Another attempt at charcoal

Jimmie Arroyo · 01-18-2004, 01:01 AM

Hi, I decided to give charcoal another shot after several failed attempts. I think I felt more comfortable this time, but it was still like a learning experience the whole way through.

It's 15" x 12" on blue tinted Canson paper, smooth side. Although this is the unveilings, I would still appreciate critiques, and am willing to cross-post in drawing critiques if needed. Thank you for looking.

Richard Huante · 01-19-2004, 02:33 PM

Jimmie,

Great drawing, as usual. Your transition from pencil to charcoal appears seamless. I like the unique lighting angle you employed.

Jimmie Arroyo · 01-19-2004, 11:15 PM

Thanks Richard, I was just moving the light around the model until something looked cool. I have the same pic with different lighting, but this was the better of the two.

What's great is that I got digital cable recently and we have a channel that has photography lessons whenever we want to watch it, and the current menu has two short programs on metering and lighting. Gonna try them out! Thanks again.

Julie Deane · 01-20-2004, 08:27 AM

Hi -

You do wonderful drawings! I don't see any problem at all. I bet it is just a matter of getting completely comfortable with a new medium.

Stanka Kordic · 01-20-2004, 02:19 PM

Jimmie,

I love your drawings. Not a weak one in the bunch. I also agree that your transition to charcoal is seamless. I wanted to pass on my experience with a pencil I've never met before...carbon. It's somewhere between a soft B and charcoal. Dark, matte blacks, yet the crisp lines of pencil. I think you'd like experimenting with that as well.

Regards,

Stanka

Jimmie Arroyo · 01-20-2004, 11:04 PM

Julie and Julie, thank you.

Never heard of the carbons before, so I did a little research and most people favor the Wolff's brand. I have a day off tomorrow, so I'll try Pearl Paints, which is very close by; hopefully it'll be in stock. Will also see if they carry General's brand of charcoal pencils, which I haven't seen there before.

New question, has anyone had experience with blu-tack? I used the kneaded eraser with charcoals, but was told blu-tack takes out more color.

Thanks again.