This is a quick self-portrait in charcoal
I got a lot of suggestions after my last self-portrait yesterday – on of them was papict who suggested that i try charcoal. So here it is.
I don’t spend a lot of time on self-portraits – i suppose i could sit down and be precise and reflective about it, but i actually really enjoy just putting some quick, intuitive lines down on paper. It also suits me fine to have something “quick” to draw in the morning. I think it’s getting better, although there might be something to my idea of my proces being “two steps forward, one back” all af the time.
All in all, I’m really happy with this charcoal-pencil. I’ll be doing more self portraits in the style.
See my other self portraits here
Yay! I’m so glad you tried the charcoal and had success with it. I love the rhythm and dynamic quality that charcoal brings to a quick drawing, as the false lines gradually smudge and fade as you work over them and become an interesting background. I also like being able to smudge the charcoal – with my fingers or a tortillion – to create a wide tonal range and then using a putty rubber to pull off charcoal and create highlights. It’s a really versatile medium.
I love charcoal, great piece by the way.
Thanks!
Hallelujah! Charcoal!!!!
Drawing is a lot of about intuition. Yesterday, when I was drawing “Man 1963”, I was concentrating so damn hard about where things were and the mistakes, etc. Then, (FINALLY!) I let go and let it happen. Only then did a good drawing come. I am not a religious person but I cannot deny that good art comes when I step away from the rational, step away from control and, for lack of a better word, have “faith” that it will come. I guess a secular term would be ultimate confidence. In reasoning I can accept this “ultimate confidence” idea but it lacks the ground that art stands upon- Emotion. And that emotion IS at once within us and beyond our understanding.
Well, no lectures. Just been thinking so much about that lately.
Sometimes you just don’t have to try too hard.. Thanks for your comment!
there’s something so alive about charcoal and so organic…and the same seems to be the case with your portrait!
Thanks!
the charcoal is awesome, frees up your strokes.