I mentioned in one of my London posts that I went to a life-drawing session while I was there, after hearing of it from Esther. Here are those sketches. The very talented model is Matthew Oghene, and the drawing group is the Hesketh Hubbard Art Society. I had no idea when I set out that evening that I would be in company with more than a hundred other artists, in a lovely gallery just off Trafalgar Square, with free biscuits and tea during the break. 
Everyone I spoke to made me feel hugely welcome, especially Simon, the society’s president. After the session I chatted briefly with another artist — an animator — who told me “this is the best drawing group in London.” I believe it. It’s one of the best groups I’ve attended anywhere.
{as always, mouse over photos for notes, or click to enlarge}
Matthew (and Lisa of course!) on form as ever!!! Beautiful pictures, what a treat, glad you enjoyed
Thank you, Esther!! A treat indeed — I’m so so so happy I got to go.
I love the really dark figure – on the right / second sketch.
……oops, third sketch.
Thanks, Alan! I’m particularly happy with that one too.
Very nice! I especially like the third one from the top.
Thanks, Jason! I really like that pairing too. I don’t know why at the time I didn’t think they were very good. ;b
my fav is the first one. I’d suggest for some variety in your outside sketches get an 8 B soft pencil and draw loose sketches – get the feeling tone of the subject. How do you feel inside when you draw it. How does the chair feel? The tree? Have Istepped oveer the line in suggesting something? Hope not. Carla
Carla, absolutely not, I’m glad to hear your suggestions and they are always welcome! I’m very often wanting to get the feeling of the subject and not managing to do it, probably because I’m working in pen and that seems to beg precise detail. I think I have a 9B on me (I didn’t bring all my pencils), and definitely a woodless 4B. I’ll try bringing one of those out next time I go sketching. Paris will be a good place to experiment.