VIDEO- Alla Prima Demonstration of the Female Figure from Life

I think she may have enjoyed modeling for us, more than we enjoyed painting her. I don't know if she was thinking about something that was making her smile or if she just has that look.

I posted a step by step demo earlier because I love seeing how other artist create their art. One of my illustrator friends Jeremy McHugh recently posted on his blog, process shots of an illustration he just completed of a wizard in the woods for a recent commission. Go take a look.

To follow up the step by step I recorded myself painting this figure from life. I made a video last week while I painted a self portrait but the last 20 minutes of the video got deleted. Here is a video of a figure I painted from life over a 3 hour period. The video was sped up to 8 minutes. This time the battery died before the last 10 minutes of painting… I sure am learning a lot about this process. Enjoy.

 

Wearing just a smile- Alla Prima from life

 

 

 

Here are some process shots from Jan 16, 2014 life drawing session.  

She really was smiling the entire time. I dont know if she meant to or that is just her relaxed face.

Figure from Life in Oil

Below are process shots of a painting I did on April 4, 2013 from a live model.

  I started by drawing the figure to establish placement on the canvas and to work out proportions. Then I went in and started adding the darkest darks. (20 min)

Added flesh tones and working on the shadows cloth. At this I know I am not going to work on the fabric or legs too much so i try to capture a feeling of them quickly. I added some of he green background around the focal point to tighten up the drawing. (40 min)

 At this stage I've soften some of the transitions from light to dark and added more of the dark cloth to define the models legs. (60 min)

 The model shifted and I had to lower her right breast. It happens. She did a great job. This is not easy for them. (80 min)

As this stage time is running out so I had to start thinking about ending this painting. So I focused on her chest and face. I stepped back to see what I had done. I was not happy with it and when I came back I wiped the face away and the timer went off. (100 min)

The final time so the pressure's on. I started by working on her face. I like the way this painting came out. Of course there is still work to do and room for improvement. That's why I'll be doing this again next week. (120 min) Oil on canvas 10.5in x 16in

I hope you enjoyed this. Let me know your thought or comments. Thanks.

-Tony artist | illustrator | designer

www.luongoart.com

Charcoal Life Drawing Supplies

windsor newton vine charcoal hard
strathmore 500 series charcoal paper
generals kneaded eraser
razor blade (for sharpening)
sandpaper block (for sharpening)

Figure drawing in charcoal

I've been painting every week from the model and will post some of those soon. Here is a charcoal drawing from life. Nov 29, 2013

Luongo Art Life Drawing

CANCELLED
Saturday August 22, 2009
Too short notice. Check back for next session.

9:30 am – 12:30 pm (arrive 15 min. early to get set up)

Drawing or painting outside with a live clothed model. You must bring all of your supplies and easels. (I have no extra equipment sorry) If it rains, we will be inside.

Cost is $10 (or more if you wish) to cover the model’s fee.
To reserve your space please send me an email (tony@luongoart.com)

Luongo Art Life Drawing will be held in Manchester, NH exit 6 off 293. Address and directions will be forwarded to you.

Possible Life Drawing - Outside

I am planning on getting a group of artists and a model and doing some clothed - though maybe form fitting or swimsuit - life drawing outside in my yard (Manchester NH exit 6 off 293) for 3 hours or so.

I am in the early stages of planning but need to judge interest before I do too much more. I think it will be around $10 a person for 3ish hours, and maybe snacks and coffee too. I want a smallish group to have fun but be serious about wanting to get better at drawing the figure from life.

Please email me comments, questions and suggestions.