Moody Blues

This was the subject at this weeks AVA session. Only 8 members were present but as I forgot my camera (again!) I wasn't able to record those who were there.

 Not having been  the previous week I was wondering how this subject might be interpreted. `Googling' Moody Blues just produced masses of images of the well-known pop group, so I was in something of a quandary. In the event the usual flexibility was in place so I decided to do an Indian portrait in just blue colours. These were Turquoise (Lukas PB16), Cerulean, Ultramarine Blue, a little Cobalt Blue. I also darkened the Ultramarine slightly with Burnt Umber. 

Brave Buffalo - 16" x 12" Centenaire 140lb (300 gsm) not

Brave Buffalo, a Sioux Medicine Man, claimed he was able to deflect bullets using his `magic ' powers. Several indian prophets arose in various tribes claiming  similar magical powers, but all were found wanting. This mostly arose because of the Indian despair at the encroachment of the white man, and realisation the Indian way of life was fast disappearing. 

I had no idea how it would turn out with no pre-planning whatsoever. Actually when I arrived at the session I had no  idea what to do. After seeking clarification I decided on my old staple an Indian portrait. I did a basic drawing, using a photo on my ipad as a reference drawing from the inside out by starting on the eyes then the nose and mouth before working outwards. My Pentel mechanical pencil 07 2B was the drawing tool. I then painted starting with the eyes. 

I used three brushes, the Isabey retractable No. 6,  Rosemary Retractable Kolinsky sable Size 6 and an Escoda retractable Size 10. As I've mentioned before the Isabey, while long and slim and a lovely brush,  is smaller then a normal size 6.

I've no idea how this will go down but rather like it.