Studio Rousar Memory Drawing Group - Weeks 7 to 12

Studio Rousar Memory Drawing - Week 12 Day 4

The exercises for weeks 7 and 8 of the Studio Rousar Memory Drawing Group are similar to the exercises from weeks 1 to 6 (see Studio Rousar Memory Drawing Group - Weeks 1 to 6 and  http://www.studiorousar.com/2013/01/01/memory-drawing-group-week-one/).

They involve memorising a shape and drawing it on a piece of tracing paper. The shape for week 7 is the outline of a pelvis and the image for week 8 is the outline of a vase. Both images include 3 reference lines and 3 reference dots that serve as an aid for the memory.

The instructions are the same as for the previous weeks:

• Copy the reference lines and dots on to piece of tracing paper. 
• Study the image for a few minutes
• Hide the image and try to draw it on the tracing paper
• Once you have finished drawing, put the tracing paper over the image to see how well you have done and correct your drawing
• The next night, repeat the process, starting with a review of your drawing from the previous day

The image of the pelvis for week 7 is so difficult you are allowed to add 3 more reference marks towards the end of the week. The vase for week 8 is simpler, but the additional challenge is you are only allowed to study it for 2 minutes each night.

Studio Rousar Memory Drawing - Week 7 Day 4

The exercises take a diversion in weeks 9, 10 and 11. Instead of memorising shapes, you memorise tones. The instructions are similar: study a row of squares of varying tones for a few minutes, hide the source image and try to draw the shaded squares.

Studio Rousar Memory Drawing - Week 11 Day 4

Week 12 is even more difficult. In this exercise, you memorise both shape and tone. The image for the week is a photograph of a bust, without any reference lines or marks (see http://www.studiorousar.com/2013/03/17/memory-drawing-group-week-twelve/.

You are allowed to study the photo for 10 minutes before hiding it and trying to draw it. My best effort is at the top of the post. My drawings improved each night. It was interesting to see how much more I could remember with each attempt.