Trying to get back into art after more than 30 years.

Berkenstock wrote

on 25 May 2012 9:17 PM

test2.jpg

For some crazy reason I have started to want to draw.  I never was much of a drawer but I used to do watercolor and some oil in the 70's.  I have become facinated with the idea of using toned paer for a middle value and then drawing with black & white. am having some trouble but I have not gave up.  Here is a piece I did last night.  I like some things about it and some I don't.  I am open to any coments or constructive critasisum.

Berkenstock wrote

on 25 May 2012 9:36 PM

Sorry I dont know how to resise my picture.

KatPaints wrote

on 28 May 2012 11:13 AM

Congrats for getting back into art. I work as a designer and have put painting aside for a couple of decades so I know the feeling of being a bit rusty. I just keep doing it and when I'm done, I look at my work objectively and acknowledge what went well during the session and what I would like to see myself focusing on during the next session. Since I am not you I cannot comment on your experience of what you feel personally went well for you. I'll let you do this. For your next session, I would suggest focusing on having a good light source so you have definite highlights and shadows. This may require working by a window or using a lamp.  For this piece of art, I would suggest going back to strengthen shadows and highlights.Working with white objects such as eggs, fabric, etc. is a difficult subject matter to work with. The need for subtleties is great.

I took out a book from the library (libraries can ship materials across the country, so if you can't find it in your local library, they can order it from just about anywhere else.) I would suggest getting the book  Lessons in Classical Drawing, by Juliette Aristides. Read through the book and when your finished, watch the accompanying DVD. I knew most everything in the book already, but I picked up a couple of very helpful hints and Aristides is excellent at clarifying her thoughts about the process. I found her to be very articulate and informative. I wish I had a teacher like her when I was 18.

Berkenstock wrote

on 28 May 2012 1:12 PM

swallowtail 5 27.jpg

Thanks for the kind words.  I know I have problems seeing value and that my drawings usualy look heavy but I will work on it.  I will see if I can get that book from the library.  Sometimes they will get them for me and othertimes they say they are not available.  Here is a little drawing I did last night. 5x7 charcoal.

lotus122 wrote

on 8 Jun 2012 10:05 PM

i like this painting it is very artistic peace .. i think  that Kat paints is right about the shadows .

keep going !