Inspiration

This week was an interesting week. First I became completely uninspired and then re-inspired to knew heights. We started off drawing the ribcage. I was trying to get all the ribs where they should go but having problems. Then when I started just trying to get the shape and the foreshortening down I lost patience. The longer drawing of the torso went better as I could focus on details as well and proportion and skeletal placement. It was difficult to 'see through' limbs to determine the ribs.

We were assigned the abs; quadratus lumborum, external obliques and the erectus abdominus, which turned out to be the most difficult set of muscles yet. It should be obvious really, as the abs have no underlying bone structure. They refused to sit right. I guess I thought a sheet of protective muscle would be simpler. It is fun to work on the muscles with friends, helpful too. I would have been lost without Alyssa's help on these. (Thanks :) )
We also did the gluteus medius, the tensor fasciae and the gluteus maximus which are shown above.

Wednesday was the continuation of the ribcage and I grew less and less patient as it went on. I know why we were working the way that we were but I found it hard to stay on topic. Friday was the solution to my lack of focus. We came into class more than a little confused. It was packed with painting students. Turned out that Amy was going to give them a lecture on the structure of the skull and Charlie Lume was going to give us a lecture in exchange. I have had Lume for two classes now and his lecture inspired me yesterday as they always do. He showed us how important line sensitivity is, and how even the masters, like Van Gogh and Rembrandt started out in the pits. I went back to the ribcage with a new determination.

Back in the drawing room, we found that we had a new model. His poses weren't nearly as extreme as hers and I found myself glad of the change. It would be good if we alternate between them, so we can have practice with the unusual and a handle on those we can use everyday. It was also easier to see the muscles on him though it was a challenge to tell where the ribs ended and the abs began.

After our break I found that the spot I had chosen to draw from was both a little close for comfort and exactly straight on. Still I suppose this is a challenge to make that which appears flat show form. I think my contours were fairly accurate but my angles were way off. I need to work on this next time.