Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle
Charcoal on pastel paper, 9x11

Drawing again from reference photos I took during our civil war reenactment, this is one of the soldiers (Chris Stockton) riding with Quantrill on their way to Lawrence.  This old charcoal medium lends itself well to these historic renderings.  I am using the powdered charcoal for most of the background work and the early shading on the horse.  For tight areas, I have used a charcoal pencil and small paper tortillions dipped in the charcoal for applying the powder exactly where needed.  I have always preferred graphite for these drawings, largely because of the very refined finish I can achieve with it.  But, as I work with this darker, messier medium, I find I like the earthy coarseness of it.  It somehow adds a rawness and deep dark shading that graphite could never reach.  I also used a color of pastel paper that has an aged look to it, almost a pinkish tan - and I like it.  I toyed with using a sepia tinted charcoal pencil, but decided against it as the powder would simply not match (and I am still playing with my new supplies!).  This drawing makes 449 pieces if art in 449 days.

The Long Ride

The Long Ride
Charcoal on pastel paper, 8x10

Wanting to work on this image today, I chose the "vintage" medium of charcoal.  Having learned so much about drawing when a child using this medium, I have only done a sprinkling of these charcoals in recent years, and am exploring a bit with paper.  Passing over the bristol, I had these Strathmore pastel sheets in assorted colors - and picked a white one.  I don't think I've ever used them.  Right off the bat, I didn't like the texture - like tiny pockets all over the surface.  Since the tooth should aid the charcoal - I forged ahead.  I got an early birthday present from my middle son - powdered charcoal - and I tried it out on this piece!  The really cool thing about the powdered charcoal is that I can dip my finger in and spread it on for quick coverage of larger areas.  I even dipped a tortillion in and spread it directly on the surface of the paper.  Wonderful control of a messy medium!  I drew this with reference that I took the day of the civil war reenactment last August - this man acting as Quantrill.  This is artwork number 447 in 447 days. So fun to play with new supplies!

Just Horsing Around

Just Horsing Around
Charcoal on mi-teintes paper
Jeek's Farm, Augusta, Missouri

While waiting for my primed panel to dry, I pulled out my charcoals to do a study of these horses.  One thing I like about charcoals that I don't like in graphite is that I don't have to be as careful with my paper.  The oils from my hand does not affect how the charcoal adheres to the surface.  That is a plus!  Still finding my way around the charcoals, but I am enjoying the process.  I plan to put this one down in oils one of these days, so a study is a real benefit.  This makes artwork number 181 in 181 days.

Arms Full of Love

Arms Full of Love
Charcoal and white pastel on mi-teintes paper

Tonight I am playing with my childhood friends, the charcoals!  I don't think I have ever even used the white charcoal before tonight, and honestly, I am unimpressed.  It simply didn't have any real highlight power, when laid on top of the black charcoal.  So, I pulled out one of my white pastels to push a little light in.  I feel like I am just beginning to learn how to work with these charcoals.  I think I will much prefer working on art spectrum sanded paper - but I simply don't want to take the time to dig it out.  If I am going to start using the charcoals frequently, then I need to do a little exploring down the paper isle at the art store.  I am using simply what I had on hand - and I'm not sure why I even bought them in the first place.  I plan to use this charcoal drawing as a study for an oil painting.  For the painting, I think I will crop in a little closer - to add a little more drama to the piece.  That is the great thing about drawing the study first - I can clearly see the needed adjustments.  This is artwork number 176 in as many days :)

Mare and Colt

Mare and Colt
Charcoal Study on mi-teintes paper
Jeek's Farm

I have drawn this tonight from photo reference taken at Jeek's Farm in Augusta, Missouri several years ago at an estate paint.  I am planning to do this in oils, but the charcoal on the tinted paper has such a vintage, timeless feel.  I don't know where my time went today!  It started with running one daughter to work, stopping for tea at another daughter's, then shopping for am upcoming trip, then a baseball game cancelled on the field, to a house full of company until 10:30.  That is when I pulled out my charcoals!  This is painting number 174 in as many days.  I hope tomorrow is not as crazy!

Michaela in Charcoal

Michaela in Charcoal
Tinted charcoal on mi-teintes paper, 12x9

The last couple of days I have been drawn to figure work again, wanting to try different mediums and surfaces.  I pulled out my tinted charcoals - which I have only used a hand full of times, and this creamy paper.  I selected the burnt embers color of charcoal - and started my work.  It has been so long since I have used charcoals - that I had forgotten the feel.  The way they scratch against the surface, resisting in some areas - it is so unlike my consistent graphites.  But like an old friend, they grew on me......I remembered how I liked them and how they were one of my first real mediums, when only in the second grade.  The idea of doing 30 figures in 30 days has kept popping into my mind.  I have thought of it before, but I have always drifted away from it.  Maybe it is time for me to give it some attention.  It is a sure way to hone those skills in a hurry.  This is my 169th painting in 169 days.  Where will tomorrow lead me?