Figure drawing sketch book warm ups

In preparation for tomorrow evenings Wild and Free figure drawing session, I spent the last week drawing in my new sketch book for 30 minutes each day. Each session begins with a number of 1 minute gesture warm ups, then a few 2 minute poses followed by some 5 minute poses. I admit I am rusty but I am finding the practice exhilarating. I look forward to it every evening instead of Netflix or chores or whatever else distracts me from spending time drawing. You can probably relate?!

I took pics with my iPad so they are not great but they serve this purpose. The first one on the left was actually done in about 7 min with the model we had during my drawing class at ACAD. When I got home I added a paint touch up with fluid acrylic made by Golden in my favourite colour fluorescent pink.

I tried to stay away from my comfort zone which is mechanical pencil and instead, use a variety of ink medias so that I would have to work fast and I couldn't erase my mistakes. Its the quickest way to see where you go wrong. Later, I added some highlighter and drew a bird from a recent issue of National Geographic. I also filled in the background with a free sample from Golden in a Manganese blue hue, I didn't like the consistency and it was too transparent to get an even tone with one light coat.

In these sessions, I used thinned india ink and a brush as well as some graphite. Some interesting alignments happen when shapes of the body overlap during quick sketching.

I tried some pens I found in random places while tidying up the studio. Many did not work so they wound up in the trash. I have so many random art supplies, it is ridiculous. Sometimes it sucks when you start drawing with a pen only to find out it bleeds through the paper. That's the reason I haven't used my Copic markers in this new sketchbook, they go right thru to the next sheet.

I tried to use the whole page for two sessions and leave a fresh one for tomorrow which turned a bit chaotic. I like where these are going and I will try more materials and mark making techniques to get out of my comfort zone.

What is art for?

It may seem quiet on my blog as of late, maybe I haven't been artistic lately. Has he given up his artistic practice. I respond with a resounding and gloriously confident NO!

There are so many considerations when it comes to living a life of creativity.
But there is no chance I will wane from my path.

In fact, rather than stay docile while on a few weeks of cleanse and healthy living, I have been able to better reflect on my life and drives.  I have been regularly teaching my classes to groups of inspired learners. I'm loving my classes, unfortunately in the next few weeks they all come to an end before the winter holidays.  In addition, I have been organizing loads of supplies and building a new studio space since I have gone nearly a year without a suitable temple of creation.  So as all to this transpires I have maintained a low profile on social media and the internet. I'm gathering my troops in order to strengthen my resolve once more.

I came across this post today to share a little food for thought so that you too can consider the purpose of your creativity.

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/video/2014/sep/10/what-is-art-for-alain-de-botton-guide-video