The Storyteller
 

Hi -

I've been privileged to attend a local school's figure class open studio this past month. Usually it's been a nude model, so I haven't posted. But today - what fun! - we had a fill-in. A gentleman of about 80 years sat in a wing-back chair and just told stories. If any of you are familiar with Southern US tradition, there's a strong tradition of story-telling, and this man was a master. He sat and talked and talked, of local history, of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, of local families and the Depression ...on and on. His hands danced as he talked. It was spell-binding.

Anyway, I had forgotten my charcoal, so I settled for the ballpoint pen in my purse. Our drawing times were approximately 30-40 minutes each. First I was too tight but got a good likeness.. The drawing I'm sharing was the second of about three or four total. I didn't worry about the likeness so much as the mood he was creating. It was like a breath of fresh air, and great fun.

Julie,

This is just marvelous! It's fresh and lively, and has lots of movement.

Get one of those little lipstick cases that snap open along the side - and they usually come with a little mirror inside( you can check your drawing in the mirror!) ,or just an empty lipstick tube, and you can keep vine charcoal with you at all times. Then if you decide to sketch in pen , at least you will have the choice :)

It sounds like fun Julie, and your drawing shows your joy. Do more of these, they become you well!

Jean

Julie!
I really like this drawing. It's beautiful and really reflects your experience. The pen frightens me, but I see that you decided to have fun, and the drawing reflects that, with it's freshness and movement.

Isn't life drawing the ultimate rush?! Some really beautiful lines emerge in gesture when drawing by instinct.

Do more of these, you are very good.

Quick versus long drawings
 

Thanks for your kind comments. I'll look for something like a lipstick holder to hold the charcoal and keep it in the car. About using pen - I have to adopt a "hang it all - full steam ahead" attitude and let the lines fall where they may. But I find like a lot of folks, that the freshness leaves when it comes to longer drawings. I love these quick studies, but am not sure how to translate that to longer studies and paintings.