Real people are so much fun to draw and paint!
When one draws or paints from a photograph, there is a slight distortion
or flatness to the photograph which will inevitably transfer to the
painting. Also, the colors and values in a photo are minimized, and one
does not see all that he would see in real life. When painting from a
live model, you can see many more subtle colors and values. It is also
easier to capture the essence of the person as you observe them in
person and spend time talking with and getting to know them.
This is Angela, a beautiful young Asian girl who modeled for my drawing group last weekend. We get together several times a month, whenever we can hire someone to sit for us, and we paint the model, "from life." This pastel sketch done from life, of Angela was painted during the 3 hour session.
