another 100 Day Project...

"German Shepherd"

10.5" x 14"

charcoal on paper

Sometimes when I'm working on a commission, the client will give me a ton of great reference photos...  This is from one of many gorgeous photos of Klaus, the German Shepherd.  He is perfect for charcoal, with his dramatic black muzzle.  Funny how different breeds look best in different mediums, like my Golden Retriever, Clover, always looks good in watercolor, yellow ochre particularly... 

Anyway, I've started another 100 Day Project, 100 charcoal dog drawings. As much as I love watercolor, my quick morning sketches were getting too time consuming and involved, cutting into commisssion-painting time.  I love starting my mornings with a quick sketch to energize me and get the creative ball rolling.  Also, committing to a 100 days makes me work everyday, even if its just a 15 minute sketch.

The above sketch is one from this series, as well as the following...

"Biggie

10.5" x 14"

charcoal on paper

"Leashed"

10.5" x 14"

charcoal on paper

"Zoe"

10.5" x 14"

charcoal on paper

long time no see

20 minute pose
18" x 24"
vine charcoal on toned paper

Over the summer I did some figure drawing.  It was a nice change of pace from working from photos or still lifes. I enjoyed the shorter poses, even feeling 20 minute drawings were too long.  Given the opportunity to have the model stay in the same pose, most times I decided to start anew.  Call it impatience or lack of stamina, but I think I was just trying to capture a freshness and not overwork things.  Also I think there is something to be said for starting slowly and getting everything in the right place before you polish thing up. 

snow day snow boots

It's become a series of shoes now.  I'd like to redo this one now that I see it with a fresh eye.

chugging along

Another shoe today and I am in the zone.  Like I said, drawing is where I am most at ease.  That said I know I need/should challenge myself with learning color and painting but every once and a while it feels good to do what you know.  And this is what this is all about after all, me getting back into doing what I love.

changing gears

Today I decided to change gears for a bit.  Drawing has always come easier to me than painting, and when I'm feeling frustrated with a painting it helps to get back to drawing.  I found this little boot in the basement with all my still life objects.  Then I found a drawing that I did of it (six years ago...) in my sketchbook.  I love doing charcoal on toned paper heightened with white and this little boot was just the perfect subject for such an approach.  It is size 3T in tan faux suede and it belonged to Maggie at around 3 years old.  Just as meaningful to me as her portrait, but I can be a little more objective.