Thursday 13 December 2012

Back to Basics

There's been a lull in my production over the last few weeks with the previous post being my last effort and it was that post that got me thinking about the notions in this piece.

First of all, I was embarrassed about that last post, I thought it a sub standard picture, poorly executed and demonstrating my underlying lack of commitment to it. One aspect that I found particularly disturbing was the poor draughtsmanship. The obvious reason to me is my laxity in keeping my drawing skills up to their best. Like all skills, if not practised then they deteriorate and not being naturally gifted in these matters I need to work at them on a regular basis.

So back to the sketch books to review past exercises and begin some new ones. This post then is a necessary reminder to myself that I must take up the pencil on a daily basis and find something to sketch.


My hand holding the sketch book - graphite on paper



Self portrait - graphite on paper


North Creake Abbey plein air sketch- graphite on paper

14 comments:

Sophia Khan said...

Hello Mick,

I think you are being a bit hard on yourself regarding the previous post:) I think the painting conveys a sense of mystery and the technique you used for the feathers was very convincing. These three subjects you have chosen to sketch are not at all easy subjects and you have represented them quite well, so it seems to me you've got a natural talent:)
Happy painting...and drawing
Sophia

Ray Maclachlan Art said...

Nothing wrong with your drawing skills Mick. A smile and a hair cut would be an improvement.

Yvonne Harry said...

Good move Mick, although your drawing skills seem fine to me, but a little every day is what I keep telling myself, as I am often ashamed of my drawing skills. Problem with me, is doing it. I much prefer playing bwith the paint

Peter Ward said...

Like the first two sketches Mick, not so much the last one. Draw, Draw, Draw - as the American guru Edgar Whitney said. I do it in spasms but as Yvonne says the attraction of getting the paint to paper... Ah well.

Peter Ward said...

Oh by the way who is that good looking fellow in the portrait? Is he a distant relative?

Linda Roth said...

Your drawing skills are in tact, but I know what you mean. My drawing skills are so much better than my painting skills. I think that has something to do with line, versus shapes, a pencil versus a brush. I am no where near adept at knowing what my brushes can do, but know everything about what my different pencils can do. These drawing are lovely Mick. They should reassure you of your considerable talent.

Nora MacPhail said...

Great work Mick. I've been thinking of adding hand studies to my New Years drawing resolutions!

Unknown said...

Sophia - Thanks for your kindness but I think I've still a way to go.

Unknown said...

Ray - Thanks, I'm smiling and Sheila is making me a hairdressing appointment.

Unknown said...

Yvonne - Thank you. You're right about the temptations of paint splashing, the urge to get on with it can be difficult to resist.

Unknown said...

Peter - Cheers. Drawing is the first priority or should be. The fellow is a fantasy construct who has agreed to be a regular model.

Unknown said...

Linda - Wouldn't it be good if we could all keep to our resolutions about improving skills.

Unknown said...

Nora - Thanks. Hands are a testing subject and can provide infinitely variable subject matter.

Ron Guthrie said...

Drawing skills are important and can always use the excersize. I think your skill in drawing is right on par for an artist so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Painting is always a challenge and sometimes we get what we are after and sometimes we don't...happens to us all Mick. You're on the right track....Merry Christmas!