Sister-in-law

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-16-2003, 12:52 AM

Hi, this is a drawing of my sister-in-law (11x16) which I plan to use to show clients as an alternative to pastels. Sorry, but I forgot the name of the paper, but it is light gray and I use nupastel white for highlights which show up nicely. Thanks.

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-16-2003, 12:53 AM

Here's a close-up.

Valerie Gudorf · 05-16-2003, 09:53 AM

Jimmy this drawing is just wonderful! You are obviously an excellent draftsman. This portrait has a classic look which wears very well over time. Your rendereding shows that your sister- in-law is a very intriguing and beautiful woman. You've not posted a reference photo. Did you draw this lovely piece from life?

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-16-2003, 10:21 AM

Thank you very much for the comments. I wish it were from life, but this took about 15 hours, 10 of those just on the face. I used to be able to get a likeness pretty quick in college, but I have'nt been able to work from life since then. Between my full-time job tattooing (12-9pm) and taking care of my daughter before daycare (7-10am), the only time I work on my own art is 11pm-2am. Once my daughter starts school in September, I hope to find a place offering life drawing on Mondays. Anyhoo, here's the reference.

Linda Brandon · 05-16-2003, 10:41 AM

This is a very beautiful drawing, Jimmie. I think you have a real gift for knowing where to accentuate and where to back off. I'm thinking specifically of the highlights on the left side of her nose bridge (where you've "accentuated") and the reduction of value, massing and detail as her torso fades out toward the bottom of the paper (where you've "backed off"). This drawing has lots of grace and power. Please keep posting your work.

Best regards,
Linda

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-17-2003, 12:10 AM

Linda, thank you. It sometimes seems awkward trying to find a good back off point. Once I think I've reached completion, I picture it in my head going further and move the pencil over the paper as if I were working. If I feel it'll work, I go lightly, then build up until it looks good. I find it's very tempting to continue the white highlights even though I have enough. Deciding the picture is done is just as hard as getting there. Thanks again.

Mari DeRuntz · 05-17-2003, 10:12 PM

Jimmie, if you're close to NYC you'll have amazing opportunities to draw from life. I enjoy looking at your work. Try the Art Students' League. I'm sure classes run round the clock, and something will fit your schedule.

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-18-2003, 12:47 AM

Mari, thanks for the info, but I had tried looking into it already and taking public transportation would take at least about 2 hours each way on Sunday. The Sunday classes are not available during the summer, just 2-day scheduling which is not possible.

There are a couple of places nearby, but their drawing class schedule is still inconvenient. Perhaps when my daughter starts school, I may find the time. I apologize if my excuses sound lame but my family always comes first, so if I have to wait, I'll wait. Of course, what I would love to do is have a class in my basement among my friends. If anyone has tried this, I'd greatly appreciate details on how to get started. Also, if this discussion is better suited elsewhere, please let me know. Thanks.

Chris Saper · 05-21-2003, 07:54 PM

Hi Jimmy,

Lovely drawing!

You can jump right into this thread for discussion about setting up/atttending Open Studios.

Jimmie Arroyo · 05-21-2003, 10:44 PM

Chris,

Thank you for the compliment and info. I will definitely look into it.