Life Drawing Studio | etching and aquatint

If you have been reading my blog, or perhaps you are a student or friend, I have likely suggested making self-portraits as a good challenge. Self-portrait photographs are not that easy logistically and even more challenging emotionally.  That is exactly why I recommend them to anyone who is listening.  Last Wednesday morning, my friend Susan and I attended a drop-in life drawing session. That’s right, not only am I making some drawings these days, something I never imagined for myself, I’ve now done this new thing.  It was amazing and exhausting. I plan to go every week. I was struck by how many folks were there working together in the same room, quietly making marks, all different from the next. I loved that part. I could do whatever I wanted to try, and it really did not matter to anyone else in the room. I was free to create.  At the same time, I was surprised by a few things, like having a model not under my direction. Not being able to move around to change my viewpoint. I felt empowered, not restricted. My fear ahead of time was very surprising and let me know I was on the right path.  I felt lucky to be there.  Likely many of you have done life drawing at some point; however, if you are someone who hasn’t, I recommend trying it.  I promise inspiration, challenge, and growth. Hand-pulled print is made on a copper plate etched with my drawing and aquatinted. .  Charbonnel Noir 5598 ink on Hahnemühle Copperplate Plate, variant uses Cranfield Red Earth ink and includes an area of chine collé with awagami washi.  Hand-pulled by Ray Bidegain 6"x6" on a 11x15.5 sheet Open edition 2 variations: Black ink, & Red Earth ink and small chine collé Signed and dated by the artist lower front