Another screenshot from Danger 5 as my reference tonight.  This one is from an episode called “Fresh Meat For Hitler’s Sex Kitchen”

I think it’s funny that tonight I decided to take on such a complex image.  The reason being is I went to the art store today and bought paper made specifically for charcoal.  I was so sure that it would be easier to work with than my heavy sketch book paper that I decided to be ambitious with my reference selection.  It turned out that the charcoal paper was just as textured as my sketchbook paper and that it was virtually the same experience to draw on it.

I have learned a bit though, over the past days doing charcoal, in regards to technique.  I think I have a system that seems to be working.  I think my frustrations and troubles in creating sharp lines and smooth gradations can be remedied by just spending more time with my drawing.  I usually only spend about an hour and a half to two hours drawing, which is really not that much time.  Charcoal is pretty forgiving but you have to spend a long time pushing and pulling to finally get to a happy place.

Although, I should try to be more delicate with the charcoal and take more time working in light layers of tone.  As I work my way to the harder charcoal, I tend to press harder, making more permanent marks on the paper that won’t easily be erased.  If I work lightly and take my time then I will have a better chance at finding the right tonality.  Then, I can go in with the hard pencils and create sharper lines.

Medium: Charcoal

Time: 2 1/2 hours

Reference: Photo