Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Discovered a new art group!

costume
portraitclass

I’ve lived in this area for nearly twenty years and I’ve only just discovered the St Albans Art Society who organise very reasonably priced life drawing sessions over the winter months. I’m so thrilled to find somewhere that’s so easy and convenient to get to. My last search had only led me to much more expensive and inconvenient classes that provided tuition, when really I only wanted access to a model and to go my own sweet way without being directed. So next time you want to find a life class, try Googling ‘(your area) art group’ rather than ‘life drawing class’. The model was very good – great, interesting face and she kept her position and returned to it perfectly. I was so pleased that my friend Jenny joined me (after a gap of twenty or so years), though looking at her beautiful drawings, you'd think she’d been coming to these classes for years and years.

12 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

So this class did not cost you £200! I will be interested to see your 20 year old friends pictures. What is the address of their blog? It will be fun to be able to compare their interpretations to yours.

1/11/2007 2:35 PM  
Blogger Julie Oakley said...

Jenny may have started drawing again, but she hasn't started blogging. And no I'm not going to scan anyone else's drawings, takes long enough to do my own!

1/11/2007 10:42 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

Congrats on finding a great life class! Wonderful drawings!

1/12/2007 1:05 AM  
Blogger Peceli and Wendy's Blog said...

I especially like the second one on the coloured ground.
We have a problem! Peceli has got the painting bug and has already produced three acrylic paintings and hung them up on the wall, but we both have a problem painting fine lines. We noticed a picture of boats yesterday while waiting in line at Smorgies and just wondered how the artist got straight fine lines with a brush.
Any suggestions? A stencil? Cheat and use a pen? I know I use a stencil sometimes to get a very straight edge.
W.

1/12/2007 3:49 AM  
Blogger Cin said...

yay for you! I've had a tough time too finding a group but finally have although the attendance is poor so it may not last :(
I'm looking forward then to a series of these from you, a wonderful start!

1/12/2007 2:23 PM  
Blogger Julie Oakley said...

Sorry Glynn.
Thanks Linda.
Wendy one way is first make sure you have a very good quality brush that will spring back to a fine point - ideally sable and then if the line really is straight (as opposed to slightly arcing) you can use a ruler. Hold it at a 45 degree angle in your left hand with the left long edge touching the paper. Then with your brush filled with ink or paint, rest the ferrule against the raised right long edge and draw a long, thin straight line. There is a knack to this so practice on spare paper. I had a technical illustration tutor at college who practiced this exercise every day of his life. If being perfectly straight is not essential I think just practicing freehand with a very good sable rigger (so-called because it was designed for painting rigging) brush.
Cin it is difficult finding these classes and nothing is perfect. What a luxury to be able to hire models whenever you want to and be able to decide the poses yourself!

1/12/2007 3:00 PM  
Blogger Peceli and Wendy's Blog said...

Thanks for the tips about painting fine lines.
Peceli just unearthed an old oil painting I did of a surreal kind of figure made up of collage type sections - and painted in intricate detail. (about 2 foot by 3 and a half foot) I don't have such patience these days.
W.

1/12/2007 10:08 PM  
Blogger Jana Bouc said...

Yummy drawings. Is the first one markers? The pastel is gorgeous and the model looks so dignified and elegant. Congrats on finding the group.I was so happy when I found the one here.

1/15/2007 8:09 AM  
Blogger Terry Banderas said...

Julie-

Simple and nice.

1/15/2007 2:49 PM  
Blogger mereth said...

Lucky you to find a life class so close. I'd have to travel 150 miles to go to one, but I almost think it would be worth it. If I could pluck up the courage to draw in public like you....

1/16/2007 11:36 AM  
Blogger Margaret McCarthy Hunt said...

Some great people sketches...but I think i love these the best...the colors are wonderful

1/17/2007 4:01 AM  
Blogger Making A Mark said...

Julie - well done on finding an art group! I'll be looking forward to seeing your drawings each week from now on!

1/20/2007 9:50 AM  

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