This piece is submitted to the current Federation of Canadian Artists exhibit: Artist of the Month. The process involves lifting (erasing) areas of “pounced” in charcoal by way of a soft charcoal dust filled “sock”. Simply crush compressed charcoal to a fine powder contained within a fine mesh sock tip that can be tied off to palm size.
This method is identical to working on a mid-toned canvas with random expressive strokes of a rag – a direct alla prima method. Wipe back the planned areas of lighter value. Break it down in to 5 simple observations:
1 – Tone the canvas or paper if it’s a drawing
2 – Work from a reference – a planned composition “rough” sketch
3 – Play with the paint or charcoal to establish lights and darks, erasing, lifting
4 – While working, by default you become familiarized with the subject
5 – Introduce color if needed (study may be monochrome or full color)