Drawing from life -drawing people, especially- has been one of my favorite things to do for as long as I can remember.
Interpreting what you see with nothing more than pencil lines on paper is something timeless and universal, it can portray humanity and convey personality in a uniquely honest and direct way. Drawing from life requires practice, but can enhance our appreciation and observation of the life around us, while also strengthening our other artistic endeavors.
Interpreting what you see with nothing more than pencil lines on paper is something timeless and universal, it can portray humanity and convey personality in a uniquely honest and direct way. Drawing from life requires practice, but can enhance our appreciation and observation of the life around us, while also strengthening our other artistic endeavors.
Henri Matisse explained this sentiment far better than I can:
"I have always tried to hide my own efforts and wished my works to have the lightness of joyousness of a springtime which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost. So I am afraid that the young, seeing in my work only the apparent facility and negligence in the drawing, will use this as an excuse for dispensing with certain efforts I believe necessary.
The few exhibitions that I have had the opportunity of seeing during these last years makes me fear that the young painters are avoiding the slow and painful preparation which is necessary for the education of any contemporary painter who claims to construct by color alone.
An artist must possess nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm by the efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language."
Here's a video by Eric Heights documenting some of the process and context, while capturing a glimpse of Los Angeles set to a soundtrack of some of my favorite music:
