HOW TO – Child Portrait 3 Value Study

We have explored the proportions of a child’s head, noting the tell-tale details such as flattening of features and large eyes. As we begin the drawing on toned paper with vine charcoal which can be easily removed for corrections, we can draw in a loose and painterly way. The toned paper helps us simplify value range, establishing darks and lights. Dark strokes of conte stick dragged on it’s side creates loose “tool marks” that can transition from dark to light as well as interesting texture.
Watch the edges – can they be softened, removed altogether to create a more interesting sketch that fuses with the negative space surrounding the head? These lost/found or hard/soft edges give a push/ pull effect which is far more creative and eliminates a cut out, hard silhouette look to the model.