Tuesdays with Andrew

Today was my last Tuesday session at school since Tuesdays were make-up for the sessions I had missed. That means I've taken Andrew as far as I can with the time available. I'm pleased with my progress.

Today I remembered that class starts at noon, however, I forgot my pencils! I had to borrow a pencil from a classmate. It was brand new when she handed it to me just before 12 p.m. At 2:45 p.m. I had used up the entire pencil. I borrowed another pencil from Jeannette in order to finish up the class. Felt like I was in the eighth grade again!

Show and Tell

It may look amateurish and crude, but I'm quite proud of the drawing I accomplished in 4 - twenty minute sessions this afternoon. The mini drawing in the top left corner is the 'thumbnail.' The peculiar shape on her left is her cast shadow. Most of the model's face and body were in shadow in this pose.

This was a difficult pose for the model, I think. Several times she became quite unsteady on her feet and seemed almost to faint.

Their work is difficult.

Today's Progress - Andrew

Meet Andrew....

Andrew sits every Tuesday from NOON to 3:00 p.m. I have only one more 3 hour session with Andrew, next Tuesday. Here's how he looks so far....

I Believe Models Should....

....not be allowed to settle into their own pose. Our model tonight was a little too immodest. I believe his poses sometimes border on obscene.

....wear a robe when not modelling. Tonight our model wore a soiled and thread-bare bath towel.

....change in the privacy of the washroom, put on their robe, then come into the studio. There is nothing worse than seeing the model standing on one foot to put on his underwear after the session ends. Although, I am relieved that he wears underwear.

....should be discreet. We are not looking for exhibitionists; there are enough of those on the streets.

I think someone needs to write a code of conduct for professional nude models for art instruction. They could call it "Model Behaviour."

Late for School Today

I forgot today that life drawing class starts at NOON on Tuesdays instead of 1 p.m., like it does on Wednesdays. I showed up today at 12:50 so excited about taking my spot in front of the live model only to find that I was locked out of class until the model's next break.

The good news is that I wasn't the only one to forget; when I showed up, two other students (a 20-something girl and a 50+ man) were also waiting.

I missed more than an hour of a three hour session with the model. I'm so lucky that Fernando didn't ask for a late slip!

I've Graduated to Grade 3!

Today I finished my second Bargue drawing.

At the Academy of Realist Art, where I am studying, one must complete four copies of the works of Charles Bargue (1825-1883) in graphite before "graduating" to the next level. Each copy gets progressively more difficult.

The work is entitled "Tete d'Enfant." I need only to have my drawing given final approval by the school's master before I can sign it, photograph it and post it to my gallery.

My next work is to copy Bargue's "Jeune Femme." It is my (hyper-ambitious) goal to complete my third Bargue by the new year.