Finally focusing on figure drawing!

For years I have been intimidated by drawing the human figure. It is the most intimidating subject one can face because every human knows exactly what the figure should look like. It is extremely easy to notice an eye out of place, a head too big, shoulders too narrow, hands too small, etc. -- it isn't like if you saw a drawing of an apple you would notice that the spot is wrong, the stem too long or the shadow the wrong shape. It simply would look like an apple. But the figure, that's different.

So, a few weeks ago, I decided to get over this fear and jump in with both feet. I joined a weekly life drawing group (not instructional) and got my tools together and went for it. And you know what? It is FUN! I'm not very good yet, but I am focusing hard, trying to practice smart and go in with the intention to improve each week. I have noticed that I like the images when I keep the values lighter by using harder pencils. The two drawings of the men are garish in my opinion. So, watch for me to continue playing with the harder pencils, rather than he charcoals.

Here are are my drawings - oldest drawing first.