Painting a live model

20 minute warm up

Oil on board 12" x 12"

The painting above was done with a live model in my weekly class with Ingrid Christensen We were given 20 minutes to do a quick "warm up" painting of a live model before she put her dress on. We had our easels in a circle around her so each artist had a different view. I was quite relieved that mine was of her back while she straddled the stool. I found the view of only one arm and both hands distracting mentally but painted what I saw rather than what my brain wanted me to do (fill in the other arm!). I was happy with this result. We worked on our painting from the model in the same position as last week (see previous post). 

Ingrid had done a quick portrait at the beginning of the class, then the model went back to last weeks pose. Once I had finished the full pose, I still had time left so with the front side view I thought I would quickly tackle her portrait, pushing the colours and painting quickly. It is not a flattering portrait but I am happy with how far I got with the time that I had. It is at least recognizable as a female person :)

"20 Minute Warm Up" with a live model

Ingrid Christensen did a demo in the beginning of our weekly class and them we all did a 20 minute warm up exercise with a live model. Mine above is an 8" x 10" oil on board. I loved the idea of the time limit as I could not get caught up in the details. I also loved my vantage point (no real facial features) as we had our easels all around her in a circle so everyone had a different view.

We then worked on a longer pose for the rest of the class and the next class as well until we were done, considered it finished or tired of it. I found it very difficult with all the facial features bogging me down and not turning out the way I wanted. As I do NOT consider myself a figure painter, I am happy with the result in this 16" x 12" painting.

Still Life class #5 - Brass and Fur

This class was focusing on brush strokes - to make the smooth look of brass and feathery look of fur. I was not enamoured with this set up and had no idea where to start. Ingrid once again did a demo in the beginning of class and then continued around the class offering her expertise and suggestions. She also leaves her demo open for anyone to try what they need on it or to explain something. It is so much easier to learn with a "hands on" approach when you are a visual learner like myself. She wipes it all off at the end of the class.

This is a picture of the still life from my easel and my work in progress. It was a really good challenge and learning experience.

This is the final picture 12"x16"

oil on board

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Ingrid Christensen's Still Life Course

I started a "Still Life and Figure" course taught by Ingrid last week. I am working in oil and she paints in a very loose, impressionistic and exciting way. It is a very different way for me to work.Ingrid sets up 2 still life displays and half the class paints each one. Deb from my Creative Path Artist group is also taking this course,  making it even more fun to share with our different styles.

 I am not particularily interested in either subject matter, more in the "how" than the "what". I am hoping to work on the paintings I do in the beginning of the course and finish them at the end of the course. That way I don't have to be unhappy with my work as I consider them unfinished pieces. 

This is my first effort:

First still life 16x12 Oil on birch board

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