Figure Studies in as Many Approaches

Drawing

One of my favorite past-times is quick sketch. The art of designing an efficient way of explaining the figures energy & flow in any given pose. Not the fastest, mind you, just the simplest way to interpret the graceful flow of life using line and shape. As one tackles the longer poses, the simple design & rhythm learned in quick sketch, imparts an elegance to the lay-in of a longer study.

Here is where I will post my work progress as I acquire the skill of designing the figure through quick sketch exercises, 2 hour lay-in comps & even longer tonal studies.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Haven't posted in a long time. So, am reviving this blog with a few more recent sketches from this and last year. :]

The Tools

Charcoal Pencils
These are some of the pencils in my tool kit.
I have a definite preference for my approach. My choice for figure drawing is the charcoal pencil. A tool I think of more as a specialized brush. Any type of edge can be applied using the pencil. It affords precision with a finely sharpened point. Sweeps of darker value can be softly laid out with the side. Within these parameters, the choices of good quality pencils becomes imperative. Mostly what I look for is a pencil that has a smooth consistent line (no rocks! in the lead mix), can be sharpened with a razor without snapping the point and dosn't crumble or dust up the drawing too much.

Among the brands of charcoals I alternately use:
I've listed them in order of preference.
Wolf Carbon's 4B's or 6B's

General's Med (2B)

Rembrandt Lyra's Mittels in Med

Not widely available, but the few I've tried were really nice and smooth.

Conte Charcoal in Medium

Creates a beautiful line of silky black. Only warning is it is hard to erase because of the wax in the formula. But, otherwise a great pencil.

Ritmo Art Alternative - HB's, B's or 2B's

This brand, once the cadillac of pencils, has gone through some changes in formula. I still use them but, have found the first 2 listed, preferable.

Paper
I use smooth newsprint to draw studies on. It is not archival, but, when experimenting, learning or just doing tons of exercises, inexpensive paper is much appreciated. Rough newsprint is okay as well. But, having a texture may detract from a finer quality of line-work.
Newsprint comes in pads at the art store or in reams at some school supply houses, such as Lakeshore. Either can be attached to a drawing board with metal clips. I've even used automotive clamps when my pads got so heavy from months of drawings sessions.

Miscellaneous Tools
Single edge Razors are used to sharpen pencils. Sand paper helps to keep the sides smooth.
Kneaded erasers are great as they can be shaped to pick out small areas when needed.

Figure Studies in as Many Approaches

Drawing

Monday, October 10, 2016

A few more for 2016

Newish drawings for 2016

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Summer and Fall Workshop Sketches

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Spring Workshop 2014

Monday, June 16, 2014

Summer 2014 Workshop Studies

Thursday, March 6, 2014

A few more from 2013

A few quick figures from last year 2013

The Tools

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