Back to Basics - Garlic by Fiona Phipps

A great sketch Fiona, I'm not very marvellous at sketching, I must try harder!

This will be a good discipline for you F, these basic principles are vital and you have a good tutor. Actually your drawing style and ability is pretty good, there is some spontaneity going on here, love it all apart from the small bit of cross hatching, I hate cross hatching.

An impressive drawing Fiona.

Thanks very much Margaret, my drawing skills are dismal I have to admit but I saw your onion and I don't think you are lacking in that area at all. You're right Alan he's an exceptional tutor, I'm very fortunate to be in his group. I want to improve but I don't want to lose the spontaneity that you've remarked upon. Can you reach a happy medium between accuracy and freedom? Good job I didn't post one of the others, it was nearly all cross hatching! lol Thanks Alan. You're very kind to say so Michael thank you.

A good effective result, Fiona. Looking forward to next week's charcoal and chalk!

Splendid. I hadn't consciously realised it, but I'm not keen on cross hatching either. Is he the sAmerican tutor who took your classes last time? I'm expecting great things as before!

I think this is very good a great bit of garlic Fiona.

Thanks Ann, next week could be messy! Gudrun, shows how different we are, I like cross hatching! lol Yes it's the same tutor but he's Scottish. Don't hold your breath regarding me coming up with anything great!lol Thank you Carole, not up to your excellent standard, I'll never be that good!

Good sketch Fiona, like Margaret I am not to clever either at sketching and must try harder

The predictive text put sAmerican instead of same!! Must read things. You'll come up with something. I know it.

Fiona I know you like some meaty feedback so. You have a good variety of marks, strong and light marks. It's the tonal values you need to focus on which give a greater sense of form. This is a good quick sketch but does not get as far as the expressing the garlics 3D form. Tonal values bring that form in and are the essence of both drawing and painting. That's what I see. Very good variety of vigorous marks, it's half way there, well done.

Nice one fiona

Fiona that is a beauty superb

Lol Gudrun! Yes I do John and thank you. Hopefully this will be a problem that I can overcome with more practice and instruction...but I know I will fight against accuracy, I just don't want to lose the freedom and expression. Thanks again John. Thank you very much Pete and Dennis for you comments.

I like this sketch, Fiona.

Many thanks Cesare.

A lovely little sketch Fiona but please don't loose your looseness as that is what I admire in your work.

This study is far from 'lacking' Fiona. Its the work of a competent artist . I really like the bold ,expressive style. Diana

That's what I'm afraid of Val, I don't want to get too much into fiddley detail, thank you for your observations. Thank you very much Diana, you're very kind.

Excellent drawing Fiona and so worthwhile

Good drawing Fiona and all good practice.

Many thanks Dermot and Louise, I'm hoping it will pay off in the end.

I absolutely love this Fiona! Beautiful tone, lively lines, simple yet with so much artistic flair. Stunning!

Thank you Seok!