As a painter, I am constantly struggling with dilemma between the use of photographic source material and the necessity of working from observation. As convenient as digital cameras can be, the reliance on photographic materials as the primary source for my paintings presents its own unique problems. I have returned to observational drawing as a way of focused study of the human figure using the cast.
The method of drawing I use in observational drawing is called Sight-Size mass drawing. Positioned next to the cast, is my drawing board at the same vertical angle, in the same light. In this case, the casts were viewed only from a distance of about 8 feet. It is from this distance, that the comparisons and decisions are made, advancing towards the drawing and making the mark from memory, to retire again for further comparison.
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