There is a buzz going through life drawing classes up and down the country this week, the BBC have a treat in stall for all us non-holidaying sketchers, five half-hour episodes of Life Class, each devoted to drawing or painting the naked figure, each starring just two people: the artist and the model. The camera we are told will be on the model, allowing us at home to join in.
It's unbelievable in this day and age that this nudity issue is still able to cause a negative reaction, as in shock, horror, full frontal on daytime television, a sentiment a tabloud recently voiced. I thought we had put all this behind us the 60's and 70's. Only last year my drawing instructor was ordered to remove nude paintings from Harrow Arts Centre by the Local Council which maybe, at a push, I could understand, if I lived in a small, intolerant, illiberal, conservative society or community, but we are talking about London here.
Life Class: Today's Nude is on Channel 4 from 6-10 July
This has reminded me of my pledge to post life drawings good and bad or indifferent. I've pictured a few recent daubs and scribbles just to show all the different techniques I've been encouraged to try. Sometimes, I have been less than enthusiastic in taking up the challenge but I needed a more disciplined and bolder approach to form, so hey, ho.
3 x five minutes charcoal
3 x one minute (coloured pastel only)
5 minute LEFT hand only
30 minute watercolour
30 minute pastel only (no pencil)
3 x one minute sketches walking around the static model
30 minutes pastels
4 comments:
Those drawings are yours? I'm very impressed, They're good! You mention Harrow Arts Council... I was born in Harrow Weald and then lived in North Harrow and Pinner, and I went to school in Harrow. Small world.
Your drawings have reminded me how much I miss going to a Life Class - it's been a few years now. When I first took part in Open Studios my studio walls were covered with life studies - I was shocked by the reactions they got from my visitors. Comments about the model's figure, sniggers, embarrassment ...
I'm curious to see how a life class works on TV without being able to see in 3D. I'll have to watch.
Celia
Thanks for your kind input girls.
Jan yes, small world, although I'm actually in Northwood, Rob (http://ourfrenchgarden.blogspot.com/)used to live around the corner too!
Celia, lovely to hear from you, yes, I'm equally interested to see how the 3D on 2D works and whether I can remember to watch TV in the middle of the day (doubtful)!
Thank you for stopping by my blog! You are so multifaceted I am amazed, intrigued and inspired.
I like the first sketch. When I saw it without reading about your class I didn't know there were body shapes there. It seemed a beautiful abstract study. At second look I realized what I didn't see, and now I can't see what I saw the first time. If that makes any sense?
Whew! What a way to post for the first time here. Blathering!
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