SWAP 19 - Painting for Susan R + Figure Sketches

My artist friend, Susan Roper (see sidebar for her blog), really wanted this painting when I did it and suggested it would make a great SWAP painting. So...when I drew her name as my SWAP partner this time, I knew this was the one I had to send to her.

Saving whites is not easy for me even after 4 year's of being told to do so by my wc teacher!! So this one worked - glazing something slows me down and makes me think more and paint less so I think I do better paintings sometimes when I just take my time and glaze each layer. If you remember, this was a challenge using just 3 colors and it made me put Rhodonite Genuine on my palette at home because it's such a lovely pink (and lightfast and permanent, unlike Opera Pink).

And here is what I did in the open figure session today. I was tired and sore (shoulders, neck, upper back) from hanging the large paintings with Bob Nowicki yesterday (I am getting sooooo old!!! MORE CHOCOLATE!!! I need MORE CHOCOLATE - and STARBUCKS LATTES!!!), so sat and sketched and took my time. I wasn't crazy about the pose (I prefer models who don't want to lie down and doze while posing - I want them to put some effort into it) but Rob lit it in a very interesting way so there were some good lights and darks and in-betweens :)

The first one is done with graphite pencils and the second one is done with charcoal pencils (and I used my artistic license to make it more interesting).

AND Rob Anderson (our moderator for Saturday morning open figure sessions) is having a show with a couple of other artists at the Dicere Gallery - opening reception tonight 6 - 9 pm. Rob knows his stuff, drawing and painting the human figure and portrait. Check it out if you get a chance! (http://www.Diceregallery.com for directions, info)