Alan
Close Demonstration & Workshop, 21st February 2015
Dogs, dogs and more dogs
Drawing
Trixi
by
Christine Lacreole
During the demonstration and sketching, it was good to be
sitting next to Barbara, as we both go to Friday artstream class together.
While we were sketching, we made sure we understood the basic structure of
the dog that Alan was demonstrating and explaining. A circle for the head
and a tapering box for the nose, and so on.
As I was trying to get the structure right, I was reminiscing about the
time I took the photo of Trixi.
Trixi is a very special dog to me, as usually I'm scared of dogs, but she
is like a little person as she
prefers the company of people, rather than that of other dogs. She
belonged to Lucy, a friend of Elizabeth who is a friend of mine. Liz was
looking after Lucy's flat while she was away. Liz and I were dancing, and
Trixi was standing there just watching us. I took several photos of Trixi
that day.
During the workshop, other people were also sharing their own recollection
of their pets, before and after they sketched them. Some of the stories
were amusing, interesting, and some were a bit sad as their pets had
passed away.
I was amazed at how such a big group, of about thirty including myself,
were able to capture in such a short time, the essence and character of
the pets.
One lady was so happy with her own drawing as it was the first time she
had drawn an animal.
Alan was also very encouraging with his comments, and he managed to say
something to each of us
about our work.
It was also good to be using charcoal, which I hadn't used since
university in the late '80s. That night I was happy to continue with my
sketch. Thanks for an interesting day.
Sketch
Your Pet Review
by Kath McKay
Most of us are very attached to our pets and the chance to sketch them
was great.
They rarely sit still of course so capturing an image can be a challenge.
Alan’s great tips and ideas on how to get the basics right are therefore
really helpful.
Many of us were sketching pets long gone and it was a great chance to
enjoy their ‘presence’ again. A wonderful variety of portraits of beloved
dogs and cats was the result.
Alan first demonstrated how to draw a dog,
particularly showing how to draw the eyes and nose.
Then we had a break and came back to do the drawings of our pets.
Right: Alan's demonstration of "buster”
Lots of dogs and three cat drawings created at the workshop
Mithril
by Katharine Betts.
Alan
Close is a fine teacher and I had expected to enjoy the workshop he ran on
drawing pets. I don't own a pet, so I spent a while with a camera stalking
my son's family's new kitten, Mithril. Eventually I cornered him,
perched on the electronic keyboard.
Thus I was ready for the workshop, taking only my pencil case and
backboard. We knew that other materials would be provided — good quality
grey-green pastel paper, charcoal and chalk — all much appreciated.
The atmosphere was warm and happy, and of course the stakes were low.
Nobody minds if a portrait of their cat turns out peculiar (which is not
the case with portraits of their children). There were notes emphasising
key points and Alan gave a masterly demonstration by drawing a very fine
dog. Then we pulled out our reference photographs and had a go ourselves.
It was relaxing and fun. When I got home I darkened the background with
black pastel and pushed some white pastel into the chalk highlights.
I have quite fallen in love
my Mithril. He's being a good cat now, looking at me with mild curiosity
as I write this. And yes, I did enjoy the workshop.