Even though I spent two hours on this small drawing working hard on the detail and accuracy it still seems stilted and un-natural. This is the same problem that I have seen many artists face. It’s all about keeping the life and energy within the subject while at the same time focusing down upon its details. I have heard many artists comment on studies for major work having more “energy” than the finished major work. Its difficult to retain the lively essence of a subject while focusing on accuracy, John Singer Sargent, one of my most favorite artists, does this well.
