking out the abstraction of the shapes produced. 
Beginning in 1982 I began a series of works integrating the human form with the rock formations of Isle au Haut Maine.
If we wish we can use the sketches made in a life session and take them to new levels…..which can be where my last post ‘How Does the Creative Process work’ comes I into play.
large oil on canvas – ‘The moment people turn their backs on one another’
For those who would like to try life drawing – I suggest that you tune into ‘LIFE DRAWING LIVE’ BBC 4 TV—–a good way to get started.
Happy painting
A Bientôt
Dear Janet, as always I’m astounded by your gift. Thanks for sharing these amazing paintings. I appreciate the lovely little hummingbird always at the end. Have a terrific Tuesday. Hummingbird hugs.
Thank you so much dear Teagan – much appreciated. Janet. xxx
Beautiful work! Capturing the human form as you have requires great skill. 🙂
Thank you for such a lovely comment…Janet:)
How wonderful that you had some time together with Dina.
Oh yes, and we had so much fun…..and if your ears were burning it’s because we talked about you:) All good. Dina is everything and more than I had imagined….a wonderful human being. Hope all is well with you…Janet
❤️
Thank you 🙂
You render humans as beautifully as birds. (K)
Thank you so much for this lovely comment. Always appreciated. Hope you are enjoying a creative day…janet:)
I’m sure I will, thanks…still kind of in pre-day mode!
Had I known you were so close to me in Chester I’d have tried to meet you or at least rallied enough words to say hello in person.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Next time I come to Chester, I promise to let you know. I would love to get together with you….Janetxxx
Fine post and paintings, Janet!
Thank you very much:)
Gorgeous paintings, Janet, and I love your assertion that self-discipline provides freedom! 🙂
–Timi
Thank you very much Timi, Yes, I have always believed this to be so. Often the word self-discipline is deemed as negative…but for me it means freedom:) Have a lovely day…Janet:)
I enjoy your paintings and backstories Janet. And you seem to have created a nice life sharing your art with others. Kudos.
Thank you very much and yes I am a very content individual…with no regrets – for which I am most grateful:)
Wonderful. Not many people can say that.
I fully appreciate how fortunate I am:)
Oh so lovely to have you back on the circuit here, Janet. Your painting is so uplifting, the methods described so incredibly inspiring, and your philosophies completely refreshing. I love these words especially: “self discipline equals freedom.” I studied every one of your glorious nudes here, and so appreciate the art and skills you have developed over a lifetime. BTW, for the next two wks I will be in the Caribbean on vacation and not blogging. We’re going to a bird lodge in the rainforest and guess who we will be surrounded by…your favorite birds. See you in Feb. ♥
Hi dear Jet…..Oh I will be thinking about you surrounded by magical hummingbirds….how wonderful is that:) Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I will now look forward to seeing some beautiful images when you return. Janet:)
Beautiful
Thank you very much. Janet.
Magnificent work, Janet, quick or slow. I think all creating is a form of medication – it’s certainly been so for me. Keep smiling and have a beautiful week! xx
Thank you dear Sarah….I have been thinking about you and hoping all is well. The important thing is that we both keep smiling:)xx
We certainly had fun! And the students are still talking about you! 😉 It was a pleasure having you here!
See you soon my dear! xxx
Hi Dear Miza, I have been thinking about you in France and I am sure now back in Liverpool. Oh it was so much fun….I can’t wait to do it again:) I wish you a wonderful new year filled with all sorts of amazing creative adventures. Janet. xxx
Love your watercolors, they are pleasing to the eye. Glad to see you back, and looking forward to more works and posts.
Thank you so much – It’s good to be back on track….a new year – new beginnings etc. Janet:)
You’re welcome, Janet
Hi Janet, I like your idea of working fast, something I should try, and let happen whatever happens. Speed seems contrary to my nature. Now when you say, “Self-discipline equals freedom” you know my ears perk up. I think we’ve exchanged ideas about how the discipline of “the rules” of an art, which one might think constrains and limits the creative person, actually has the opposite effect.
I love all your glorious work on this post very much, especially sad “Scarlet.” And the narration is just right.
Best wishes,
Good morning David, thank you so much for your comments. The key when painting nudes is to capture the ‘gesture’ of the model, and for me movement and energy, and that can only be achieved (by me anyway) if I work very quickly. With regards to ‘self-discipline equalling freedom’ – I can never emphasise that enough. As you have written, and I have observed, there are many very gifted and creative individuals who lack one thing, and that is self-discipline. Without it, I believe a creative is somewhat crippled. I hope your new year has begun well and that your days are filled with writing. Janet:)
Beautiful work! Especially the nude paintings!
Thank you so much – Janet:)
Welcome!
Just LOVED the nudes….and your lovely kind words about me.xxxx
Good morning Dina….thank you so much – I can’t wait to have another fun time together….here, there or wherever:)xxx
these are so so so beautiful! i love short poses too. i love doing those quick sketches that capture passion more than detail. you did an excellent job of it!
Good morning and thank you for this lovely comment. It is much appreciated. Janet:)
do you sell your art? do you have a store set up. i would look around for it, but i get distracted, so i just thought i would ask 🙂
These days my originals are either commissioned or sell from my studio . I am in between formal galleries. I do have a commercial site on Zazzle for my hummingbird/decorative art work at http://www.zazzle.com/janet+weight+reed+gifts – (however I don’t think this is what you are looking for. .I will be updating my website during this coming year….http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk Thank you so much for enquiring….I really appreciate. Janet
Absolutely beautiful, Janet. So full of energy and life. Amazing what you can do in such little time. You definitely capture the model’s personality. To many more inspiring meetings of hearts.
Thank you so much Olga, for this lovely comment…wishing you a day filled with warmth and creativity…janet. x
These are full of energy and life Janet, just like your hummingbirds.
Good morning Andrea – Thank you so much for this lovely comment. I do hope this Monday finds you well. Janet. 🙂
Sent from my iPad
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Beautiful drawings and colours. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate. Janet 🙂
Love your watercolors, a very refreshing palette with a light and simplified energetic touch! -and I’m not a very big fan of watercolor paintings 🙂
Good morning, thank you for this very lovely comment…much appreciated….janet. 🙂
wonderful effect
Thank you 🙂
Was a privilege to sit for you. Was an inspiring class.
Hi David…how lovely to hear from you…Just returned from Portugal and getting ready for a new series of workshops in London starting tomorrow. I do hope that our paths cross again sometime. Janet 🙂