Head study 3-10-08

Head study 3-10-08
Charcoal on newsprint
After Fred Fixler

Head study 3-9-08

Head study after Fred Fixler
Charcoal on newsprint

Who is Fred Fixler?
A retired illustrator, classically trained in the late 1940's at the Art Students' League in New York City. He founded the Brandes art school in Los Angeles in the 1980's. A great artist. The school's name was later changed to California Art Institute, and it is located in Westlake Village (www.calartinst.com). I studied under one of Fred's students, Glen Orbik, who has been teaching at CAI for more than twelve years. (Take a look at Glen's website -- www.orbikart.com) This drawing is a copy of one of Fred's drawings; a study exercise.

Head study 3-8-08

Head study 3-8-08

Charcoal on newsprint

Reference photo

Reference photo

We wanted to improve on the photo by adding a few things: color in the sky, a pool of water instead of a plain courtyard, a walkway across the pool, a planter with palm plant on the far side of the courtyard, and curtains in the window behind the plant. Stay tuned to see the final painting.

Painting in progress -- study

Painting in progress -- study
Oil on Linen
Approximately 10.5 X 12.5 inches

This is a study in preparation for a finished painting (my current project). It is actually a finished section taken out of the middle of the picture, and allows me to study and problem-solve, at the actual size of the final painting rather than a smaller sketch. I don't always take this step, but sometimes it's the best way to go, if I'm testing ideas. I'll post the photo I'm using for my reference tomorrow.

Painting in progress 3-2-08

Painting in progress -- sketch 3-2-08
Oil on illustration board
8 X 12 inches

This is a sketch for a commissioned painting I'm working on.

Painting in progress 3-2-08
Oil on linen
16 X 24 inches

This is the canvas in its current state.

Head study 3-2-08 A.M.

Head study after Loomis 3-2-08 A.M.

Charcoal on newsprint

Head study 2-29-08

Head study after Loomis 2-29-08
Charcoal on newsprint

This is a copy of a drawing by Andrew Loomis, an American illustrator from the last century (1892 - 1959). Students were encouraged to do half of their practice drawings by copying good artists' work, as part of the learning process. Loomis was miles ahead of me, so there is quite a difference between his drawings and my own drawings done from photos or life. I need to keep studying and drawing from Loomis and other world class artists.

Head study 2-28-08

Head study 2-28-08

Charcoal on newsprint

Head sketch 2-27-08

Head sketch 2-27-08

Charcoal on newsprint