Waiting in the Little Black Dress

[Chris Saper]

Dear Jean,

I am so glad you are exploring new approaches in drawing that will work better for you!

I like what you have accomplished - just a couple of observations - the body looks too large for the head. It might be a result of some photo distortion.

Also, you might think about moving the right side of the dark vertical a bit more to our right so it doesn't form a tangent with the strap on the dress. I would hate to see you lose that little kiss of light between the body and arm, so I am not sure how far you could go with the vertical.

Good to see you here!

[Jean Kelly]

Mischa, thank you for taking the time to reply. I've lightened her arm up, was quite surprised that I could lift the charcoal off, but it is quite a bit lighter and am reworking it. Also, the blotches--didn't even notice them till I saw it on screen. It will look much different next time you see it.

Chris, after looking closely at the posted image, I'm sure that what you are seeing is a photo distortion of the drawing. I'll be more careful next time I photograph the drawing. I was so careful about the dreaded tangents when I did this and totally missed the edge and her strap. I'm going to try moving the strap slightly, and adding some stray strands of hair and I think that will so the trick.

What I miss most is the ability to draw "the beautiful line". My professor way way back referred to the line that wavered, changed thickness, disappeared at times, and curved with grace as "the beautiful line". I will find a way to reproduce that if at all possible. When I post the close up of her face you will see my attempt in the hairs that cross her forehead. Dismal at best, but it will pass for right now.

It's good to be back, I've missed many people here, but learned much about landscapes and can mix any green found in nature now!

Jean

[Jean Kelly]

Hopefully improved, there seems to be a strange color showing up on her face and other places. It does not show like this in real life.

Jean

On my monitor, the blacks are not deep enough in her dress and the darkest side of the wall. Otherwise the color is better than the first image.