DON'T RELY ON THE MODEL
A mixed media drawing from my Large Sketchbook Project, 30”x 22”, ink, acrylic and charcoal on paper
“An artist in order to function fully must be both vulnerable and resilient.” ~Julia Cameron, The Artists Way
Don’t Rely on The Model
You do not want to rely on the model or the pose to create your picture for you.
Obviously, a great model and a beautiful pose can help a great deal. However, it is not necessarily the pose, but rather what you do with it, that creates interesting drawings and paintings.
This could involve distortion, exaggeration, cropping, composition, color, style, technique, mood, and of course, how you interpret and depict the pose.
When the model is no longer in the pose, all we have left is your painting. And it has to stand on its own without the help of the model.
The Artist’s Hand
I love to look at drawings and paintings which showcase the artist’s hand and her energy.
I love seeing evidence of the artist standing in front of the painting and creating it.
I love feeling the energy of the artist reflected in the picture.
It could be the brush strokes or pencil marks, the drips, or even the artists own fingerprints, among other things. Being able to see remnants of the process can enhance the expressiveness of any figure drawing or painting.
Best,
David
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HOW TO DECIDE...?
Here's the guide you need to help you answer the age-old question: When is a piece finished?