Katrina Willis, Chicago Man, 2008.
Graphite pencil on toned paper, heightened with white, 9 x 12 inches.   © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com

I’m chronicling  the lives of Chicago people through works on paper.  I figured there was no better place to start than Mark (of course)!

Katrina Willis, On your Mark, get set…, 2008.
Charcoal on toned paper, 9 x 12 inches.   © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com

Mark looks like he’s about to spring into action on this one!

Katrina Willis, Self Portrait on the 26th of July, 2008.
Charcoal on toned paper, heightened with white. 9 x 12 inches.   © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com

I know, I know… It’s not a weekday, but I really wanted to draw! :)  So I drew myself.  This self portrait reminds me of Burton Silverman’s drawings.

Katrina Willis, Take it outside, 2008.
Pastel on toned paper, 12 x 9 inches.   © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com

Andrew Wyeth is one of the artists that I tend to study regularly.  Here is one of my favorite stories about him.  At one point, he told his wife that he wanted to paint a neighborhood girl (in the nude) and her response went something like: “Next time, just do it and don’t tell me about it.”  (Whoa!) Consequently, Wyeth found a lady by the name of “Helga” that he wanted to paint.  He loved her modeling endurance and her willingness to try new poses for compositions.  She apparently had skills “that most American girls did not possess.” So he painted her repeatedly.

I think it’s fair to say that Mark is my “Helga.”  He’s always around.  He usually stays still at some point in the day, making him the perfect model.  So, if any of you are dedicated collectors and want a series of one-of-a-kind drawings— keep your eyes on the “Mark” pictures! :)

Katrina Willis, Danielle “DB”, 2008.
Pastel on black paper, 9 x 12 inches.   © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com

A little over two years ago, I started watching the “Daily Painters” movement (also known as the postcard painter’s movement).  I have wanted to join, but I noted that the majority of successful artists creating quality work and selling their work online tend to focus on “everyday objects” (i.e. foods, flowers, and other still life.)  I, on the other hand, am interested in the figure and portraiture, and this presents a challenge:

1. Figure paintings usually take a bit longer  than still life paintings (and there are lots of factors involved in determining the length it takes to develop a picture.)
2. I prefer painting / drawing from life, and figures tend toward business in North America. :) (People rarely want or “have time” to sit for a picture.)
3. I paint narratives.  This involves a few more steps than just painting a cucumber from the farmer’s market…

So, as I was rereading portions of “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri, I ran across this quote:

“Know what the old masters did. Know how they composed their pictures, but do not fall into the conventions they established. These conventions were right for them, and they are wonderful. They made their language. You make yours. All the past can [do is] help you.”

So my “language” or plan of action is as follows:

1. As a source of exercise, and a mode of practice, I will post paintings and drawings from the figure/life every weekday.
2. I will seek out peaceful (still) people to draw. (Chances are high you will see some regulars- just like the still life painters paint 20 tomato paintings a year, I will have certain models pose multiple times.)
3. These small, narrative paintings and drawings will be available at auction online.  The auctions will be set up by the first of August.  Each picture will start at $100.

The picture above is of my good friend, Danielle.  I’m most excited about it because I have discovered a new process - this entire picture was drawn on Canson Mi Teintes black paper (96 lb).  I have never really tried working on black paper, but I love the white shirt and the building up of light values on a dark surface.  The final product feels clean and finished.  Drawing everyday is an interesting thing - I find the pictures are less polished than commissions, but the have their own energy and richness to them.  In some respects, the drawing takes on a life of its own.  I hope in the days to come, that many of these drawings will be as fun to look at as some of the commissions!