As the discussion about the possibility of creating a cybersapce-based figure drawing group developed, I began to realize what my role would be in it. I began to realize that I would have to be something of an initial example for the group. This would give me some obvious opportunity. It would also give me the obligation of sharing a part of me, specifically my body - and all of it, with people I may know very little about. I wondered if I was really up for the challenge, and while I was wondering, another figure drawing group that I was a (silent) member of, had a developing artist, named Ismael, who was seeking a specific pose. I decided it was time for me to test myself, and see if I was really up to the challenge. Although I don't think the reference photo that I created for this was too great, it was a learning opportunity and one that helped me to progress and move forward. Below is Ismael's initial sketch from this pose.
Many months later, Ismael went back and created a color (acrylic) version of the same pose.
I was, of course, quite pleased when it was announced that a group project would be done from one of a very large series of poses that I had been working on that I called "Props" - because I used sticks, boxes, tables, etc., to help with the pose. I also created a black background, giving a particular feel to many of the photos. The project was to use this effect and draw on a dark background, working from light to dark, to develop the drawing, somewhat like a a negative. Ismael included color in his drawing which seemed to work out very nicely.
Ismael called this drawing "Happy Birthday Ben" because it was drawn on my birthday from one of a series of poses that I did on my birthday. I think it turned out quite nicely. It has a sincere, honest, open, and humble feel to me. The figure seems clear, nice, and believable, and I quite like the cylinder below and the blue background. It was certainly a most delightful and appreciated birthday present.
Ismael called this drawing "Watercolor Ben" because it was drawn with water colors. Ismael seems to enjoy trying new mediums in his drawing, and seems to really enjoy his drawing generally. The pose for this drawing was one that he had requested of any model that was interested. Of course I couldn't keep myself from giving it a try. I was very pleased to see Ismael decide to go ahead and use it to create this drawing.
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