Drawing Adelaide

 

"I use the figure in most of my art because it can communicate an infinite variety of ideas and emotions. I especially love the nude figure, as it is universal and timeless."

This drawing with charcoal on newsprint started with a live fifteen minute pose of the model. The goal of the short pose is to capture the energy of the figure. Then using memory and imagination I brought refinement to the final drawing. 

Adelaide Marcus, the incredibly talented dancer, artist, was the model.

Purchase the drawing HERE.

The Prince

The Prince, mixed media.

Producing a portrait is a task I take very seriously. I have created hundreds over my career many for the big publishers (Time, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated) and each one is a challenge. The first goal for me is to capture the spirit of the person. I want the likeness to ring true, but the soul must be present in the art for it to be successful. I generally like to meet the person, make sketches and take my own photographic reference. Then the materials take over and may be a fusion of drawing, painting, digital elements.
 
You can see many of my portraits in, The Art of Greg Spalenka book and more at this link.
 
The art you see above is a recent commissioned portrait of Anna Melcher with her spirit guide. What was different and touching about creating this artwork is that the choice was made to focus on the power of this very real presence in Anna's life.
 
The extra challenge here is that there were no pictures of this leopard entity so there was much sketching and finding reference that would reflect its beauty and regal qualities. We explored ideas of Anna being close to this spirit in a tangible way, which I really liked (below), but she wanted to let her guide take center stage.
 
 
The next step was to capture the feeling of this kingly force of nature, without coming across to patriarchal. The crown he wears was refined a few times. Below was one version.
 
 
The final portrait has a magical, very storybook quality to it... almost Pre-Raphaelite like.
In the world of ubiquitous smart phone photographs there is something refreshing and yet timeless about slowing down to appreciate a life made into art. I thank Anna for the opportunity to render her likeness in such a unique and special manner. 

Online Classes Have Launched

Matisse. Hard/soft pastels on Strathmore Drawing Paper. Click on the image to watch the video creation. See the final art HERE. 

*****

I just starting teaching my online classes via ZOOM!

The courses range from graphite/charcoal techniques to painting techniques with an emphasis on experimentation. A class dedicated to conceptual art will be offered, as well illustration and concept design classes for film and games.

The courses are for artists with medium to advanced skills who want to experiment with materials and take their talent to the next level. 

Artist As Brand®, the go to class (ten years running) for artist entrepreneurs is going through a makeover with a new website and updated course material.
There will also be a class called, Beyond High School- Career Clarity and Sustainability which will help HS students get a handle on their career choices and whether to go to college or take some other path. This class has been beta tested with great result!

 

Know Thyself- Wisdom from the Temple of Delphi is a heart opening course that reveals your life's purpose. It was launched today with students as far away as India! Perfect for these times of introspection.

See the offerings HERE. They are up and running so see what resonates with you and join the fun.