Monday, January 11, 2010

Casts and Tonework

This torso was done as part of my effort to work on tone. The reference image is taken from the drawing tutorials website (linked at right) and was intended to be a longer, more finished drawing. This is not one of those! This was done in about twenty minutes, while watching the cast drawing instructional dvd on the site. He highly recommends buying your own casts to work from, as opposed to his photos. But, the links he gives are for expensive casts. Very expensive! Like this one, about three hundred dollars! I know that some art supply stores carry cheap versions, but they can easily run thirty dollars apiece. That's quite a bit when you are looking for a selection. I had the idea that I would go to the thrift store and look for knick-knacks/statues that had a lot of definition. Then I would paint them with gesso to get the flat white color.



This is the inexpensive pencil sharpener that I carry around everywhere. I was watching "Signs" when I drew this. I enjoy watching movies again and again because you don't have to pay very much attention. You don't miss important information as you doodle in your sketchbook. (I find that people get very irritable if you keep asking what you just missed!)




And this, THIS, makes me happy! I went to Goodwill to drop off some clothes and made a quick run in to look at their statues. And there she was sitting on a shelf, looking at me as I stepped in the door! Just waiting for me! How serendipitous can you get? I know it would have Julia Cameron smiling just as it had me smiling! Look at all that definition! And she's not small at nearly two feet! I don't even have to paint her! Meet Diana, I think. Or Artemis. Aren't they the same person? Daughter of Zeus? There isn't any information on her, so I'm guessing here. Only ten dollars--It's a good day!

19 comments:

  1. OMG! It is a very good day. Yes, Julia Cameron is smiling and so am I. I am looking forward to seeing Diana(?!) often. Oh, and great torso, too!

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  2. I always found movies/TV too distracting to sketch along with, so I love your idea of re-watching. Makes sense. Have fun with your statue. You're a shrewd shopper.

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  3. Wowww...!!! That was a real piece of luck ! She is beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing your drawing .. I do love the first one !

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  4. What a find and your value sketch of the torso is superb.

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  5. Wow! Great drawings and a new bust as well! You hit the jackpot! Great work on the drawings AND the purchase, Raena!

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  6. You sketch is WONDERFUL, and so is Artemis...

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  7. You did a fabulous job with the drawing of the torso! And, what a find at the Goodwill! Good for you, my dear! nancy

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  8. Great drawing Raena - and what a wonderful find! - yes I think it is both (Diana at least)!

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  9. Lovely sketch of the torso, and congratulations on finding the beautiful bust!

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  10. Great drawing and I love your bust (ho ho)

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  11. Lovely torso sketch Raena... And what a beauty on your table! I guess you would be sketching that too... Looking forward to see that too.. and of course the rest of your sketches too..

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  12. Two beautiful drawings Raena, you must be pleased with them! And as for the $10 bargain - very jealous!

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  13. Oh Raena, 20 minutes...TWENTY MINUTES??? I'd be working on that for days (yes...Days!) I agree, your value sketch is absolutely 'superb'. and thanks for sharing your Serendipitous adventure too. I love this post!!! :)

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  14. beautiful tonal drawings.
    A great idea to get some white statues, Artemis is "magnifique"

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  15. Maybe that statue is your reward for doing such good work.

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  16. Wow! You have a very creative blog here! Lots of amazing skectches...how long did it take for you to finish this one??

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  17. Great drawings, Raena, and a great find too. I love the torso tonal drawing - Wow!

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  18. Wonderful sketch! I used Drawing Tutorials for a few months and was very impressed with the ammount of information he has online.

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