For this weeks session on figure drawing we had a live model come in and used ink to create expressive and distorted lines. The style Sumi-e uses lots of expressive lines in ink so was a good source of inspiration for this work:
The first exercise we did was a series of 9 1 minute sketches of the model in different poses. For this we used a thin black pen. It was a good warm up to get us sketching quickly and getting used to the models physique.
The second exercise was particularly challenging as we have to sketch the model while he was moving. Sketching someone in motion is difficult but because he was doing a repetitive motion I got used to it and was able to make some sketches.
Another task was to just draw one side of the figure in one line in different poses. This was an interesting exercise as it made us focus on the negative space . It’s something I’d never done before and found it helpful as way of really focusing on a figure.
Just like the last task, for this we used black ink. We were given a time limit to sketch the outline of the model and fill it is with black ink. Then we had to fold the paper to make a print of it. I liked this task because it created an interesting print that showed a distorted figure.
For this exercise had had a slightly longer time frame to make for sketches from different positions in the room. I got to try drawing sitting on the floor and chair as well as standing by an easel. I found I had the most control when sitting on the chair but enjoyed standing at the easel because it took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to be a bit more dynamic. I used a thick black pen for this and was happy with the sketches I created
This was an even longer sketch and I used ink and different tools such as a sponge and sticks to create it. Using unconventional tools is something I’m not used to but was surprise by how much I enjoyed it. I was able to create and interesting texture by using them. I will try to experiment with other tools in the future.
This was my favourite piece I produced in the session. The model stayed in one pose and we had 5 minutes to make a sketch and move location and draw again. We did this 4 times and I created this composition. I find laying down poses more challenging so I was happy to be able to see clear progress. Also I chose to do this is ink and it was the medium I was confident with and wanted to push myself to expand the mediums I can use.
For our homework we had to create 3 fashion illustrations inspired by the work of David Downtown. I used black pens of 2 different thicknesses and black ink. Unlike in the session, I used water to dilute the ink to create different shades. This is something that I thought was successful. I used different brushed to get different strokes and marks. This is an example of David Downtown’s work.
To start each sketch I did a very light pencil gesture drawing then began to build on that. Then I used to ink at to add in the details such as folds in the clothes and body shape. I started with using lots of water and built up to less. Then in certain bits I used the pens to add more detail to the figure, clothes and facial features.
This one is slightly different in the way that it was done with just with ink and water, no pens. I like the floods and flow on the cape and the details on the figure.
Samuel Green Illustration 