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my username title is: KatieK8

Mid-Term Summary

Mid-Term Review Summary

In the beginning of this course I stated that, “the main reason why I decided to
take Life Drawing is because I always wanted to learn how to draw people. I have always
felt that this skill wasn't my strongest by any stretch of the imagination. Although, I am
positive that this class will help me improve my drawing skills while expanding my
knowledge of art. I feel that this class may not have the strongest connection to my
intended profession, graphic design, but as an artist I have a yearning to learn how to
draw people and improve upon my ability to see objects in space. I am very excited to
start even though I may not achieve success on my initial attempts.”

Looking back throughout the semester I feel that I have made huge improvements 
in my skill level compared to where I was at the start. I feel that this is largely from the
how the class is taught. Not only do we draw but also form the muscles. This has
allowed me to learn how the body moves, in which helps me draw. In addition, at the
end of every week I set a future goal for myself. Although I don't always achieve my 
weekly goals, it has helped me stay focus and determined to get better. Plus, I can look
back though my blog to see what my goals have been in the past.
Overall, I feel that I have learned so much from this experience. In addition, I
feel more competent and confident as an artist. I look forward to continue to learn more
in this class and push myself to improve my skills even more


Strengths and weakness in my drawings

I feel my biggest strength in my drawings is that my lines are soft so I can go back
in and add darker lines. I also think that I am good at seeing / drawing the bone and
muscle structure of a certain pose. On the other side I feel that my biggest weakness is
my line quality. Although they are soft lines they also have a static feeling to them. I
would really like to improve on my hand speed so I could create a faster line quality. I
would like to break up my lines even more to get more accurate. I also feel that in some
of my drawings I struggle with foreshadowing and proportions.


Things that I would like to learn by the end of the Semester

1. I think the biggest thing that I would like to learn is ability to draw a pose
when the body has a steep angle or has a lot of foreshortening.
2. I would also like to learn how to make dynamic lines that have softer
feeling to them.
3. I would also like to learn how to draw basic face forms.  

Manikin Muscles

This is the manikin with the Quadriceps, Adductor, hamstrings, and the Sartorius muscles.

This view shows the side plane of the manikin and a close-up of the muscle structures

  This view shows the posterior view of the manikin

This view shows the anterior view of the whole manikin and a close-up of the muscles.

 

Life Drawing Work from Week 10-12 through 10-16

This was a quick jester drawing.  One the right was my original drawing and on the left I drew how the body is proportionally.  I drew this by drawing in two boxes like shown in the movie that was shown in class. Doing this helped me learn that I was making the pelvis too small and much further down then it was supposed to be.

This was the longest sketch that we did in class.  The sketch lasted for about an hour.  This study helped me understand how gravity plays a role in figure drawing.  I didn't realize how gravity can move muscle structure around.  I drew this sketch by first drawing in the central axis and the bone structures that we learned then I added muscles structures around that, while combining my knowledge with what I saw.  I feel that this was a very interesting way to work. 

This a cross-contour of the model's waist and upper thigh.  On the left is a zoomed in version of this piece.  I liked doing this drawing I felt that it was successful, even if not everything was in proportion.  I feel that I am learning much more about cross-contour and how to be better at it.

Weekly Reflection 10-12 through 10-16

Things I did well on or improved:
From the last week, I felt that I needed to focus on using lighter line quality and add more spacial aspects into the work.  I feel that I achieved drawing lighter.  I can definitely see an improvement in my drawing because from last week the pelvis was significantly disproportional to the ribcage.  Learning about the pelvis has increase my awareness of proportions.  

Areas where I need improvement:
I feel that I should still work on darking the lines that are closer to me.  In addition drawing more of the entire figure. 

Future goal for next week:
This coming week I am going to focus on trying to draw faster with a light touch to the paper.

Drawings 10-5 through 10-9

These were longer timed drawing in which I added the central axis, the rib cage, and I also tried to add the pelvis.  Although after drawing I realized that the pelvis is a too small for the rest of the portions of the body. 

Clay Manikin

Here is my clay manikin, I built the spinalis, longissimus, and the Iliocostalis muscles.  I had a hard time getting them right.  When I first built these muscles I made them out of too much clay.  Amy really helped me to understand how the muscles are moving and how they are supposed to look.   

Weekly Reflection October 4-11

Things I did well on or improved:
From the last week, I felt that I needed to focus on  breaking up my lines more instead of drawing one continuous line.  This week I felt that I achieved my goal.  I feel more confident in drawing the human form.  I also believe that I have made huge improvements in the way I draw even though we haven't had that many class sessions.  

Areas where I need improvement:
I feel that I need to focus on making the lines I draw all light then, darking the lines that are closer to me. 

Future goal for next week:
This coming week I am going to focus on the pressure I am placing on the charcoal.