This piece is a study from the Charles Bargue Drawing Course, Plate No. 23, a cornerstone in traditional atelier training. Bargue plates are designed to teach artists foundational drawing skills, starting with basic outlines, progressing to plates like this one, and eventually moving on to casts (statues, busts, etc.). Once these stages are mastered, realist artists then move to life models to refine their craft. This method used to train many of the great masters, fell out of favor with the rise of Impressionism and abstract art but has seen a revival among those dedicated to classical realism.
The process of creating this piece was both rewarding and challenging, taking over 35 hours to complete. You can see from the timelapse and the photos I took during various stages how each layer of the drawing builds upon the previous one, from the foundational outlines to the fully rendered form. It’s a slow, deliberate process that demands focus and patience—traits reflected in the accompanying quote by Marcus Aurelius:
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
While working on this study, I faced some technical hurdles. The print I used on my easel wasn’t very clear, so I improvised by referencing a digital copy on my computer screen. Though not ideal, this gave me a better understanding of the values in the original plate.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from working with Bargue plates is the importance of training your eye. A great tip for honing this skill is to trace the original outline and overlay it on your work. This allows you to spot inaccuracies and make corrections. However, don’t stop there—step back, compare your drawing with the original, and figure out why your proportions or angles are off. By doing this repeatedly, you’ll eventually develop the ability to see and correct errors without needing the overlay at all.
This piece is more than just a study; it’s a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of mastery. The process of recreating this plate taught me not only about drawing but also about patience, resilience, and the quiet strength found in persistence.
