As part of the required curriculum of most art schools, life drawing is a requisite. The human figure is a very challenging subject to portray. I personally find it very challenging and I have been doing it for sixty years.
Many years ago I got caught drawing a nude woman by my grade six teacher. Rather than scold me she looked at my drawing and pointed out that I had failed to include the gentle S-curve of the spine. I thanked her for her advice and for the last half a century I have been endeavoring to to get that S-curve just right. The journey has led me through the use of most mediums that can be used to create an image in a two-dimensional format.
In the early years of adult life I lived the starving artist scenario, producing artwork in an endeavor to feed and house myself. It was during this time that I produced a large quantity of acrylic canvases that I sold or traded to eke out a modest living.
During this time I also had some of my best work stolen by unscrupulous art dealers. I decided that I needed to raise my standard of living and chose to get into the Graphic Art environment. This allowed me a decent income and was sort of art related as I found myself making quality reproductions of other artist’s work. At the same time I also kept on making my own art, doing commissioned work and personal ‘for me’ work. So when my Graphics career came to an end I was ready and put all my efforts into painting what I wanted to paint. As it turns out my favorite subject has remained as it was back in grade 6, the female nude. As I explain to my friends “It’s a hard job but somebody has to do it.”
Years ago I stumbled upon a site in New York City called Barebrush Gallery. The site publishes an online calendar of nude art. Works from around the world are juried by curators from New York’s extensive art scene and if selected are given a day in the calendar. Had it not been for this site I would probably have gone back to painting trees long ago.
Born in Glasgow Scotland
Grew up in Vancouver
Currently living in New Westminster
Co-ordinator at New West Life Drawing
