La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans
Posted: January 10, 2013 Filed under: Uncategorized 21 CommentsI travelled light today because when you draw at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts you can only draw in pencil. The Impressionist show is almost over but I’m glad I made it there in time sketch this well-loved Degas sculpture. The halls were packed with people trying to see the paintings, but when you stop for a few minutes to sketch, it is amazing how the noise and the crowds fade away.
Hi Shari, You haven’t heard from me in awhile…been away, but i did enjoy seeing all your
lovely work at one time, a nice treat.
Your drawing of Degas’ Dancer is just beautiful. You’ve captured her gesture, energy and movement with a great balance between light & shade and line. You’ve inspired me so
maybe i’ll find a spot to sketch her next week 🙂
Hi Mary. It’s nice to hear from you again. I was wondering what happened to you.
Get to the museum fast to sketch her — I think the show is closing soon.
Everything about the dancer is beautiful: lines, gesture, flow of the fabric on the dress, the arms (never easy to draw!), and what I really love are the shadows on the back of the upper thighs, which balance out perfectly with the shadow of equal value on the darkest area of the hair.
And yeah; pencil lines are always classic!
Thanks so much Jason. This is such an exquisite sculpture that it was a pleasure to draw. Yes, pencil is always wonderful and it is great to be forced to use it sometimes.
Tres jolie!
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Merci!
This 14 year old is very popular. But it was nice to finally meet her in person and get a sketch. Your sketch is sweet!
Yes, she is very popular and very beautiful. I guess you sketched her too Jennifer.
Hi Shari,
I saw her at the museum and she was as gorgeous as you have drawn her… I did not know that we were allowed pencil at the MBA? Wow! Next time I will bring many pencils 😉 When I went to the National Gallery in Ottawa they told me that we could not draw or paint while visiting? Geez!
That’s true Jane. I drew outside at the National Gallery but not inside. I know you can draw at the Museum of Civilisation though. The totem poles are so great in there.
Love your drawings!
Thanks Evie!
Lovely,Shari. I think my 14-year-old grandson would be mighty interested to meet this lass! too bad she’s someone’s long deceased Granny by now. Only pencil? I think even the Louvre allows more. And I applaud your courage from bringing the sketching into the museum. You must have been an extra bonus for the ticket holders that day.
Thanks Lee. Yes, only pencils here. Last time I went to the Louvre I was surprised at how lenient they were. At many museums here you can’t take photos but that is all anyone does in front of every painting at the Louvre. They hardly look at the work itself — they just document that fact that they were there standing in front of it.
I love how you included people looking at the statue!
Thanks Mrs. P. Yes, the intention was to capture the people circling around her. I wasn’t very successful in sketching the hordes but I did get a few of them.
Interesting, I guess Marc and I slid under the radar when we were in there back in November. We were both working in ink, in several locations throughout the museum. Glad we didn’t cause a ruckus. 🙂
Delightful sketch, Shari! If the Montreal gang ever makes it to Quebec City, we’ve had a wonderful reception at the Musée de la civilization, and we’ve figured out the process for sketching permits at the Musée National des beaux-arts de Québec.
We would love to come to Quebec City Bethann! I hope that in the spring or summer a few of us can make the trip to sketch with you. We need to plan this in advance but I’m sure people would be interested. Of course if the weather is good we would want to sketch outdoors. Last time I was there it was during a heatwave and we could barely walk it was so humid. I know it’s not like that all the time!
Hi Shari,
It would be great if that worked out! Definitely, advance planning is key. 🙂
I totally agree – outdoor sketching is my preference, too. I “feel your pain” re the heatwave you experienced. I’m from the dry West, where even at summer’s peak, the heat is bearable because there’s little-to-no humidity.
Looking forward to meeting you someday.
B
What would Degas make of his Little Dancer cast in bronze, on exhibition in Montreal and being sketched by another artist?
I think Degas might approve!