Art Class phase 1: Sketchbook Experiments

In July, I joined a local art class that had just started, and it’s so much fun! 🤗

The focus of the class is portrait painting, which I haven't explored before. It's definitely interesting!

Someone said to me, "You already paint beautifully. You don't need an art class!" While I truly value the compliment, I don't quite agree 😉

Not only because an artist is never completely satisfied with their own work, but also because there's always something new to learn. This is particularly true when learning from fellow artists. Our teacher, Bill, is a tattoo artist who also paints with acrylics. 🙃

Since portraits are currently outside my comfort zone, it appeared to be an interesting challenge. (And it truly is!) Additionally, it's a great way to have fun and be creative for one afternoon each week during the busy summer.

The ultimate objective is to create an actual portrait on canvas (or paper, depending on individual preference).

However, as with any new skill, you must first grasp the fundamentals. 😅 Rome wasn't built in a day, and mastering portrait painting also requires time and a step-by-step method.

In the initial weeks, we've focused on some fundamental skills, such as doodling, cross-hatching, discovering composition and work angles, tracing outlines (it's not cheating, even if it feels like it 😝), and experimenting with techniques.

And perhaps the most crucial lesson of all is learning to relax and draw with freedom. As Bill mentions at least three times in every class, "It doesn't have to be perfect!" 😅

All of this is done in our sketchbook:

Sketchbook experiments from the first few weeks

It’s already filling up nicely 🤗😃

Having missed a class, I need to dedicate additional time to studying skulls and heads... 🤔

It's crucial for portrait drawing to understand the perspectives and composition of a head, including the placement of the eyes, nose, mouth, and so on.

Since our attention is currently on the Sketchbook, I haven't resumed my earlier "work in progress" yet. However, after the composition lesson, I chose to exclude the bird from it. 🙃

To be continued…

As August is passing quickly, much like July did 🙈, and everyone is enjoying themselves... The classes will likely continue after the summer. 🤗🎨🖌️

So, if you're nearby and interested in joining us, please reach out to Imogen at Life Long Learning. 😃

See you soon!