Monday 9 November 2009

Assignment Four...

is all about the figure and light. Taking inspiration from such masters as...

Rembrandt...

Bonnard...

and Vermeer...

I've done a number of figure studies concentrating on light and in particular the strong contrast between light and dark. They have included the following four self portraits, each drawn with the light coming from a different direction, and each one appearing to be of a different person, none of whom quite resemble me!




All a bit scary really!... Just to prove I'm not really that scary...this is what I really look like!


Now I've got to use this research material to produce a visual proposal for a work of my choice... Eh? Any clues anyone???

15 comments:

  1. I'm loving following your progress Gina

    ReplyDelete
  2. brilliant work Gina, don't think i can help tho'!!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. It must be really tricky trying to draw yourself - especially as what you see in the mirror is the reverse of what we see!

    Lucy x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Que? I don't understand the question! Visual proposal? Nah! Sorry.;o) You've done well with your drawings I would say. I think you've got the eyes right in the final one, usually the gap between the eyes is the same width as the width of one eye. I have never attempted a self portrait so I am in awe!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well done Gina - great drawings, although you've not exactly flattered yourself! You are usually much more smiley than any of these. Trouble is, it's difficult to keep a smile going, especially when you're concentrating. Why not work from a good photo of yourself? I can see the drawing translated into stitch, if that's allowed.
    Blimey, I can't believe I've got the audacity to give teacher advice! xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. When we try to draw ourselves from a mirrow, there is always that look of concentration. I know it well.

    I have seen some of Bonnard's late self-portraits, and he also could not avoid that focus.

    Picasso found a way, by sort of remembering his features and adding them to the face of anyone whom he drew or painted!

    Frieda Kahlo has some very interesting self portraits. Also Gauguin. And others, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aren't you a cutie! Great job on the drawings -- I'm going with number 4 LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's great to see how your work progresses Gina. I do love that Vermeer. Something so captivating in it x

    ReplyDelete
  9. just a thimbleful....

    Faces are SO difficult, I remember trying portraiture in my painting days - oh dear. But you are on the right lines and I agree I like the last one best. And what a lovely smiley photograph - Gina as we know her!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So...this is the module where you turn into Rembrandt? I would be doubtful but I have seen the progress so far.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm going to be different, as usual, i love the expressiveness in pic 2, you really look as if you're having a dialogue with yourself in this one.
    Lovely to put a face to the name.
    I'm so enjoying your progress on the course, many thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just don't know how you have the patience! x

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like number 2 - but number 4 is very dramatic.

    I suppose at this time of year it's going to have to be artificial light, candlelight maybe? women stitching by lamplight? Or you could take a holiday somewhere sunny, like in the beautiful Bonnard!

    Your figure in a landscape was a shadow - which is also about the figure and light - is there a theme developing?

    Celia

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think the light and shade in the last one is very striking - maybe you could run with that and go all geometric black and white shapes - a bit Cubist, perhaps - and then you wouldn't have to draw yourself again! After all inspiration can lead you down all sorts of paths!

    Pomona x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lovely drawings Gina, would Anish kapour give any inspiration?

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.