I studied Figure Drawing with Lloyd McNeill and Ilya Shevel at Rutgers University. They each had different approaches. Lloyd emphasized the power of the mark, informed by his own studies of Japanese calligraphy, as well as composition, and the integration of ideas from other arts, especially music. Classically trained, Illya had a more traditional approach, with an attention to rigorous study. Much was learned from each.
I’ve kept up a weekly practice ever since. In fact, one of the first things I set up at Totts Gap Arts Institute was our open session to keep my skills honed.
Lloyd encouraged the use of different media, and I have worked in pencil, charcoal, watercolor, ink and Conte Crayon. Inspired by artist and friend Eleanor Shelton, lattely I’ve been working in colored Conte pastel on Canson paper.
