art class : half term homework

still life with pig

charcoal on paper (550 x 400)

During the half-term recess we were asked to consolidate what we'd practiced so far producing another still life arrangement of organic and non-organic objects. After the three apples piece in class, it was suggested I do another charcoal drawing using the mid-tone 'wash' technique and building tone and highlighting with a kneadable eraser.

This is it: four lemons, two bananas and an ornamental piggy bank.

art class: week 4

three apples

charcoal on paper (550x400)

week 4 at class comprised a choice of still life tonal rendering in either pencil, ink & brush or charcoal. still finding my feet yet not wanting to play too safe with pencil, I opted for the forgiving charcoal.

I'm discovering this is an immensely pleasurable, if mucky, medium to play around with. Left to my own devises, I would use it to draw lines but here we are taught to create tonal values by preparing the paper with a mid-tone 'wash' and building on tone with broad, heavier applications and - the best bit - by erasing with a putty rubber to form highlights.

very enjoyable, the hardest part was standing at the easel - something totally new to me.

art class: week 3 homework

self with murphys
charcoal (A4 sketchbook)

at the eleventh hour before class, I thought I'd better do some more homework to keep on side of teacher. the previous drawing wasn't 'tonal' enough so i attempted a charcoal sketched portrait from a photograph (I just couldn't face another still life just yet!)

it was a bit rushed and I cocked up the composition, hence the missing left eye which was cropped from the photo and should have been here - artistic licence!

(revoked) ;o)