Friday, July 5, 2013

Completed Bargue Drawing

Bargue #1
graphite on Stonehenge paper
copy after plate from Charles Bargue drawing course

Last night was the final class of the first module of the drawing course I am taking at the new atelier in Saskatoon. I still can't believe my good fortune that this school of art opened right at the time in my journey when I was ready for it to appear. I have been so busy in the last couple of years with various shows and events for the promotion of my art that this year I really wanted to slow down and regroup. Although I have been busy it has been nothing like the pace of last year. I envisioned this to be a year to take classes, experiment and seek out adventures; with this class under my belt and the canoe trip looking like it is a-go, I finally feel like this vision is underway.

Taking the drawing class pushed me to new levels of understanding in so many ways: the range of use of graphite, how to use a kneaded eraser as a drawing tool, how to sharpen a pencil old school style, what to consider when rendering form, what happens when light hits the surface of an object, how to measure ... and most importantly, how to see better. The three hour class was ten weeks long and I also spent several hours working at home. It was a huge investment of time to put into a drawing, but well worth it considering the learning that took place. I actually thought my drawing was done at the fifth stage but the instructor, Craig Berry, really challenged me to push it further and reach a more refined finish than I ever imagined.

Here are the stages of my Bargue drawing (at least the stages I remembered to photograph):

 stage 2

stage 3

 stage 4

stage 5

final stage

I am sorry if it seemed like I disappeared for awhile there- I was really quite ill for about ten days and I always forget how busy it is at the end of the school year. I'll try to get myself back on track!

4 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Wonderful drawing. I'm so sorry you've been sick. I've been off the blog because I've been painting like crazy. Take care of yourself!

XOXO Barbara

Unknown said...

awesome! I know how you feel, I am currently going through the program at the Boston Academy of Realist art, and I am no stranger to Bargues. The book is a great resource and it's also a good way to practice on your own. Your first Bargue came out great!!!! I was amazing at how much my painting improved after just a couple months learning how to draw all over again!

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

Thanks! I am feeling much better now. And what are you working so hard on? A commission? I haven't stopped by any blogs for awhile- it is time to do my usual route!

XO Nicki

Nicki said...

Hi Julie,

Thank you so much for such a supportive comment. I actually thought of you while I was working on the Bargue because I knew you had really been studying hard and I knew from your blog that you were training at the Academy in Boston. I think I am going to do the female torso Bargue next for more practice over the summer and then in the fall there is a colour theory class at the atelier that I am busting to take! I paint landscapes right now, but hope to get into portraits and figures... I think this training will really help take things to the next level. I’m encouraged to hear how much you believe your painting has improved from the Bargues and (re)learning the techniques of drawing.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Nicki