Drawing the Figure: Charcoal Reduction and Chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro Drawing of a Female Model
Graphite and Chalk on Canson Mi Teintes Paper
12 X 14″, 3/15/07 - 3/28/07
This chiaroscuro drawing was a two-week pose, so I put about 5 ¾ hours into it. Using graphite forced me to slow down and build the values, both light and dark, gradually. The trick is to let the toned paper do the work. I still rendered the majority of the figure, defeating the purpose of using toned paper. There was so much to see, the subtle shifts between forms. I felt rushed, but probably would have felt that way after 20 hours.
Next week we start another 2 week chiaroscuro drawing. I’ll probably try some cool-toned paper and a sharper white chalk pencil. I’ll also work in some more line.
For a look at some really strong chiaroscuro drawings, check out Anthony Ryder’s work. He has a popular drawing book out, too.
Charcoal Reduction Drawing of a Male Model
Charcoal on Paper 18 X 24″, 3/8/07
The charcoal is much looser and gestural than the chiaroscuro. I struggled with the proportions, and this drawing is tough for me to look at, particularly the head. In fact, I was really close to cropping the head right out of this drawing. I liked going into the forms of the shoulders and torso with the kneaded eraser: it felt like painting with broad strokes. Just needed to tighten up some of the shapes and introduce some line.
(If anyone has suggestions on photographing artwork digitally, let me know. What a chore.)
