My Regular Model

This pastel drawing ‘Model Session – 21-01-26 – 1’ shows the familiar head of my long-time model I had for years. A bit of minimalist realism and let me explain. This month we had my model over to pose for our group of model sketchers and painters. Which is held in municipal center ‘De Blauwe Tram’ in Leidschendam, Netherlands by the way. A great place to choose for a live model sketching event because it is well equipped. Last but not least, it can be set up for these sessions quickly and it offers a lot of privacy. Window slats can be shut in an instant so we don’t have to juggle with make-shift curtains anymore.

A Sitting Pose

We decided to have her position herself in a sitting pose. Obviously I know her body features all too well, so I decided to only focus on her portrait this time. Next to this, a bit of chest in order to offer context to her facial expression. This could easily be the first time I chose her face as the main theme. Surely, I like challenges like these. Variety is the spice of life. Capturing her face wasn’t difficult. Basically, after half an hour that was acomplished alright. Her chest proved to be a tall order though. Actually, there weren’t many forms to capture because it was overlit. This was different compared to my last live portrait I made, called ‘Model Session – 18-11-25 – 1’. At least then there were clear and sound cast and core shadows to capture.

Doing Less by Working Hard

With the model at hand that wasn’t the case. Well, two cast shadows beneath her breasts. However, since these were periferic by nature I didn’t want to put the stress on those too much. All in all, after the session the portrait was done but I found the chest a bit too boring. Perhaps I used too much white pastel because it looked too chalky to me. Hence, my endeavors back in my studio to correct this. Much I erased and the result is a bit mininalistic. Not overdone and I like the paper color shimmering through. Strange how this works. In order to show less, you have to work hard by undoing a lot.

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

Artist: Corné Akkers

Sales info: info@corneakkers.com

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