Space

Part one of this day (last week) consisted of half the class posing, and the other half drawing them - then we changed around. The pose lasted 15 minutes, and the first drawing was meant to be A5 size (about 6" x 8.5") -- and all drawings had to include the ceiling and the floor and a frame (and, with any luck, some people) - The second pencil drawing was A6 (half the size of A5) and the third drawing was half that size - for each we were allowed 7 minutes. Then for the third session, it was felt pens at the ready and different sizes, as indicated by the box chalk comes in, and then the long thin box pencils come in. For the long thin drawing, we had to hold our felt pens at the far end, and in the review of everyone's work, we were encouraged to see that final, loose drawing as "much more interesting" -- which indeed it usually was, perhaps because people had either got used to drawing the same scene again and again, faster and smaller, or perhaps because they were making it interesting for themselves by leaving some things out.

Certainly the repetition and the time-pressure kept us busy. Good training!

After lunch, part two of "space day" was yet another 2-point perspective drawing - imaginary architecture. I struggled and cursed, but persevered. Manoeuvring long rulers at an easel is counterproductive to accurate results; so are bumpy drawing boards.

Another few hours (happier ones) at home; rechecking all the lines (and generous use of an eraser) came up with this carpenter's nightmare. Note how the "true verticals" seem to lean in at the top - especially if you see them out of the corner of your eye on the far edge of the page. But the task called for cylinders. Back to the drawing board ... there's room for one or two ...