The ultimate interest I am after in delineating the nude is to capture the image of the model in its simplest terms but yet establish a statement of expression incorporating gesture, mood, value, line variety, edges, modeling, and design. As in any of my attempts at creating art in any medium, a stir of excitement precedes the process. There is a certain sense of anticipation and anxiousness in me for a good drawing at the outset. Given the time constraints, I work rather quickly but methodically in that I usually start at the top and work down progressively employing techniques that will impart the greatest effect with economy of means. Once the timed session starts, I am keyed up a notch and my mind races with a multitude of questions as I am constantly talking to myself in resolving drawing issues and making lightening-quick decisions. There is a rush when things are going well with ease and it seems as if the drawing were drawing itself. However, some decisions become ill choices and the drawing is in crisis, while other well-intended decisions are executed poorly. I seldom use the erasure in these situations because it slows me down and disrupts the rhythm. Instead, I finesse the errors by integrating them into the composition-where it becomes possible. Otherwise, I just trash the drawing and start over. Then there are the omnipresent risk-taking "rascals" urging to take center stage. Taking risk is part of the growth equation and I have learned to trust my inner feelings. Someone said that the greatest risk is not taking one. Taking chances are opportunities for success and success begets success. The next time a similar daunting issue arises, the learned success is applied with confidence giving rise to further confidence. Essentially, I would like to acquire the drawing skills akin to alla prima or watercolor painting: do the passage right the first time and correction is a non-issue. When I reach the bottom of the drawing, hopefully before time has expired, the drawing is basically finished and I am usually emotionally spent. Failures far exceed successes under my terms; but it is that challenge to reach this seemingly unattainable goal that drives me on like an obsessed competitor. To view more life drawings and other subjects in different mediums,visit my website at http://www.fredsalmon.com....