'Native': A Different Yet More Natural Journey to a Drawing

I'm so excited to show you my latest drawing. The process for this piece was different than any other, all because the reference photos were taken outside. Normally, I set up for a reference photo shoot in my studio. I block out the windows, and set up one strong spot light. I put up something blank as a background. I have a sketch of a specific pose for the model. The photo shoot is usually done well within 20 minutes. But this time was different, and not just because the photo shoot lasted all day.

A photographer friend and I set out with two models to another friend's property who has many acres of untouched nature. I couldn't decide if I wanted to sketch out specific ideas or not. It was hard to imagine a concrete plan when I would have less control of the set-up. Finally, I decided since we would be shooting on-location, with two models, and among nature, I would let the environment inspire me on the spot to envision a future drawing. I didn't want to limit myself and cut off new creative ideas that might spring up.

The models were outside, and they were nude. At first, that idea seems odd, and unusual. Many of us rarely, if ever, will be nude outside in our lifetime (aside from perhaps when we were babies, but we can't remember that.) But almost immediately it felt completely natural. Nude figures, completely bare and natural, among unaltered foliage and trees, made perfect sense. It reminded me of the story of Eve among all the beauty of Eden. It made me imagine our tribal ancestors, living outside, taking only food and leaving only footprints. All of this, of course, fit in with my artistic concepts I have been working with.

This piece was from a photograph of the model covered in shadows of branches. The forms of the dark and light patterns hugging the curves of her skin were beautiful and organic. The shadows reaching across her skin accentuated her form.

I had a wonderful experience drawing this. The most fun and interesting pieces to draw have a lot of individual abstract moments, and this one had plenty. This piece demanded to be large, so I would have room to play among her features, hair, and shadows. It is 24"x30".

Without further ado, here she is. Her name is "Native."

"Native" chalk and charcoal, 24"x30", by Heather Clements, 2014.

"Native" (detail) chalk and charcoal, 24"x30", by Heather Clements, 2014.

"Native" (detail) chalk and charcoal, 24"x30", by Heather Clements, 2014.

"Native" (detail) chalk and charcoal, 24"x30", by Heather Clements, 2014.

And here are some shots taken during the process:

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

"Native" drawing process, by Heather Clements.

P.S. "Native" is indeed for sale for $975.  Payment plans are definitely an option.  Contact me if you're interested.


Green Tip #23: 10 Vegetables and Herbs You Can Eat Once And Regrow Forever.  We all know gardening for ourselves can have huge impact for the benefit of the environment.  But sometimes gardening can be time-consuming and the idea overwhelming.  Well, here are some super easy things you can do without even having to buy anything extra at all.  Check out this article on 10 Vegetables and Herbs You Can Eat Once And Regrow Forever.


I can't thank you enough for taking the time to visit my world for a moment via this little art blog.

-Heather