Michael G's Sketchbook

Michael Georges · 07-02-2008, 11:06 AM

Hey Peter,

Thanks for your feedback! Actually yes, I am starting to work with axis lines and also lines that define the front and side plane of the head. For these last two, I have been doing division as suggested by Maughen of initially locating the eyes at the midpoint of the head, and then dividing by thirds from the hairline to define the brow and nose, and then one third down from the bottom of the nose for the lipline. All of those lines go to a vanishing point off the paper. All of those lines change depending on the horizon line which varies by model position either above or below eye level. I am still getting the hang of it all, but am finding it a very workable system of which, after some additional practice, I will no doubt understand better.

Michael Georges · 07-02-2008, 11:12 AM

Mischa:

Thanks also for your feedback! I have not seen Greene's DVD, but I will look for it.

This latest drawing was done using the CarbOthello sanguine pencils that Maugnan recommends in his book. I found the color to be too intense for my taste and will likely go back to my Cretacolor sticks which are not as intense and I felt more workable. I will look for the fusion charcoal sticks you recommend and give them a try as well.

I also have some sticks in umber that I want to give another go.

Peter Dransfield · 07-02-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Georges

Hey Peter,

Thanks for your feedback! Actually yes, I am starting to work with axis lines and also lines that define the front and side plane of the head. For these last two, I have been doing division as suggested by Maughen of initially locating the eyes at the midpoint of the head, and then dividing by thirds from the hairline to define the brow and nose, and then one third down from the bottom of the nose for the lipline. All of those lines go to a vanishing point off the paper. All of those lines change depending on the horizon line which varies by model position either above or below eye level. I am still getting the hang of it all, but am finding it a very workable system of which, after some additional practice, I will no doubt understand better.

Then you are even more rigorous than I am. I was taught to forget about traditional perspective and proportion and to trust your pencil and thumb. Your pencil to establish angles and your thumb and pencil to establish lengths of line. Measured angles and lines will give the perspective and proportions of the object you are drawing and its position in space in relation to other objects.

Of course there are many ways to mutilate a cat. I tell you what though Michael, you are inspiring me to drop the paints for a while and get out the pencil.

Enzie Shahmiri · 07-02-2008, 08:38 PM

Michael it's great that you are having such fun and keeping at it!

Chris Saper · 07-02-2008, 09:10 PM

Michael,

I have also very much enjoyed following your sketchbook! I love your open experimentation! I definitely enjoy seeing your shape vs line transition.

I have worked to try to go to one (wish it was more) open studio session per weeek. I know that it helps me every time. And I love the freedom to know I can THROW out the canvas at the end - the learning happens in the process. And, as Enzie says, it is so much fun.

Michael Georges · 07-09-2008, 12:36 AM

Enzie and Chris, thanks much for your comments! I am actually finding that this method is easier for locating the features than a line method, and it feels so much more organic and free than lines.

Michael Georges · 07-09-2008, 12:39 AM

Natalie, our Open Studio model for this evening. She had really cool hair - all scrunchy and soft. The outside eye is looking off in a slight different angle - why can't I see these things in session? :P But I am pleased with it none the less.

Edit: You know, I have noticed over these weeks that the photos show up all of the mistakes and not much of the "put togetherness" that a piece has. This looks a lot better in person than it does here in the photos! BAH!

EDIT: Took slightly better shots of these.

Michael Georges · 07-16-2008, 01:36 AM

This is Teddy, model for Open Studio this evening. He was fun and interesting to draw! Such an interesting character and his face was just chock full of land marks!

Changed to umber for this drawing, but still using a middle tone paper. Tried to keep it a bit loose and not overly fuss. Pretty happy with this one.

EDIT: Took a better shot this morning - need to wait to post these until I can take photos in the clear light of day.