Figure Study #21 and #22

This is from a life drawing session today. I'm trying not to let myself do just a portrait when I come to these sessions.  The temptation is strong because I'm working small but I really want to practice the whole figure.  I went back to painting oils which was so nice.

#22, oil on gessoed paper, 10" x 8"

Below is from last week. I wasn't so crazy about this one but I do like the quality of the pastels in places so I thought I'd go ahead and share it.  The other thing that's different about using pastels vs paint for me is that I sit while I draw and stand while I paint. When standing I can easily step back and look with a fresh eye at my progress. Sitting while I work I often wait too long to get up to check for mistakes.  That's want happened with #21. I was well into it when I realized the proportions were wrong so I had to stretch her out and that cut off part of her head.

#21, oil pastel on paper, 9" x 12"

#21 detail

Portrait Study #20

9" x 12", oil pastel and markers on paper

I'm enjoying the chunky, imprecise quality of the pastels. It's hard to see that in the small, full image (above) but in the detail (below) you can get an idea of what it would look like viewing in person close up.

Portrait Study #19

12" x 9", oil pastel and markers on paper

Finally…. another portrait attempt at a life drawing session I attended today.  It's been super busy these last few weeks but hopefully life will slow a bit  now and I'll get to draw and post more.