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Writer's pictureXavier Robbins

The Need for Less


7 minute pose of Nicole

Something I have contemplated lately is the juxtaposition between two ideas: one being the idea of what I can do and the idea of what I should do. Since I have been taught a wide variety of techniques over the past 7 or so years and have applied them to competent effect, I CAN actually approach any drawing or piece in a variety of different ways. But that doesn't mean that I SHOULD use, let's say, an extremely dynamic technique for everything that comes my way.


For the figure drawing session on Sunday, featuring model Nicole (@bluede_model2 for those who would like to find her on Instagram), I decided to go with pen and ink for the session because it's one of those mediums that should keep you in the space of simple decisions. In my mind, simplicity breeds an environment where you can actively engage between thinking about what you can do and what you should do. Having control over only a certain number of variables, often leads to greater insights and also the ability to remember what you learned. And as a storyteller, I need as many of those insights that I can possibly get.

The 11 in. x 17 in. format I think helps exploring longer compositions of the model.

The other reason for this choice as well is that if I am working on comic books or any media that requires more simplicity in the approach to the work, this is a great way to get "game-like" practice. These become constraints that I have to be familiar with as much as possible if my goal is to produce comic book work. Metaphorically speaking, this is a blade that must be crafted; and eventually but perhaps most importantly, this blade must be used!


Nicole, when she poses, tends to have a lot of her limbs overlap themselves and the body. This is important for me to pay attention to because having to make more choices in regard to values and color could disrupt my ability to catch what she's doing. So again, settling into less variables to concern myself with, ultimately allows my perception to catch up with the action that's happening on stage.



Lastly, if you have read this far, I don't usually keep my drawings once I'm finished. Meaning, I rip them apart and move on. BUT, this time, I'm willing to experiment with selling any of them if anyone wants to purchase one. I'll keep them around for about 1 week from the time of this post before they see the bottom of a disposable bin. If interested, feel free to message me directly via Facbeook or Instagram, or you can e-mail at xavier.m.robbins@gmail.com.

The starting poses where I wanted to practice catching only what was important.

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