Muscles that bulge or slack. Flesh that undulates. A group of about 16 artists of all ages meet Tuesdays at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt to draw live figures in their nude glory. The sessions allow the artists, novice to professional, to sketch a live model and, by doing so, truly understand the skeletal structure and musculature that forms the very foundation of figure drawing - and the basis of art. From now until May 15 the life drawing group will be exhibiting their best work at the Arts Centre for their annual show. "Life at 20" is profuse, it seems. The walls are packed with studies of the human anatomy. The work appears in various media: pencil, pen, cone crayon and charcoal. The drawings have been self-selected by the artists. Often, the sketch has been limited to a one-minute pose or a 10- or 20-minute pose. The unique characteristic is that all are unframed and untouched at home or studio. As such, they emit spontaneity and a freshness not ordinarily seen in exhibitions. Perhaps this show is richer because of recent attendance at a Coast workshop on anatomy and figure drawing given by Vancouver artist Thomas Anfield. Noted for his deep, dark studies, his sense of anatomy and classical treatment of form, Anfield is "heavy duty anatomy" as one life drawing student, Bruce Fraser, says.
"Without the skeletal structure, we'd be jelly," says artist Maurice Spira, who has worked with this life drawing group since its inception. "That's why beginners often draw an arm that looks like a salami." Artist Janice McFegan has come to understand artistic anatomy and the body's structure. In her drawings, the viewer can trace a conglomeration of bones and bulges in interlocking shapes. Artist Marilyn Marshall grasps it, too. Buttocks have never looked this good. Russ Tkachuk shows more shadow, more shape. Monica Robb's people look almost stylized. Thomas Ziorjen has a light hand with deft strokes and a sense of movement. The live model is vitally important, and the more character, the better. Artist Anneke Pearse focused on one stout fellow's bearded face. The same man grips a staff in McFegan's sketch. Spira's treatment of the stout man was frontal, the soft belly slack. In Francine DesJardin's sketch, he slouches. "Here we utilize our brains, our retinas, our nerve impulses to draw," says Spira. The artists say that they often exhibit an emotional response to the model that is reflected in their touch, either light or heavy.
If interested in joining the life drawing group, contact Nena Braathen at 604-885-2860. The Arts Centre is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
