The Last Post?

Sustained Study - Clothed - Section 25 - Modelled Drawing
24 May 2013
Oil Colour on Paper
42cm x 59.5cm (16.5" x 23.5")

It's done. On Wednesday, I finished the last exercise from the Natural Way to Draw.

Thank you to everyone who has posed for me and a massive thank you to Elaine for taking most of the burden. Her effort and perseverance have far exceeded mine. I couldn’t have completed the book without her help and support. I am sorry some of the drawings have been less than flattering.

Thank you to everyone who has visited the blog and commented on the posts. Blogging has been an important part of the learning process. It has helped me to think deeply about the exercises and to assimilate the lessons.

At this point, I should ask the questions: Has the effort been worthwhile? Am I pleased with what I have learnt?

The answer to both questions is yes. In the original post (see The Natural Way To Draw) I said the reason for following the Natural Way to Draw was that I wanted to develop a more spontaneous and confident drawing style. This has happened. My whole approach to drawing has changed.

There are aspects of technique that I want to work on and improve, but these are much clearer than they were when I started the course.

An unexpected benefit is the book has taught me to look at art in a new way. It has helped me to appreciate and enjoy it more.

So what comes next? I have some ideas, but the first thing is to take a few weeks off.

I am going to continue with the daily composition exercise (see The Daily Composition Revisited) and do some sketching, but this will not involve any posing by Elaine.

I am taking a break from blogging and will be back in a few weeks.