Daily Life Drawing Exercises - Charcoal Pencil on Newsprint

Life drawing is a powerful and effective exercise that artists have done for centuries to improve their dexterity, draftsmanship and overall skill level. Timed life drawing sessions, especially shorter poses are useful because the time restriction forces the artist focus on only the essentials. This trains the eye and mind to make good decisions when drawing or painting from life or doing longer, finished work. Shorter poses also mean that an artist can do many "reps" during a figure drawing session.

These drawings were done while watching the Daily Life Drawing Session #17 from the New Masters Academy youtube page. The images were timed so it simulates a live life drawing session. The poses are 1 minute (x5), 2 minute (x5), 5 minute (x2) and a 10 minute. Although drawing from life is ideal, timed sessions like these that also have excellent lighting are a great substitute.

The medium I used are Carbothello black pencil, smooth newsprint and kneaded eraser (see image above). Notice the way the pencils are sharpened with a long, tapering lead. This allows for a greater variety of marks, which will be displayed in the videos below.

Part 1 (1 and 2 minute poses)

Part 2 (5 and 10 minute poses)

1 minute, 2 minute and a 5 minute pose (lower right).

A 5 minute pose (left) and a 10 minute pose.

If you have any questions about the process, materials or drawing in general please leave a comment below. If you like my work, visit my website to see more of my drawings, paintings and instructional material.

http://www.drawwithchris.com