Every month we will feature one artist participating in the Virtual Open Studio Figure Drawing. October’s featured artist is Marcie Vallette. Read on for her artist statement, gallery of artwork, as well as work created from poses in the virtual class.

Artist Statement 

I am a caregiver to my husband who has chronic illness, plus I have a job.  I have limited time in the studio and I do fairly quick, small drawings.  I use ink and gouache because they dry fast and it’s easier to work smaller, for me. 

I don’t say “no” to the small inner voice that makes funny remarks, like: “Hey, make the dog say something,” (so I put in a talk-bubble); or “Make her legs huge, it would be really funny!”  or  “Put a halo over her head!”  or “Make her fly in the air.”  Sometimes the small inner voice says: “Just do a simple value study as best you can and leave it alone.” 

I got this idea of listening to the amusing and spontaneous inner voice a few years ago when I was watching a young student interacting with, talking to, and having a total blast creating odd and interesting narratives. I thought, “Hmmm. I’d like to try that.”  

Just say “yes.”

Best wishes and thanks for looking. 

Website: Vallette.net

Also see my most recent illustrations in the graphic novel collaboration: ramatraumatrump.com