Yesterday with Charles Reid was so exciting. Very professional model who assumed exactly the same pose every time she returned to "the pose". Everyone painted like an absolute whiz. We had a critique this morning and he was so complimentary to everyone, found the good spots, downplayed the bad..........we were all "champions of the world" as Roald Dahl said once in a book title.
And then we broke for the night, upbeat one and all.
This morning we had a very interesting live model, Haitian (she had been visiting family and was in Haiti during the earthquake), gorgeous pose, lots of good lighting. Charles draws, talks about the drawing, talks about certain emphases and then begins to paint. It all sounds and looks so simple. (Again, pictures to be posted when I get home to my own computer.) Charles even made a huge painting blob but then proceeded to rectify it. You and I would have torn up our paintings and started over but since he was demonstrating, that isn't allowed.
And then we broke for lunch.
And then we broke down.
The same morning model from this morning, different outfit, and then a second model of color with colorful hair and clothing (neither model would permit a photo even if money was offered..........don't understand that as it would be wonderful to have a reference photo to see what you were actually trying to paint!!) We all tried to draw what we were seeing but we all agreed that today just wasn't our day. My drawing was good, my painting I didn't like at all. I set it aside and quickly drew just the head and shoulders (we're supposed to be drawing full body/gestural poses) and started again to paint. Charles came by and gave me several suggestions as to the first painting and said that sometimes we discard paintings long before we should. So I picked it up and tried to work on it a bit more. Still not satisfied with all the dripping colors!!
Tomorrow, another model, another demonstration, no critique....
I've made arrangements for Charles to come to Pasadena, CA in May 2011. Hope to see some of you there.
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