Reclining

This pastel drawing ‘Model Session – 20-04-24 – 1’ is the second I made during this month’s session. Situated in ‘De Blauwe Tram’ in Leidschendam we feel at home. Certainly not disturbed by the cold as explained in art statement to the first pastel. The heating no longer was a problem. So for the next session we had model Bo lay down on a table with some pillows supporting her back. When you have 10 participants come over sometimes you have to get lucky with your position. Seemed the best positions – front and back – were already taken by others. Consequently I had to take the only left and challenging position: at her feet. There are never popular but as a seasoned artist I don’t mind. Foreshortening can be a challenge but that makes it all the more fun.

To Foreshort a Model

The trick is to box the model in entirely. I mean, comparing the ultimate width to the ultimate height and really double check these proportions. I see so many eager beavers start sketching right away. Personally I take my time to be dead sure, especially with reclined and foreshortened positions. There is also another reason. When porportions are not quite correct foreshortened renderings can look unattractive, even unrecognizable. Then again, in the abstraction lies art and art alone. No messing about with cubist styling this time like I did a couple of years ago. It’s just plain realism but I also wanted to test out this new paper I got. It’s Hahnemühle Dürer Ingres-Bütten paper I ordered online. After two attempts I must say it’s a bit less coarse than Clairfontaine’s. I think the fibres are a bit softer. This makes the pastel attach to the paper more powdery.

Pastel drawing on Hahnemühle Dürer Ingres-Bütten Night Blue paper (48 x 62,5 x 0.1 cm)

Artist: Corné Akkers

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