The miniskirt

miniskirt P2021913
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

we had another figure drawing marathon yesterday. These marathon days are so much fun. I can't explain it. I only wish that I could have done it all day.

This ink wash drawing is from the last marathon in November. Most of the figure drawings are nude, although this one isn't. Costumes are fun sometimes. Later this week I'll be positing some from yesterday.

If you want more info about figure drawing groups, the history of it in the bay area, how to start your own, and more! check out Peter Steinhart's book - The Undressed Art: Why We Draw

http://www.amazon.com/Undressed-Art-Why-We-Draw/dp/1400041848

Grand Lake theater drawing

Grand Lake theater P1201914
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Our beloved neighborhood theater opened in 1926 (as a silent movie theater before the days of "talkies"). It is still the cornerstone of the neighborhood and I love seeing it every day. This is a simple ink wash drawing / painting with white pastel highlights. I wanted to evoke a timeless feeling as I hope the theater will last at least another hundred years.

Morro rock and pickup

Morro rock and pickup P1201916
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Here's a drawing from the sketchcrawl in May 2007. I wasn't in San Francisco to meet with the group, but the great thing about sketchcrawls is that you can do it from anywhere. Artists can post their work to Flickr where we can all see pictures done the same day, from all over the world. Sometimes there is a theme, sometimes not. I was in Morro Bay for this sketchcrawl. I did this ink wash painting/drawing from the parking lot near the prominent Morro Rock. It is always frustrating to me how these picturesque "attractions" always have these ugly parking lots crowding them, but that's life, and in this case the contrast made a better piece I think.

Sketch Crawl 17- San Francisco

Transamerica and Coppola buildings P1201904
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

We met at Portsmouth Park in Chinatown but by the end of the day I had worked my way to a sidewalk cafe bordering Little Italy with a view of the Transamerica and Coppola buildings. this was my last and most ambitious piece of the day -- the only one that I broke out the watercolors for. I love these two buildings, both with their distinctive wedge shapes. They were perfect for the soft and hard treatment of pen and watercolor. it was a gorgeous and fun day. Dont miss the next sketchcrawl! you can do it from where ever you are - http://www.sketchcrawl.com

Comma cafe in the afternoon

comma cafe
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I always sketch when I travel but I don't always keep my journals in order so it is often hard for me to "recreate" a trip chronologically.

I also don't always get a comfortable spot like at this Coffee Shop in Carson City, NV. I love trying to capture the people and the action in a scene like this, while not making it too confusing. I usually start with the subject that I think will move first or is most interesting. In this case I started with the man and his dog at the counter.

Christmas Night

tommy watching TV ver4
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

That quiet time when all families turn from tree to TV and you wish you had given Dad the wireless headphones to watch the football game. I love Flickr. It's amazing how you can get instant feedback from some of the best artists in the world. Not only do they appreciate your work but they help you improve it. First I did an ink sketch and then shaded it with photoshop. I posted several versions and got some great feedback about my technique. Thanks R8r! check out my Flickr site to see the various versions of this drawing. Next I will do a color version. Happy New Year everyone!

on her side

Our weekly figure drawing group has dissolved. It's a victim to rising rents in the area. The artist who hosted it had to move and now I am in search of a new group that is easy to get to by public transit. Life and its changes, like the wash on the paper you never know what it is going to do. You adapt and hope that it turns out to be something beautiful and good.

Washington Street - - Oakland

Washington Street CR12
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Another scene, near a Oakland different farmer's market. I love scenes of people in their communities. The canopies and tents of the farmers market can be seen in the background. This is not a tourist area so most of the people are regulars, some eating alone, and some visiting with friends. I will do a color study of this and post it later (in preparation for a painting)

Jack London Square Market

Jack London Square Market
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I love our farmer's market. It has so much energy, good food and it's year 'round. But all of that is so hard to capture in a painting or drawing. the light on the vegetables is lovely, but fleeting. the canopies over the stands aren't really that pretty. everyone loves to go to the market, especially for all the activity, the movement. how does one convey that in a drawing or a painting? maybe it's just a scene that can never be expressed in a painting.

John sits back

john sits back
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is the drawing that started me painting "The Meeting" series. I have only done a study of it and not the finished painting because I am not happy with the study. Part of my struggle with the studies and paintings is to keep a "painterly version" of that drawing essence without overworking. it's funny that the people who have seen the painted study like it but I think it is too solid and stiff. more work to do.

The other half

legs under
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is the other half of most of the drawwings I do.

Her white leg

x118 her white leg
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a more abstract figure drawing (with ink wash) of Jenny, a model here in the Bay area that I have used for almost 6 years now. This is one of my more favorite drawings of her and I am not sure why.

Matthew profile

matthew
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a portrait sketch which has been colorized in photoshop (also one of the most favorited on my Flickr site). I like to do photoshop color studies before the painting. It's a fun way to play without committing to the paint. I think it is interesting when people hide under their hats or clothes.

Three makes a meeting

meeting group
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of my favorite meeting sketches. I am currently trying to decide what goes into my book for the Comic-con in San Francisco in April. This is defintely one of them

Morning ops meeting

sk061c ops meeting
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of my favorite little meeting sketches. Ultimately it will become a painting (in my "The Meeting" series). the people in these 20 minute meetings were an eclectic group but for a short time in the mornings we checked-in about the new issues and shared a couple laughs. the guy in the hood seemed to be perpetually "waking up". I hope the final painting will capture the crisp simplicity of this drawing and convey all the feelings of each participant.

See my "The Meeting" set of drawings on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rudisillart/sets/72157594323088888/

the conversation

the conversation 161
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I love watching people interact. This was a quick sketch at my local coffee shop. Want to make up the caption? I plan to make this into a larger painting.

Lake Merritt arbor

Lake Merritt arbor with women
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I don't often sketch landscapes when I am out, but since it has been winter without much chance to paint in "plein air", I have decided to do a few short landscape studies. This scene is in Oakland, not far from my house. I did it in my Fabriano journal with ink wash and pastel white highlights.

stephen listens in meeting

stephen
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I have a new boss and I can't draw in meetings like this any more. I actually read a psych study that doodling in meetings actually helps people to concentrate and remember more. now I will have to sit like stephen, with chin in hand, and pretend to be focused.

Couch Potato Portrait

couch potato
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is the perfect example of a drawing that surprises you. I was bored with TV and wanted to draw. It was late at night so I was tired and too lazy to get off the sofa. BUT I alwasy stash some trusty pens and paper everywhere (even though it drives certain people crazy) and I turned by sights on the nearest victim. If you can't tell, she is rolling her eyes. Still I know I will always love this drawing as a portrait of an every day sight and late evening quiet at home.

I am totally amazed that some folks on Flickr have commented that this is a "gibson style". What a compliment! Click the image to see more comments on Flickr.

Ladi couch potato

couch potato
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Another of my ink drawings. This one is currently the second most popular on Flickr. I remember so well the night I drew it. I sat on the sofa, frustrated at bad TV and nothing to draw - so I turned my pen on Ladi. This is the best of my "Ladi watching TV " drawings (but let's not forget the oil portrait of her watching TV) Click image for larger picture with more detail and a link to the oil portrait I used a brush pen for this and I love the way it almost looks like a woodcut.