Drawing for the ages

Ridge came to my studio for a quick sketch this morning.  He was a delightful model and his mom really liked the drawing.  Ridge was a very patient model for a 5 year old!

I really enjoy sketching from life and as I always tell my students, life is the best teacher you will ever find.  I’m always discovering something new, and I’ve done thousands of drawing  in my career.  One thing I always ask myself: how can I make this drawing unlike the thousands of previous drawings I’ve done?  It would be so easy to come up with a pat system, as so many quick sketch artists tend to do.

That’s why I’m so glad I came to quick sketch art later than sooner.  Most serious portrait painters start out sketching, graduating to oils later.  So when I approach a quick sketch, I’m trying to make art, rather than do just another nice sketch.

Below is the actual drawing.  I wanted to capture the feeling of Ridge kind of slumping in the chair, relaxing comfortably.  That’s the first thing I saw when I looked up at him.

If you like/don’t like or want to add your thoughts to the conversation, I encourage you to comment.  Also, you may want to get a copy of Point of Art – Second Edition, or download it today.   I offer career coaching for those serious about a career in art. Don’t forget to check out  The Portrait – a painting video  and The Power of Positive Painting