Thinking that learning to draw the human figure might help me drawing the soft shapes of Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes, I took lessons at springstudiosoho.com for the last few months. With charcoal on a 24 x36 inch pad, I drew poses that were held from 1 to 20 minutes. For the 20th anniversary of the studio, the drawing below was exhibited. Minerva Durham’s comment on taking the picture was: ‘You have moments’ which made me feel wonderful.
Many of the models are interesting characters, here is another one:
Recently, encouraged by Minerva, I stayed on for the afternoon session during which two models were interacting, a younger woman and an older one. Drawing the various poses of these two women, the younger one being protective of the older one, I felt highly emotional. Earlier that day, as I learned only afterwards, my mother had broken her leg – ESP?
This is today’s last drawing.
You have a feel for the figure and movement — very nice indeed. I always liked drawings sessions that gave context to the figure — two figures make a huge difference in “meaning.” It’s interesting that you connect Bear Dunes with the figure — that works for me. I’ll be fascinated to see what you come up with in the next few months.
Thanks for checking in. I’m going to try to be a better A&P participant soon….
From Jay:
There’s a life in these studies – especially the two models. A personality comes through. Too bad there’s no nude beach at Sleeping Bear. I look forward to seeing your work when you return to your stomping grounds.
June and Jay,
I am glad that you appreciate my efforts to learn to draw the human figure. I wish that, many years ago, I had joined Karl who, as a child, used my ‘Cunningham’s Anatomy’ to draw human bones.
The one at the top (with the filename study1) is really satisfying.
I’ve been trying to make myself focus on achieving a similar effect. It’s got the clean lines and the simplicity of a cartoon or a caricature, but the form of a more realism-based figure study.
I like.
Thanks, Matthew,
The top drawing probably succeeded better because I felt an affinity with the particular model.
I noticed that you commented as well on my landscape picture. My ultimate goal is to combine both landscape and figure. I am still musing on the how.
I love these drawings. They remind me of the simple but beautiful pedestrian movements we practice in dance technique and performance.