LAAFA - David Bilmes

I attended David Bilmes portrait drawing workshop at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (LAAFA) recently and was so inspired by his work!  It's great to see artists at work doing what they do best!  I especially pay attention to how an artist starts a painting or drawing.  On this day David created a drawing in charcoal using Nitram charcoal B and HB, white chalk and a kneaded eraser.  Here's a few shots from the day taken on my iPhone. 

Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art - Van Saro

I had the fortunate experience of painting with Van Saro at LAAFA a few weeks ago.  I really love his painting style.  His paintings all have a message and he's got a background in grafitti art, which I love.  I grew up in the city and around people like Van.  I knew he would be someone I could relate to on many levels and he was indeed!  Van is not scheduled to teach any upcoming classes at LAAFA since he's got so much work so  I feel lucky to have had the time I had with him.  I got alot out of our time together and I feel I'm really on the right track with my art. 

Here's a few shots from my iPhone of the class. 

Live the dream!

This is one of Van's pieces.  So LA! *love*

Tea with Lemon

oil on linen

16x20