1. Figure Study using Line (A1) – seated model in an upright chair
Final piece number 1 above. Size A1 Charcoal on yellow paper
I struggled to get this piece right and had several attempts at it. All the proportions had to be right to make the image work. Above was probably my best attempt overall, but the head is too big. I enjoyed making the expressive marks but proportion was so important that it encroached on the immediacy of the image. I don’t think the image works well.
I enjoyed researching the foreshortened images in this part of the course and felt inspired to try this as a technique myself. The foreshortened effect makes images interesting and dynamic. From my attempt here I have learnt that it is not an easy skill to master. One proportion knocks on to another.
I like the black charcoal effect on the yellow background – though it doesn’t photograph particularly well. I had tried the yellow paper with the ‘movement’ part of the course and I had liked it. It gave a punchy image.
I used photographs as the Corona virus situation means I’m in lockdown with just my husband for company. He has to be my model. I did get him to sit for me for other drawings I’ve done, but he didn’t enjoy it and wasn’t keen to strike a pose. Hence, I had to use photos of him posing. I wanted an interesting image, so thought being on the ground looking up would be a good one. I really liked the foreshortened images of Lucian Freud’s portraits and wanted to experiment.
I sketched out the shapes and look of the image in my sketch book (left image above) using fine line. I then sketched out a first attempt and started to use expressive lines to show folds in the clothing
Above are another two attempts. The one on the right is the best images, but was spoiled by the shoe. With the paper I used I couldn’t erase the outline so I abandoned this version.
Id like to repeat this part of Assignment Four again, with a different image and see if I can get a better result. I do find once I’ve had one go at an image I loose the excitement.
2. Figure Study using Tone (A1) -reclining model
This was probably the most successful image of the three from Assignment Four. Again, I wanted to try a foreshortened image. I had enjoyed watching the video of Anita Taylor, that my tutor had suggested. Her use of charcoal and an eraser to bring the tones up was quite inspiring. My tutor had also suggested trying using an eraser to pick our lighter tones. I found this quite a successful technique and used this in the image above.
Above is the photo I based the image on. Also, above are tests I did in my sketchbook in felt pen, picking out the shapes of the composition and where the shadow were.
I like the tones and proportions in the image . The foreshortening of the bed doesn’t quite work.
A Portrait or Self Portrait Combining Line and Tone (any size)
Above, The final piece. 59cm x 42cm charcoal and pastel
The original photo. Taken in a Victorian seaside hotel in Hastings. I really like the blue walls framing Russell’s face, white jacket and dark blue, patterned scarf.
Above are two tests in my sketch book Testing materials and researching the light and shade.
I sketched out the image lightly in charcoal and then started laying down tone and expressive lines. I pulled out white lines shaping the face with an eraser.
The image was reasonably successful, I thought. I liked the tones in the face and the subtle tones in the jacket. I wasn’t sure if I should put in the blue background, but I liked it so much in the photo that I decided to do it. I thought it was ok – maybe it detracted from the face though?
What didn’t work? Well, the angle of the face isn’t right, he should be looking up more. I should have checked the angle more carefully when I lightly sketched the outline. The lips are pursed and don’t look as they should. This is an example of how a small detail in the face can make an image unbelievable. The forehead could have done with a little more tonal work.
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