The Figure Sketch

As I dig deep again into painting, I'm experimenting a LOT. This is a bit I shared on Facebook recently about a little figure sketch I did.​  

November 29, 2018
I took this reference photo out the car window, I mean, what a beautiful image right? Figures aren't part of my repertoire generally but I could be ready to go there...So I have been playing/painting on some oil paper taped to large cardboard on my studio easel. (Why? To get it up to eye level.)

The oil paper---somehow I have a bit of it and I kinda like painting on it actually. The stuff I have is smoother than canvas or linen and it's kinda fun how paint goes on it. It's relatively inexpensive, and you can cut it with scissors and that's fascinating to me and I recommend trying some out btw. Ha!!
I sketched her out loosely, making sure to mind my distance from the surface (thanks to my obstacle stool). I made a few color notes just because I can do what I want then decided to study her outline via the background. Loosely put that in then began to look at the darkest areas...

Again, first and quickly dark notes, about 6 good strokes for definition. Then I found the mid shadow tones and replicated those shapes as I saw them. I let the lightest areas fill in en mass so not to lose the whole, working around, and with, the area I just completed in the mid tones.
A few (FEW) highlights and a glance at the clock. 15 minutes, too many brush strokes but less than 40? More time spent figuring out shape and value...

I've selected a figure sketching class to take at the Art Students League of Denver​ in the spring. I'm a little scared, a little anxious but can.not.wait!!
Brushes Up! 
​Cathleen

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