Alex Adams Draws

In the autumn of 2017 I started sketching and drawing regularly again after about a 25yr break. Aiming to sketch, draw or paint as often as other commitments permit. Trying out lots of ideas and different techniques. This blog shows my journey.

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Getting back into it after a busy couple of months. Charcoal on 11x14" toned grey paper.

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We just spent a few days across the island in a lovely wooden house and I had a go at painting this small portion of the wonderful view from the house.

Acrylics on 16" x 12" board.

Limited five colour palette:

Alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, lemon yellow, burnt umber and titanium white.

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Today I had a go at a little acrylic portrait. Spent about 3 and a half hours on this one. It's on a canvas board, 6x8" with a limited pallete of: burnt umber, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, lemon yellow and titanium white.

This is the second time I've used acrylic so very much just finding my way with mixing and application.

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This was my latest commission, for a lovely couple here on Saint Helena, Beth & Dalton. It was a Christmas gift from him to her.

Framed by Rob Benjamin.

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Three more heads today.

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Another couple of heads to take me to 25/50.

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Been having a go at Meds 50 heads drawing challenge. Almost half way there. Not been able to do it in the 10 days but working through it. Here's the first 23/50.

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A few sketches from the past month or so.

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Been having a go at some pen and watercolour landscape sketches. Three from life about the island of St Helena and one from a photo reference that I took in Venice, Italy about 4 years ago.

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A little portrait I drew a couple of days ago. Based on a reference photo entitled 'Turning To The Light' by @justina_ramanuaskiene on Instagram.

One pencil, 2B on 80gsm writing pad paper. Took about 3hrs.

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I've been practicing butterflies ready for a commission.

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Just delivered this commissioned piece. My daughter's teacher asked me to do a portrait of Bob Marley for her partner. She says he'll love it, I hope he does. White tinted and dark charcoal on black A3 card.

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Had another go at capturing the legend that is Bob Marley again. I think I'm getting my eye in again. I could leave this as it is or work it up some more.

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A little portrait practice. I'm training my eyes to see the abstract shapes of dark and light and to focus on those rather than features like eyes and noses. Starting with the largest dark and light shapes then adding smaller ones as I go. It's difficult to keep my mind out if the way but it's fun and I'm enjoying the results.

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I had a go at drawing Bob Marley. What do you reckon?

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Spent a few hours doodling today, while watching films with the kids. A bunch of rough sketches in re . . . #biroart #birosketch #biro #portraitpractice #sketchbook #skecheveryday #everydayasketch https://www.instagram.com/p/B48f6wRgqFI/?igshid=uv49wagi0rrc

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Here's a charcoal portrait that I did the other evening. I need to get back into arting. I've been so busy since the move catching up on the day job and getting settled into island life that there's not much time left over for getting my pencils out.