Les, the Cowboy
 

This is from open studio at Scottsdale Artists School, 2 hours actual drawing time (3 hour session with six 10 min. breaks). I draw pretty slowly & methodically, so the alloted time wasn't quite enough to put in the full range of values or do any blending. But here it is...

20" x 16"
Vine charcoal with white Conte highlights
Strathmore charcoal paper

Nice drawing, Richard, and I can definitely relate to the "slow-worker" syndrome. During life sessions, I KNOW I'm working too slow, because it seems to me that the confident gestural lines that nail the essential likeness/spirit of the subject should at least appear bold, quick and decisive. That's what we're all working towards, anyway. You Scottsdale people are very fortunate; it seems you have all the infrastructure in place for artistic growth.

Thanks, Mari. Yes , maybe one of these days I'll complete a portrait in one sitting. In addition to my workmanlike method of drawing, it seems a great deal of time is spent fighting for best easel position with other artists. Ah, the joys of open studio...

I think it is a nice job Richard. As Lon says every line should be deliberate!

I hope you didn't have to parachute in to get an easel! :cool:

Hi Beth,

Thanks. ;) No, I didn't have to resort to any sky-diving tactics. But that's a good idea; I'll keep it in mind for the next session. Maybe I can sew together a 'chute out of old canvases.....

Hello Richard,

Nice to "meet" you on line. I hope to see you at Open Studio one of these days. I know what you mean about all the jockeying for position. It can get to be a real slugfest. I am one of the ones who always pleads, pathetically and usually unsuccessfully, "no cowboy hat this time."

Hi Linda,

I actually did meet you last year (in real life!), at one of our Az Pastel Artists meetings. You did a sight-size demo for our group. I was sitting incognito towards the back.

Maybe at our next open studio we can petition for Les to leave his hat in the next room. Those who oppose can set up in there and work on "Portrait of a Cowboy Hat".