Sunday, January 24, 2010

I Give You...David's Right Eye



This past week we have been working on our charcoal still life but it is going to be a longer session. We will be working on it at least one more school day and will be using more than 5 tones. So, until that is finished, I have a construction drawing to show. As I mentioned last week, we are moving into more organic forms, such as the human face. This is a cast drawing. The cast is a replica of Michelangelo's David. Specifically, David's right eye. This is yet another new way of thinking for us students. In the construction drawing, we are looking for the planes in an organic form. I can understand it intellectually, but finding and drawing them is twisting my mind. As usual when confronted with a perplexing task, I trust that it will become clear in time.  This particular drawing has a few of the lines around the brow area drawn by the instructor. Sometimes seeing is believing, or at least understanding. I am looking forward to that wonderful "Ah Ha!" moment when it all makes sense. It is always magical when that happens.
On the home front, we spent our first night in the rental house last night. Everything is in bins and finding things is a bit challenging in spite of inventory lists. The house has been badly treated in the past and there is a lot more damage than was apparent when we looked at it. Cleaning-wise too. So, we have been busy cleaning and slowly unpacking. It will be a week or two but I will have my own room to draw, paint, and weave in!
I should have a new charcoal study to show next weekend. Off to do a bit more unpacking! -Renee

4 comments:

Life Looms Large said...

It's amazing watching you learn to draw. I never realized how technical it is.

Glad you're in the new house!!! I'm sure it seems amazingly spacious. Hope the settling in process goes smoothly!

Sue

R. Delight said...

Hi Sue, the house will seem a lot more spacious when we get rid of more of our stuff! That said, it is nice that two of us can fit in the kitchen at the same time and we are 3 blocks from the dog park.
It seems that most people believe that drawing is a talent rather than a skill. In fact drawing is a teachable skill like writing is. Unfortunately in the U.S. (and I suspect North America in general) these skills are hardly taught, if at all. Ironically, studies show that learning to draw actually can help in learning math, science, and languages.
I will say this as well, drawing (and painting) is very hard work. It requires intense concentration and a lot of repetition. Not glamorous at all! Since it is a skill, sometimes success comes slowly and skills take years to build. Not something our culture is always comfortable with! Anyone with passion and discipline can learn to draw well. I encourage one and all! -Renee

dana said...

Way to go Renee! You are really putting in the time and effort and it shows. Also, congratulations on your move. I hope your comfort will steadily increase.

R. Delight said...

Thanks Dana! Good to hear from you.

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