Front Row Seat

[Mike Handley]

I didn’t attend for a grade or to impress persons behind or in front of easels, and I never viewed life drawing sessions as a cheap alternative to a neon dive skewered by a chrome pole. My reasons were more personal: a relaxing, yet soul-quenching way to spend a couple of hours with a sketchpad.

There were students and, possibly, guys or gals who might’ve eagerly traded their pencils and charcoal for hands, fingers, lips or tongues. But most were there to draw and paint butts and coy shoulders -- works that would more easily attract checks from patrons who wished they had the guts to hang a full-frontal nude in their designer homes.

Inevitably, I was moved by the models’ castoff inhibitions and complete comfort in their own taut or sagging skins -- kindred spirits in my case, though I’d attract no dollars for my garter. The human body, male and female, is remarkable as much for its imperfections as for the precious few commodities worth ogling, and alone in my regular "front row" seat, I always felt as if I was peering at royalty while holding the emperor’s clothes.

[Peter McNiff]

You prose is a perfect match for you sketch, Mike, neat and tidy and telling.

[Sal Moreno]

Exquisite. I admire your sensibility, Mike. Words, and sketches, seem to flow out your fingertips like water from a waterfall. You certainly made the grade, my friend. Awesome 6.

[Jared Handley]

i've heard--and agreed with--your views on the human form before, but i like this pairing of telling and showing. the picture really does have an almost divinely calming sweetness about it, so much so that i didn't think about Sofia being behind me until she said "Why is she naked, Daddy?"

Great 6!

[Joe Gensle]

You're sick. Very sick. And I enjoy all the offsprung fruits of your illness, Mike, LOL! I voluteered to model for life drawing class but they said there wasn't an easel that wide even if paper wuz was made in billboard width. But I really think the tattoo of George W's face on my chest was what got me walked. Bastards. ;) At least you're kinder to the female form than RC Gorman. (nice, both art and telling!)

[Sandra Davies]

Mike - have found some of my 1999 drawings of Eduarda and later (2001) BA ones of Bob and put them in an album entitled 'Life drawing'

[Sandra Davies]

I'm absolutely bowled over by these two minute drawings - you have an ability to draw an accurate, telling, sensitive line which I KNOW is exceptional - and the weight and substance of the bodies are perfect - I really will have to sort some of my stuff out so you can see what some of us mere mortals make of similar exercises ...
No, thank you

[Mike Handley]

@Grey: I wanted something different, so I sat in the floor instead of standing at the easel. As soon as I got down there, I knew I'd found it. And in case you're not kidding, it's a reference to a gentleman's club.
@Paul: I know. I look at that sheet of paper and cannot believe how much I got down before time was called.
@Everyone: I'm thrilled. Thank you so much.

[Angela]

Sir M - The pose and perspective of the first sketch are very interesting and lovely. The angles of her nose and brow are just perfect, and from such a difficult point of view. I can see the direction of the light.
"Neon dive skewered by a chrome pole"? Does this refer to a night time swimming accident involving a car?
Terrific.

[Teresa]

Well done! I'm glad you posted pictures showcasing your gifts. I'm impressed and proud to know such a talented Papa Smurf!

[Paul de Denus]

those are two-minute poses?- yikes that's good Mike- half that time I'd be searching for my eraser.