After a well-deserved break from the arduous process of getting used to the sight-size method (and a very busy week), I'm back at it. Plates 1.5 and 1.6.
Yes, I know this sounds like a simple, basic thing, but for those of us who don't have someone at hand to show us how it's done, understanding how to sharpen vine or willow charcoal can be quite confusing.
As a change of pace, I decided to take a break from obsessing over Bargue and work on some oil painting. I've currently got a painting started that I feel has a lot of potential.
This plate was another hard one. It took me 3 tries at 2 hours a piece to get an accurate drawing. It is taking me some time to get used to this sight-size method, although I am seeing some benefits of using the technique. Namely, it is much easier to see major errors than if the drawing board were on my lap.
Starting off on our journey through the Bargue course, we encounter a number of plates that deal with specific anatomical features drawn in a simplified manner. Plate 1 deals with eyes - an appropriate place to start, since we're concentrating on learning how to "see" as artists.
If you are taking a similar approach to art instruction as I am - that is, going it alone - you're going to need a well-defined plan. From the Charles Bargue Drawing Course to life classes, cast drawings, and sketchbooks, I plan to utilize a number of tools to develop my skills.