Michael you say the nicest things. Thank you. I would be honoured, when the time comes. It means a lot that having lived with your commission for a few years, you continue to appreciate my work. Happy travels through 2026!
Most of the portrait sketches on my instagram are 15 minutes from life. Life drawing from the figure can be anything from a few seconds, to a few weeks! My Portrait Artist Of The Year work was all 4 hours (consistent with the program format). I do whole day/2 day sittings for more finished work. And sometimes a hybrid of life/photo. So… it varies hugely, depending on the situation, and the end result wanted.
Cezanne has always been one of my favourites, especially since seeing more of his work at the MoMA and Tate Modern. We're lucky enough to have some of his work at the Ashmolean so I better get over there with a penny and see if I can make some sense of it!
That show was amazing at the Tate modern wasn't it? I envy you the Ashmolean on your doorstep. And love the thought of him tipping everything. Probably moved his chair a fair bit too. You could move some chairs when you've exhausted the penny options!
This is such a strong breakdown of why life painting matters beyond just technique. That bit about Cezanne tilting objects with coins to amplify the from-life effect is fascinating becuase it shows he wasnt just observing passively but actively enhancing what our eyes naturally do. I've noticed when sketching outdoors that objects seem to "move" slightly as I look, dunno if that's what makes the difference compared to flat photos.
Thank you so much. I think you're absolutely right, that shifting can be one eye taking over from the other. In my case it's usually just inaccurate drawing though! I wonder if it's possible to train yourself to switch eyes deliberately?
Aren't our brains incredible. I dont give mine enough credit. 😁
😁 yours definitely is Sue! And your heart ❤️
Nice article. You are so good, I am always amazed at your work. I hope to someday have you create another work for us. 💝
MAC.
Michael you say the nicest things. Thank you. I would be honoured, when the time comes. It means a lot that having lived with your commission for a few years, you continue to appreciate my work. Happy travels through 2026!
How long does it take to sit for a work that is done live?
Most of the portrait sketches on my instagram are 15 minutes from life. Life drawing from the figure can be anything from a few seconds, to a few weeks! My Portrait Artist Of The Year work was all 4 hours (consistent with the program format). I do whole day/2 day sittings for more finished work. And sometimes a hybrid of life/photo. So… it varies hugely, depending on the situation, and the end result wanted.
OK. Thank you for the info.👍
Cezanne has always been one of my favourites, especially since seeing more of his work at the MoMA and Tate Modern. We're lucky enough to have some of his work at the Ashmolean so I better get over there with a penny and see if I can make some sense of it!
That show was amazing at the Tate modern wasn't it? I envy you the Ashmolean on your doorstep. And love the thought of him tipping everything. Probably moved his chair a fair bit too. You could move some chairs when you've exhausted the penny options!
This is such a strong breakdown of why life painting matters beyond just technique. That bit about Cezanne tilting objects with coins to amplify the from-life effect is fascinating becuase it shows he wasnt just observing passively but actively enhancing what our eyes naturally do. I've noticed when sketching outdoors that objects seem to "move" slightly as I look, dunno if that's what makes the difference compared to flat photos.
Thank you so much. I think you're absolutely right, that shifting can be one eye taking over from the other. In my case it's usually just inaccurate drawing though! I wonder if it's possible to train yourself to switch eyes deliberately?
Brilliant Gail, super informative as always and a great read 👏😀
Thanks so much Jane, I know you also work from life a lot. Xxx