Nude Study

Carol Norton · 07-25-2006, 02:03 PM

I question the value of 5 minute poses. I think it harks to a life drawing methodology developed by Kimon Nicolaides in his book "The Natural Way to Draw" which somehow became quite univesal in college art departments 35-40 years ago, and I question its validity . . . as I question his "clumped wire" approach to figure drawing . . . personally, I think both (5 minute "gestures" and the "wire") are counter-intuitive, unintelligent, and a waste of time.[/QUOTE]

What an interesting thing to say! I have always THOUGHT that and never said it, even used it as an occasional exercise in my own classes. The only thing I thought made it of value was possibly to get the pencil moving and to look at masses. What a fun place this site is!

Richard Bingham · 07-25-2006, 02:17 PM

Carol, your comment that it serves to "get the pencil moving" is probably the crux of its usefulness. I have really never been in a position to be around folks who are "totally innocent" of drawing, much less try to instruct them. I think that would be valid . . . for the first session . . . for about . . . 5 minutes -chuckle-

The "population" of the sessions I attend is comprised of one professor emeritus of art, one retired secondary art instructor, several graduate students, and a few "professional artists". They cling to these five minute poses like a mantra, saying they need to "warm up" . . . perhaps it takes them back to drawing 101 ? I want to know who's cold ??

I wonder how many other "art school" habits are formulaic, yet inefficient?

Alexandra Tyng · 07-25-2006, 07:58 PM

Richard, this is a wonderful oil sketch! Great colors! I love the touches of blue, pink and yellow. They work so well around (and on) the brown skin. It looks so fresh and lively, like you really had fun.

I just want to point out an interesting thing about this sketch: because of your position--I am assuming you were relatively close to the model--her legs are much larger in proportion to her head. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact it appears correct, and tells me where you were in relation to the model. But some people would consider this "distortion" if it were painted from a photograph. Personally I think it is fine no matter how it was painted. If you get up close, this is what you will see! Just something to think about.

To throw another opinion in the ring, I admit to loving 5-minute poses.They do help me warm up, and I do see a difference in my drawing when I am "cold" and after I have done a few of these quick drawings. It's the long ones that drive me crazy. I think the different lengths appeal to artists with different styles and approaches.