Small Steps

I've been printing off a photo from the drawing and sketching weekly challenge, but this is the first week i've actually tried to work on one. This is an unidentified leaf in charcoal on 9x12. I used charcoal pencils in addition to the willow, and they did not blend well. This represents almost two hours work and i feel like its still rather crude. But i worked on a drawing today.


That's after i painted this small 6x8 in oils yesterday. I used a bigger brush than i normally do and painted alla prima (in one session) in an attempt to loosen up my painting. My instructor recommended this exercise. I'll have to see if i can do more of these. They might not be good but they are rather fun.

Finally, Something New

After ages without creating other than in painting class, i did a pastel sketch. I'm hoping that it will end up a painting. Anyway, here it is.

The background looks a bit childish and the buds look bad, but i did something. My pastels always seem to look childish. Maybe if i would do more i would figure out how to make them a bit more polished.

Now if i can just keep this up and get some more practice in.