I went to my first Life Drawing classes aged fourteen with my dad. My brother and sister also attended at various times too. Dad was passionate about art and thought one of his children might catch the bug. However, I was the only one who ended up at art school, where I continued to sketch the figure. It was something I loved doing then, and have continued doing from time to time, ever since.
The above sketch was part of an exhibition of my figure studies completed that year. I hired a model, and worked in a studio above my garage to produce the work. It was great to have a comfy sofa the model could relax in, which resulted in many nice long poses. All the work sold, which was good, but when I realised I wished to keep one (the above image) for myself, on enquiry I found my agent had sold it that very day. Lucky I had taken a photo.
The following two sketches were done in class a few years ago. We were challenged to use media less familiar, and that was good. These poses were approximately 30minutes.
For the past three weeks I’ve attended local life drawing sessions, though I wasn’t that satisfied with my work to begin with. But last Thursday, when the tutor told us we were to focus on the torso, and how light affects shade to create form, I was excited. We were to use pencil only. I’ve said many times how I love pencil, from using a B to a 6B to create volume and tone. I positioned myself at an easel I thought a good distance from the model, and started with lightly mapping the area of the torso I wished to focus on. The pose was approximately 40mins.
I find a B pencil most versatile. When sharpened and applying light marks, it works well for mapping the shape. The heavier lines, and shade can be made with a 2B later. I could have continued with the above sketch, but decided I wanted a loose rather than tight finish. Last class in a few days. I may post a few more sketches of the figure, and then, I plan to get back to the graphic novel project!
ARTISTRY 
These are most beautiful, Vivienne. Such lovely lines, and they feel warm and pulsing with life. No matter what the shape or size, there is no more beautiful subject than the human body.
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Thank you Phil. I agree that the human form is a perfect subject. Drawing a subject which is rounded is a delight.
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I agree, these are absolutely beautiful. The fine lines have a tender delicacy and the shading is so effective.
The model seems truly comfortable in the 1996 work. Her expression and poise is pleasingly natural. I am glad you have retained a photo. All the sketches are lovely though the torso is my favourite. Good luck with the work on the graphic novel project. Seems very exciting.
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Thank you for your lovely comments Yvonne. Interesting that several people like the torso. Rendering tonal graduations is something I love doing. Calming somehow.
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I like your newest pencil drawing. Are models required to be motionless?
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Re your question. Usually, classes start with quick poses often standing showing movement. Then have sitting or more static poses. My next post talks about both. Thanks for the question.
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Beautiful and inspiring in its simplicity. You make it look easy.
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Thank you for the kind words. I enjoy what I do and that is important.
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Lovely softness to your sketches Vivienne.
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Thank you Louise.
I think sketching is rather like listening to music, working with a light touch to sketch lightly, then putting emphasise to produce those stronger parts.
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Re 2022 drawings: These are strong life drawings, Vivienne considering the limited time (30 mins), and your teacher took you out of your comfort zone (i.e. not allowing you to use familiar mediums). Nice idea. Do you find drawing on a set time adds a bit of stress?
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