An Old School

I have enrolled at an  Art School - the oldest (c1890) continuously running School of Art in Australia.

Arthur Streeton, William Dobell and Brett Whiteley, all famous Australian painters, attended this school.  Once a  week I ride the train down to The Rocks in Sydney Harbour and learn how to draw and paint.  I was excited & nervous on my first day and humbled by the talent at the school.  I'm an absolute beginner when I look around and have a lot to learn!  Yikes!!

Life Drawing was going on in the same large classroom when we first arrived, so we did some quick sketching exercises of the model to warm up.  We only had a minute before the pose was changed, so had to work quickly.  I was too slow!

Then we had to choose a bust from a selection and draw it.

This is a glimpse of my first effort, without any instruction....

And my second effort, with some instruction.... this was some ancient Roman I think!

I took a while on the nose and the mouth is not quite right, but I ran out of time so it is unfinished.  Next term I'll take the afternoon class as well, so It'll be less rushed.

The students are very friendly (if serious) and the teacher is helpful and keen for us to perfect our drawing, giving us loads of technical tips.  I loved spending the day in Sydney too, always a pleasure!  I'll post more next week...