Figure This Out

As an artist, can you tell me how tall this figure is? I painted this standing model and her portrait as a demonstration for my Go Figure: Painting People in Watercolor Class at the Art Students League of Denver. The colors I used to mix her skin tones are cadmium red, yellow ochre, cobalt violet, cerulean blue, and rose dore. For her blond hair, I used cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna. For her jeans, I mixed gray and also used cerulean blue and ultramarine blue. Clothing and fabrics in general are a challenge for artists and I teach a simple approach in this class. Throughout art history artists have used figure drawing and painting to improve their skill at painting any subject. Solid drawing with the proper proportions and linking light, shadow and color are foundational techniques that are important for successful watercolor painting. Drawing and painting live models is fun and rewarding and, if you have taken an introductory watercolor class or have other watercolor experience, I really think you should consider this seven week class at the Art Students League of Denver which starts Wednesday September 11 from 1 - 4:30 in the afternoon. Now in answer to my initial question, the model is seven and one half heads tall and that is just one of the proportions necessary for successful figure painting. If you are interested, contact the Art Students League of Denver at 303-778-6990 or their website ASLD.org. Happy Painting! Dennis Pendleton