Drawing class

I started taking a drawing class from James Daniel.  His oil portraits are incredible!  Anyway, I wanted to learn more about values because I have a hard time seeing them  in color.

James had me do several drawings.  The first drawing was just a copy of an old masters drawing.  I worked on it for quite a few weeks until it passed his inspection- not really my style because I like to work a little loose when I draw.  Anyway, I worked through three drawings with James.  I’m sharing the last one here just to give you an idea of what he was having me do – very traditional and very wonderful because he was so patient and so very specific in pointing out my mistakes.

This one is really not refined up to James’ standards but I just simply ran out of time during the school year to go back and forth to class.  I hope to continue sometime.  Anyway, look him up if you like portraits.  You won’t be disappointed!

Some Friends

 It’s been so long since I’ve really gotten to paint that I wanted to try some small paintings to work on some skills and concentration.  I did these three during the school year when time is short and I may not get to paint every day and then only maybe for a few minutes.  These three paintings are about 12 x 14.  The first one is my friend, Rick playing the guitar on our front porch.  Apparently, he does not own and would never wear a purple shirt but this is just how it ended up.

The second one, I painted for a student.  I was taking photos for school and I just liked how sweet he looked.  His Mama has the painting.

The third painting is of Mr. Hogsed.  He was taking a rest on his tractor from some field work.  He was kind enough to pose for a few photographs.

For the last few Christmas family get togethers, we have been drawing names to make a gift for another family member.  This was my gift for my sister in law.  I had so much fun!  I was reading Mary Whyte’s book (Painting Portraits and Figures in Watercolor).  Her work is so inspiring!