One of my friends reminded me that I haven't update my blog for awhile. Even though my mind is constantly thinking about what I want to work on next and the tips I've picked up, writing it down is a big challenge.
This year I have been trying to focus on drawing accurately. I think I have improved in certain areas, but progress seems to be up and down. Many times I would end up with a great drawing but ruined by a bad hand or bad proportion/structure. I am constantly falling in the trap of working too close to the drawing and rushing to get it finished.
I took two workshops with Jacob Collins which lead me to one conclusion, I don't pay enough attention to my block in. In Jacob's workshop, he spent 6 hours on a figure outline. Making sure every proportions and relations are correct. I'm not saying that I have the patience to spend 6 hours on a block in, but I used to worry about being a measure freak, using too much of my left brain instead of right. After taking Jacob's workshop I am more at ease with taking more time to measure and be more analytical. I think I would rather get a good partial drawing than a fully finished bad drawing.
Quang Ho said it best in his workshop, finishing a painting is about improving it, not adding more detail.
