Today I met one of my friends who has what I would call classic good looks. Good bone structure, well placed eyes, shapely brows, thick straight hair... I could go on but you know what I mean. While we were out I took her picture because I KNEW she would not mind what you are about to see.
I can not get enough of blind contour drawings. There is something very addicting about trying to capture an image with your hand and not letting your eyes get in the way. I of course had to try and draw her while I looked as well. There is a small resemblance to her actual appearance in the shape of her right eye.
Tonight I tried one more blind contour - this time I started with the glasses on her head instead of with the eyes which is where I usually like to start. I don't know how, but that led to her earring being in her nose instead of in her ear. These things happen.
Lisa - today was fun! I am going to start on your "formal chair portrait" tomorrow. I did a little practice sketch tonight, your body did not look even the tiniest bit stiff or unnatural. After seeing these preliminary sketches, I hope you have not begun to have any misgivings about the large retainer you put down today for the portrait. I think your editor is going to agree that it will be perfect for the book jacket on your upcoming new release!
The last blind contour is rather Picaso-like....like those where the nose is where the ear should be, all features on one side of the head. Cubism is what he called it, set the art world on it's ear!
Posted by: Joan | 08/27/2014 at 10:11 PM
I love blind contour drawings -but I really like the modified blind contours that mary Ann shows in her class. They still have that blind contour looseness and feeling, but with just a little more accuracy. Fun to do.
Posted by: Janet Ghio | 08/28/2014 at 07:12 AM
Love this and have to try it, at once!
I have followed your blog for a little while (not sure how I found it, you know how it is) and love it. I made the tomato jam you featured a while ago and it´s a great hit with the family. Thanks!
Posted by: Viktoria | 08/28/2014 at 10:24 AM
What a hoot! Actually, I think that last one is pretty good, quite expressive. Blind contour drawings are the best.
Posted by: Linda Watson | 08/28/2014 at 10:55 AM
This made me laugh out loud! I think I'm discovering that I should stick to something other than sketching. Romantically, I love it, but practically, I'm with you....glasses on the ears...all the better to hear you with my dear! :)
Posted by: Leslie J. Moran | 08/28/2014 at 11:30 AM
Oh, oh, Carol...make your sketches a true Cubist endeavor. Make copies of your Lisa
Sketches, cut them up and re-arrange them. I think you will find that moving pieces
Around as in a puzzle will make a very interesting picture.
One would loved to have been a fly on the wall in Picasso's (et al) studio no witnessed
Just how this art form began.
Think you have the makings of a real masterpiece. So enjoy your posts, everyday
Something new and thought provoking.
Posted by: Barbara Tarbox | 08/28/2014 at 12:01 PM
I'm more than happy with your fabulous drawings! I'll be using one on my Colorado Drivers License... They're WAY better than the photograph. As soon as I shake off the road dust, I'll return the favor. My time with you was the best part of my trip. Draw onward my Talented Friend. P.S. YOUR bone structure is better.
Posted by: Lisa Hoffman | 08/29/2014 at 09:28 PM