Figure Drawing - Progress - One Step at Time
With this one I also used a few more colours than I usually do to explore the expression of the artwork. I've also used it as an exercise for a forthcoming painting. While I do used the computer to play around with my composition or for reference, there is value in going through the motions with a hand created study. You can think of it like a sportsperson training for a particular event, that when they finally come to the fateful day, they give their best.
I have many years of habitual cutting corners with the artworks, but, bit by bit, I am coming to understand and appreciate the time tested methods of classical art practice. These practices have largely fallen out of favour because it requires so much time. In this day and age of instant gratification, of everyone deserves a prize for trying, regardless of how little effort they put in (sounds like many newbies on Steemit), tantrums are sure to ensue, unless people are allowed to freestyle it, and it too be called high art.
Rather the opposite is the case today, anything that has take time, effort and skill, is slapped with the term, craft. But the term craft is used as an insult, meaning, the "arts and craft" that kids do for entertainment, something, substandard, a cottage skill of the uneducated rather than a high craft of learning.
Now I am not saying that I have reached a high standard yet. As far as I am concerned, I have a long way to go - a life time, as any artist should. I am rather stating my observations of the art world and the criticisms I read, that are levelled at artists who I do consider have obtained the standard of Modern Master and are equal to that of the Old Masters.
I see not any particular piece of my artworks as a masterpiece, but each as step along the path to mastery. I am in it for the long haul.
The original is currently available on Ebay. Make an offer.
More of my artwork can be found on my website. LeoPlaw.com
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A nice feature, excellent figure. Good job
YOU've got a lot of experience for drawing - i see , well done
love the color pallet
Up and resteemed :-)
Thank you very much @yoogyart!
An upvote back at you for your comment and resteem. =)
Fantastic post! As a teacher and someone who is passionate about the arts, I am constantly trying to instill in my students that art is something that requires time, practice, and a lot of study just like any other subject. For some reason by the age of 10 kids have already decided if they are 'artistic' or not, they seem to think it's a talent you are born with or without. Thank-you for talking about the process and dedication it takes! Beautiful work!
I think many factors come into play with our decision as to whether we have an aptitude for art, mathematics, sport ect. Of course support from people who we look up to, parents and teachers plays a huge role. But then, the nature of the individual is the final determiner. My own parents discouraged pursuing a creative career. All that did was motivate me more to go in that direction.
We also face a problem today, where seemingly instant success is promoted, or that everyone deserves equal acclaim and rewards for what they do, regardless of their aptitude or effort. All it does is breed meritocracy and attitudes of entitlement.
I'm all for people being encouraged, but credit due where credit is due.
What are the attitudes that are promoted in education system that you are working? I'm aware from other friends who work in various education fields, that every few years, there are new theories in education that promulgated and then institutionalised.
Such a wonderful talent you have.. So good!
It is great to see that there is a place where artists deserve to be appreciated and get what they deserve in a society that has apparently forgotten the value of art. It is unfortunate to know that there are miles of talents hidden by the fear of not being solvent to do what they like. I hope that Steemit can change many perspectives and start guiding us back to the path from which we move. Regards!
Steemit might not be the final game changer for creative people, but it certainly opens up a world of opportunity for creatives. In recent years we have seen Crowd Funding and then Patreon, but Steemit, I feel offers something unique. There is no centralised control as as with any of the crowd funding sites or Patreon, with a commercial interest behind it, that will bow to government pressures to censor people's opinions or work. How Steemit evolves, remains to be seen, just as with other crypto platforms and blockchain applications. It is indeed a very exciting time to be participating. We might be writing game changing history here.
Nice one @leoplaw - the colours you've handled very well, nicely balanced.
I am really speechless ...I would have never gone for these many Colors for the same painting....yet you did and totally pulled it off !!
I too posted my first painting yesterday ..maybe you can take a look at it !!
https://steemit.com/art/@chapterclosed/promise-of-an-evening-art-01
It is still what is termed a limited palette. It took me years to discover, this is how the master artists worked. So the old adage of less is more and more is less, rings true.
i would really love it if you can take a look at my painting at tell me what you think about it !!! and tell me where i stand ??
So nice thumps up 👆
Hello Leo, a wonderful piece, amazing light-shadow-play and I really like how you bring in the yellowish tones! Good stuff!
@art-universe thank you very much!
love the authenticity
Cheers @joeyarnoldvn