On Tuesday I started my figure drawing class. It’s been a long time since I have drawn the figure and I wasn’t sure how it would go and how frustrating I’d find it. As it turned out, I really enjoyed it and found that other than my shoulder and feet getting tired, it went very quickly. I felt I did ok and a lot of what I’ve learned previously came back – now let’s see how much I can improve by the end of the six weeks. We started the class with some quick sketches, then some gestures and blind contours. The last three were 15 minute poses.

Then last night I did some more painting. I thought – hey – let’s see what happens if I use retarding medium in my paint. Bad idea – it seems that I’ve grown used to the short drying time of acrylics and slowing it down was just plain annoying. I’ll call it a learning experience. I wasn’t thrilled with how my painting turned out, but I liked the subject matter and may have to return to it again down the road to see if I could do better.

Figure Sketches Vine Charcoal on Newsprint, 18″ X 24″.

Apple in Hand, Acrylic on Canvas Board, 10″ X 10″.