Art Class at Home
Since I couldn't go to my charcoal class today, I decided to try a little drawing at home. I had a very ready, willing and able model in my daughter, who was happy not to move from her lounging, recuperative position. After a few quick draws to get into the zone (including one hand drawing that looked remarkably like a potato), I did a twenty minute sketch. Here's the result:
Again, there were clothes to contend with but the "model's" position made it a lot easier just to color it all in. This daughter has dark brown hair so I had a little dilemma trying to figure out how to differentiate between the two dark surfaces. I used the blending pencil on her shirt and I was surprised to discover how much it helped. I was sketching with the pad in my lap and made more smudges than I can count. I can't totally complain because one fortuitous smudge helped me form her nose. But, I do know now why it's so much better to use an easel when drawing with charcoal: you're less likely to rest your hand on your drawing and smudge your work. I know, I know, that's self-evident but I hadn't figured it out yet. I also think that I naturally pressed harder with the charcoal given the position the pad was in. It's interesting to note how position forces and/or changes your technique as you draw. At any rate, I'm reasonably pleased with this sketch. If it looks like a napping girl to you, then I can't ask for any more at this point.
My daughter wanted a turn drawing as well, so she used an "Ugly Doll" named Trunko as her model. Believe it or not, this is a pretty accurate rendition. The "G" in the corner stands for "The Big Germ" -- my daughter's self-assigned name for herself at the moment. HA!
Thanks for your feedback on the deer and crow picture. I agree with all of you; I think the picture is out of balance. However, when some friends saw the picture they thought it was cool. Perhaps I was missing something -- since I didn't agree -- and thought I'd throw it out there for your thoughts. You confirmed my feelings. Thanks!
Again, there were clothes to contend with but the "model's" position made it a lot easier just to color it all in. This daughter has dark brown hair so I had a little dilemma trying to figure out how to differentiate between the two dark surfaces. I used the blending pencil on her shirt and I was surprised to discover how much it helped. I was sketching with the pad in my lap and made more smudges than I can count. I can't totally complain because one fortuitous smudge helped me form her nose. But, I do know now why it's so much better to use an easel when drawing with charcoal: you're less likely to rest your hand on your drawing and smudge your work. I know, I know, that's self-evident but I hadn't figured it out yet. I also think that I naturally pressed harder with the charcoal given the position the pad was in. It's interesting to note how position forces and/or changes your technique as you draw. At any rate, I'm reasonably pleased with this sketch. If it looks like a napping girl to you, then I can't ask for any more at this point.
My daughter wanted a turn drawing as well, so she used an "Ugly Doll" named Trunko as her model. Believe it or not, this is a pretty accurate rendition. The "G" in the corner stands for "The Big Germ" -- my daughter's self-assigned name for herself at the moment. HA!
Thanks for your feedback on the deer and crow picture. I agree with all of you; I think the picture is out of balance. However, when some friends saw the picture they thought it was cool. Perhaps I was missing something -- since I didn't agree -- and thought I'd throw it out there for your thoughts. You confirmed my feelings. Thanks!
Comments
If you are working with charcoal or conte crayon, having a box of wipes handy beside you is one way to minimize the smudging. Periodically check yourself, wipe your arm/hand as needed, then toss the wipe. Some people use a bar like device to rest their hand on while drawing...I have never tried one, though, so couldn't recommend it one way or the other.