Working from sketches as opposed to photos.

[Sharon Knettell]

Originally Posted by Mari DeRuntz

Sometimes when you work from life the "concept" in your mind does not work on the paper and many, many drawings die as you're working out your subject.

And then some sketches catch it--that divine connection between your mind, your subject, your maker--and the painting has the potential to be immortal.

That is so true. I am glad you brought it up. I have dozens and dozens of sketches that just did not ring quite true and are in the waste pile. It is difficult get the right balance of design and content.

The painting I did "The Age of Mallory " went through many evolutions, distance from figure, eye levels, details of costume, subtleties of pose before I knew I had what I need in a drawing.

My latest model, is now in school, so she can come only once a week. I took a photo of her. How dead it seems in comparison.

As to working from sketches, not many of us have the training to do it today. I know I don't.

Mari, thanks for posting that Annigoni painting, to remind us just how beautiful and grand portraiture can be. The drawing of the hands is so utterly beautiful.