Eve on the patio

A welcome return to Civilisation, meeting up in the Dudlow garden to draw a real living model. It had to be Eve, of course, with some inspiring selections from her wardrobe.

We had three poses. Angela concentrated on making the first pose a quite delicate portrait. As always, it is full of promise but there is an unfinished feel to it… how long can that table top stay suspended in mid-air?

David I like the figure a lot, it has poise and thoughtful expression. The delicacy of the light pencil work is well supported by the strong lines of table and chair and the vine. And a satisfactory ellipse for the tabletop.

However, I do feel the vine offered possibilities that have not been taken. It could have been used to enhance the composition: it starts well coming out of the ‘Eve’ flowerpot (not in real life) which makes a nice, flowing curve that relates to the curves of the table. But then bends around Eve’s form in a curve that seems to constrict her rather than having a dynamic relationship with her outline. It’s about being aware of the negative shape:

Later, David posted up this delightful watercolour of the pose he actually missed because he had to leave the session. In this case the composition flows beautifully, with the vine playing a key role.

DAVID: Couldn’t resist the colours in this. Pleased with what the watercolour did with the leaves and material. Then I put the face in and made it look like an infant’s drawing! Fun was had anyway. I realise her right leg is a bit short.

MARIA: Nice colours David, she does look a bit severe

JM: Actually that cheeky face totally suits the picture

KATHY: A very messy Eve in oil – taken from Eves Facebook page.

ESTHER: That’s gorgeous Kathy.

EVE: So cool!!!

ANGELA: Amazing Kathy.

Kathy didn’t make the session (some excuse about a birthday…) but she made this very nice painting from a reference photo. Looks like she has mastered the lockdown art of not needing to leave home to produce the goods. Eve is instantly recognisable and the poncho pattern is well seen.

My only carp is that the composition was provided by the photograph, not worked on by the painter. And there is an unfortunate ‘kiss’ between the two flowerpots which deadens the depth.

Finally my own three pics, sketches that might be the basis for something more substantial.

All in all a really enjoyable session.