This is the stage of drawing were it always seems very awkward looking to me. Just lines placed with accuracy and no emotion.
The purpose of this beginning stage of drawing is to get initial accurate placement of the major elements of the painting. I could freehand this but it would take much more time via trial and error to get it where I want it. Besides most of the drawing is obliterated when I begin painting and only through visual comparison can I bring it back in line.
But if I drew this freehand with emotion, like I do with life drawing, it wouldn’t look as awkward. For these paintings I trade spontaneity for accuracy, at least at the beginning.
