Hi everyone, our second SOFA community art project is: The Body is Beautiful. The goals of this group project are: - To celebrate the beauty of the human body and form - To expand our knowledge and skill in human anatomy and crafting figurative artwork - To provide inspiration and accountability, and strengthen community bonds At the end of September, the best works will be selected for an online group exhibition and featured on my website and YouTube channel. 🖼️🎥 📌 All info, posts, comments, resources, and questions go in this thread. 👇 🔹 What is the Project? The Body is Beautiful – A community-wide art project 👉Subjects: 1. Figurative and portrait art 2. Anatomical studies, essays and articles 3. Drapery and fabric 4. Figure focused master copies Mediums: Drawing, painting, or sculpture 🔹 How to Join To participate, you must: 1. Make at least one post AND... 2. Leave at least one helpful comment 🔹 What to Post ✅ #1. Image Post = Your original artwork + a thoughtful comment Types of artwork that are welcome: - Sketchbook drawing or quick sketch - Finished, ambitious drawings or paintings - Color sketches or thumbnails - Master copies (sketch or finished) - WIPs (works in progress) - Composition studies Thoughtful comments that ask a question, share a learning, invite feedback or spark conversation are encouraged. ✅ #2. Value Post = Share something useful or insightful Examples: - Link to reference photos or books - Review or recommend photo books, collections, or art tools - Tips, tutorials, or process breakdowns - Share your personal breakthroughs, struggles, or lessons - Highlight a master artist or works in the lineage that inspire you - Share art supplies or studio hacks that help your process 👉If you are shy, intimidated to share your work, or don't consider yourself an artist (art lover or collector) you are welcome and encouraged to share your unique experience and knowledge with a value post. 👉Please note: A post MUST be relevant and in this format. This project and thread will be strictly moderated and enforced.

Having recently watched a video posted by @Edwin Caniete (Then and Now: Philip de László - YouTube) about Philip De laszlo on @Dima Jurf s post, I couldnt help but take note of the presenter talking about De Laszlo's painting approach of constantly stepping back. Ive also heard it suggested that Sargent wore a path in the floor of his studio and could "walk" several miles for a painting while constantly checking his work. I also know artists like James Gurney and Frank Frazetta among many others (Leyendecker+Rokwell??) typically work seated. I have, for many years, worked from a drafting table. That said, I also encounter many errors in draftsmanship that may be resolved by taking the Sargent approach. Unfortunately, I have no easel (or space presently) but am wondering everyone's thoughts on sitting vs standing. Do you think this is purely a matter of preference or is there more to it? Do you prefer to sit or stand while working? I wonder if @Chris Legaspi has any particular opinion regarding what is best suited for a learner.

So I made it into the Royal Portrait Academy Exhibition at Hull Gallery. And getting the drawing over there was a real struggle. My museum glass was damaged. So i tried to get a new one. The gallery was closed because of illness and i had to do many phonecalls. And I am on the country so there was no alternative. So I got one on Amazon which took forever to arrive and it did just in time. Then the passepartout they send me was too small. Another one would have taken too long. So I had to cut one myself. Only had strathmore bristol for that. Then the DHL service here was full with schoolkids because they where buying all their new books there. I waited forever. Then their computer would not take the adress in UK. Until we gave up and I drove to another DHL Packing station. The Computer also did not take it. Then it turned out that express costs more than a hundred bucks and the computer HAS to take the adress for that. So i chose normal delivery. It said in 3-5 days it will be there. Yesterday was the last day for the gallery and my DHL said it has arrived. Today the gallery wrote me it is still not here. They give it another day or so.... And it is close. In York. Wish me luck. The struggle is real. My nerves cant take this guys 🥹 I aged 10 years. The hair I don't have turned grey. I can feel it. Edit : It arrived !

I recently discovered the works of Philip de László, and I have to say... what an incredible artist! The first thing that caught my eye was his use of colour; such beautiful harmony and balance. His brushstrokes flow with so much energy, and his compositions feel effortless yet powerful. I’m honestly surprised he isn’t celebrated on the same level as Sargent or Zorn. I came across this amazing resource that has his complete catalogue, with high-quality images available to view and download: Philip de László Catalogue Raisonné I’ve already saved a lot of my favourite portraits (sharing some samples below 👇), and he’s definitely on my list of artists to study further. Have you come across his work before? What do you think of his style compared to Sargent or Zorn?

For the past three weeks, I wouldn’t say I had a rough time, but my days weren’t the best either. Before that, I was working on my 100 heads challenge and reached a point where I started questioning myself and my skills. For context, I usually work two days a week in a warehouse—it’s a nice job, not too hard. But I ran short on money, so I decided to get a second job until uni starts. The second warehouse job was physically exhausting—I had to lift heavy weights—and on top of that, the people there weren’t very kind. Even though I knew it was only temporary, I felt guilty for not painting. I missed drawing and painting so much. In the end, this experience made me realize I shouldn’t overthink things so much. I just need to paint or draw because I love it, no matter the outcome. I finished this portrait study today, and I am so happy I finally painted.