Unfortunately I’ve no time for anything more than a quick update today, but I’d rather get at least somethingup this week than nothing. Actually, that’s been pretty much the story of my first week trying keep my practicegoing around my new job – a quick bit of drawing here and there, not much but better than nothing.
In the comments for last week’s post, Maggie gave me the excellent idea ofkeeping a log of how much drawing I’ve actually done this week. So I can’t lie to myself. So I know I didn’t domuch. My vague goal at the start of the week was to do twenty hours – I did six. But before I get my hair shirt outand start flagellating myself, I’m reminding myself that it’s only the first week and I’ve got a lot ofadjusting to do. I’m pretty pleased that I managed to get anything done at all to be honest. The first week has beentiring.
The most positive thing is that I managed the early starts ok, in that I at least got out of bed and did somedrawing before work. I missed Thursday morning because I was just too tired. Drawing on the train has turned outto be fine most of the time, as long as I’m not jammed in like a sardine with the other commuters. I’ve managedabout 45 minutes a day of train drawing, not too bad. This weekend has been a complete wash-out however,from a drawing and painting point of view. Still, at least there’s lots of room for improvement!
This week I worked on a couple more Sargent head copies, easing myself in gently. The first isn’t quite finished,and the second is just started. With these drawings, I usually get them as far as I can on the train and thenfinish them at home later, when I can concentrate more easily on the shapes and the small details. Tomorrowmorning I’ll be doing a little more on the second one, finishing the first one and probably starting another about the middle of the week.
What I’d really like to do is a step by step post on one of these drawings, they’re like mini-Bargue copies butwith less emphasis on accuracy. Maybe I’ll find some time to do it next weekend. For now I’ve got to get myself off tobed ready for another early start. Hopefully this coming week will be more productive.
Before I sign off I just want to say a big thank-you to everyone who commented on last week’s post, you’ve given memore encouragement than you know. There’s been a few moments last week when I’ve wondered if I’ll be able to keep it going,but the thought of all the positive comments from last week has helped me to rouse myself and get started. After all,you’ll all know if I start slacking! Till next weekend…
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Gold star, Paul, for your first week! Very, very well done! Great drawings too, as usual.
A change in routine is almost always very tiring for the first couple of weeks – especially if you’re starting a new job and learning lots of new things everyday (even if it’s only “the way we do things around here”).
Once you’re through the first
month I bet you’ll find that you’ve have adjusted to the new routine.
Man, Paul, it’s hard to believe that these were done on the train! Do trains in England run over air or rails!
Bravo! By the way, how big are these – can’t imagine they are bigger than perhaps a tabloid newspaper. Do the other passengers look on as you work?
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated!
Thanks Julie 🙂
Thanks Katherine, I’m sure you’re right. The new job is fine, the people I work with are very nice and that’s the main thing. So I’m optimistic that I’ll be doing better by April.
Marsha, these drawings are very small, about three inches high. Even when I get a seat we’re all quite jammed in so there’s not much elbow room, I have to work small really. The prints I’m working from are much smaller than the originals too. Working this small means I can do a rough version of sight size on them.
As for the trains, you get used to it suprprisingly. I brace my hand against the paper when they start rocking about. And you have to remember to stop drawing when the train is stopping or pulling away, or it’s out with the rubber. And I don’t do the eyes on the way into Motspur park since it’s like being on a fair ground ride at that part of the journey!
As for people watching, they probably do but I’m pretty much absorbed in the drawing so I don’t really notice. Last Tuesday morning there was a little kid sat beside me gawping at my drawing very obviously. Just before he got off, he asked me in a wondering voice “Are you an artist?” I said “Sometimes…”
That’s something you get used to too though. I broke my stage fright years ago when I was a street artist 🙂
The Sargent copies look excellent. I feel I know these people I’ve copied so many times. I learned a huge amount by doing it in planes, as you suggested in your blog. The planes became so much clearer to me. I’m going to try modeling the head as you did. Just have to buy the clay. How big is yours?
A new job is a tremendous adjustment, you’re doing great to get in any drawing at all. Judy
Beautiful work, Paul. Your tenacity, despite the recent shift in circumstances – is inspirational. This kind of unwavering devotion undoubtedly proves that you are a true artist. Keep on keepin’ on.
Maryam
They are lovely sketches – you must have great powers of concentration! I will be back to work next week so I have stolen your idea and bought a book of \’Old Master\’ drawings to copy on the train. Actually it\’s not completely stolen as I did used to copy from this book on my way to work a long time ago: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-Figure-Drawing-Robert-Beverly/dp/0823030148/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236597779&sr=8-1
I really recommend having a look at this book if you want to work on your figure and portrait drawing.
Rosemary
Sorry – I thought that would show as a link – the book is Master Class in Figure Drawing by Robert Beverly Hale.
Dear Paul.
You should be more than proud of yourself. You are doing a great job changing you life from full-time painter to part-time painter. The very best luck. Kind regards. Carsten
Paul, those are beautiful drawings, especially since done on a train!
Don’t feel bad about the number of hours you’re working in the beginning. You’ll adjust.
Maggie
Paul, those are really beautiful. You are redeeming the time wisely. I agree with all that has been said, as you adjust you will have more energy and get your schedule worked out.
Betsy
Hi paul,
How come you’re such a hit with girls! 🙂
I think the drawrings are alright, you’ve obviously got a good eye ……. how about engaging the emotions and the imagination!
I remember a lecturer at art school having a go at the bloke about his life drawing of female Model, it was accurate but insipid …….. “What the f*@k have you got between your legs boy!”
Have you tried drawing with your penis my friend! 🙂
I have always thought a lot of your work and it doesn’t lack anything. You have a great deal to offer artistically. Your rigorous approach to the subject is commendable.
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Today went pretty well, the trains weren’t packed and I got plenty of drawing done.
Judy, I know what you mean. When I used to draw a lot in my local cafe I used to pass people I’d drawn in the street sometimes and always felt like saying hello to Them!
Rosemary, thanks for the recommendation. Actually, I think I’ve got that book somewhere. I’ll see if I can dig it out. Sorry links don’t show up kust by putting them in the comments, one of these days I’ll get round to coding it so they do.
Stephen, I like to keep things polite around here. I value your input, but please bear in mind that some people might not want to read comments like that.
As for emotions and imagination, these are copies, exercises, nothing more. I’m not trying to make great art with these drawings, I’m just practicing and keeping my hand in. Sorry I haven’t replied to your last comment on the other post yet, it was an interesting comment that needs some consideration. I’ll try to get it before the weekend if I can.
I’m glad you haven’t hung up the pencils, Paul. Sorry to hear about Real Life crashing into your artistic goals, but you seem to be fighting on gallantly! Keep it up!
Those Sargents are especially good for being drawn while bumping about on a train. Hey, did you ever finish Bargue plate #5, the first foot? It has me by the tail right now. 🙂
Hi Steve, great to hear from you.
>I’m glad you haven’t hung up the pencils, Paul.
Never! Not if I can help it!
>fighting on gallantly
What else can we do? No one ever said it was going to be easy 🙂
>Bargue plate #5
Yes, I finished it a while ago now, I learned a lot from it. It’s the first one that really stretches your ability with fine gradations of tone I think. I keep forgetting to update the posts on that plate though, I’ll try and do it this weekend.
Hi Paul, Thanks for the update.I’ve gotten a few more friends reading your studies. They really appreciate them.As to your popularity with females,it’s probably your insight into painting and your complete respect to anyone trying to reach the same goal as you.You treat everyone as though you know them and are never rude or dismissive to anyone. Have a Blessed day!
Thanks Helen. It costs nothing to treat people with respect. Unfortunately some people seem to think an Internet connection is an excuse for rudeness. I don’t agree.
I’m all for discussion and fine with disagreement but I have zero time for trolls and people who bring nothing to the discussion but their egos.
check out a place called charles cecil studios, if you are interested in drawing well from nature this might be perfect for you. It’s in Florence too!
P.S. Obviously that might be really hard considering but his students have opened art classes all over the world, it really is worth looking at. I cant recommend it enough. Good Luck, you have a natural gift!