sizing people up

One of the things I've learned from life drawing is that the model's beauty is only partly expressed by their physicality. I can recall having a model who was large, and while not externally unpleasant, clearly had personal issues - and these showed in her body language. It was evident that she loathed herself.

In the case of this model, she was clearly more than content with herself, and drawing her was good fun. Ink and aquarelle on paper

starting art

It's been a long time since I did any life drawing. I'd forgotten how hard it is - and how rewarding. Ink and aquarelle on paper.

A few two-minute warm-up sketches. Ink on paper.

It doesn't take long for you to remember how the lines should go, could go, and it would be so good if they did go... where you want them to go. Ink on paper.

In the end you end up learning as much about yourself as you do about the model. Drawing as meditation, as reflective practice. Aquarelle on paper.