helenic: (Default)
helenic ([personal profile] helenic) wrote2008-04-09 06:19 pm

kneeling sketch

Did this quick sketch yesterday to practise using the Chinese ink:



Kneeling
Ink on watercolour paper, 18" x 28"


I'm a bit annoyed that the figure is too far to the left of the paper, but oh well, it's only a sketch. When I was working on this I thought it was going to turn out terribly: everything was soggy and bleeding everywhere and all the shapes felt like they were getting completely out of hand, and the paper was crinkling and sticking to the drawing board and argh. Then I got back from the pub and it had dried, and the paper looked fine, and all the shading was translucent and doing pretty much what I'd wanted it to. Note to self: do not judge watercolours until after they have dried.

The paper did tear in a couple of places as I was trying to remove it from the board, though - I'm not sure what I can do to prevent that.

[identity profile] i-am-toast.livejournal.com 2008-04-09 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I really like the shadows on the face.

The paper did tear in a couple of places as I was trying to remove it from the board, though - I'm not sure what I can do to prevent that.

Thin layer of wax across the board?

[identity profile] surje.livejournal.com 2008-04-09 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
um many years ago in art class at school we used to cut the paper off the of the board with a scalpel type knife (so had to start with slightly larger paper than needed). maybe you're not using the same kind of wooden board.

[identity profile] darkfloweruk.livejournal.com 2008-04-09 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
This is just beautiful -- there's so much feeling in it; strong and vulnerable. You are incredibly talented.

[identity profile] sinsense.livejournal.com 2008-04-09 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I really like how you've used white space over the area of the stomach - it resonated for me, and was a focal point when I looked at the drawing again.

[identity profile] lady-illflower.livejournal.com 2008-04-09 10:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I like it, especially the neck-shoulder area. ...also, thi reminds me I need to get more chinese ink.

(Anonymous) 2008-04-10 10:36 am (UTC)(link)
paper and board - use thicker paper! :)

sketch

[identity profile] ilkley.livejournal.com 2008-04-11 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
It's lovely! So vibrant and fluid - she looks as if she's about to move off the page. It reminds me of a scene in 'Unbearable Lightness' - did that inspire you? Well done, use the ink again! love xx