And here is what I did today...

Here is the photo I was working from, I decided to try something a little more challenging with lots of foreshortening, and a slightly more dramatic pose. I must confess I cheated a bit as I used a few guide lines to help me get the proportions right.

Here is the charcoal outline, cleaned and lightly sprayed.

Then corrected and prepared for the watercolor wash.

The first wash not yet dry as you can see the paper buckling.

Once the watercolour is dry I begin to layer the charcoal, creating light and and dark at which point I can make any corrections that I am able to see. Then, I like to take a nice break and then come back to it, I ALWAYS see something glaring I did not notice, that is in dire need of repair...like this elbow...yikes

Ahhhh... that's better..! I also like to try to look at overall shading values to give it a realistic light dark balance. All done, what do you think?

Here is what I did yesterday..

A little more work with Charcoal and watercolor together...


The photo I chose to work with, I think it is gorgeous..no? I love the hand



First I decided this time to work a bit larger so this one will end up about 3'X4'. So, the first step is to do a rough sketch of the form in charcoal, just lightly, get the form right, then you clean it by gently flopping it with a soft cloth, like dusting, but not rubbing, then set it lightly with a fixative spray.

Then you do a soft wash with a watercolor deepening the shadows and leaving highlights, and then let it dry.
Keep layering the water color progressively getting darker, until you have a contour you like and then let it dry.


Once the work is dry start adding more charcoal lighter and finer first and then finishing with darker accents, remembering to look at shadows.

This is the end result.
What do you think?

Ok, SO YES, I DO have a great big creative fire burning under my behind...

And some more new things...

This is another portrait attempt using the same technique as the last one (layers of watercolour washes), using another B/W portrait from my book, and this is the rendering,I tried to be a little looser in my style and not be so "illustrator" It looks a bit better I think thought I have still made some obvious errors regarding the shape of the face, and it could use a little more work on the high and low lights. It is amazing how obvious things become in a photo or mirror while it is sometimes tough to see when it is right in front of you! I guess it sort of looks like maybe his brother or dad...

This next is what I did in class yesterday, a first attempt at a charcoal sketch with an overlaying wash of water color.

Not bad, though I was working from another piece of artwork while I would prefer a model or photo. After class I went and got some charcoal and some big paper so I can try a few at home this week... *Can't wait*!

I am sure my family will be thrilled...*Any one feel like getting nude?*

...*Just kidding!*

BTW I would really love any critical comments you have as a viewer, or artist, technical or any suggestions and please Be HONEST!! I would love to hear your ideas...besides nice stuff... REALLY!

SO what are YOU working on? Show me!

Some more fiddling with portraits

So this is the portrait I worked from, taken from a book of B/W portraits. Then using the watercolor technique I began in a rougher stage I started to sketch out the face shape and the depressions, and roughly the details, as each layer dried I began to define and redefine the features, mindful of light and dark. Not bad- but not an exact likeness... (I actually think he is cuter...) LOL!

This is a pencil sketch I did of Lily tired and sucking her thumb while watching TV...

*Sweetie pie!*
And these are two more experimental portraits taken from engravings on money, again with no pencil, only a brush...

More to come in a few days!!