Portrait of Brianna

[Clayton J. Beck III]

This is a charcoal portrait I did as a demonstration for my summer class at the Palette and Chisel. I powdered on the charcoal and wiped across it to toned the paper (Canson Mi Tientes). Then erased off the lights and used more soft vine charcoal for the shadows.

It is a very fast way to work (1-2 hours or so). The real advantage to it is that it follows the 'middle-tones-out' approach that Sargent used in oil but considerably less expensive and faster. I recommend this approach to my students who are having trouble transferring drawing techniques to oil painting techniques.

[Natalie Hunsaker]

What technique did you use to get that great texture in the midtones? This is outstanding, Clayton.

[Clayton J. Beck III]

Hi Natalie, the texture to which you are referring is likely the original texture of the powdered charcoal. I try to disturb the original tone as little as possible so the value that I tone the paper is vitally important.

In this example I wiped the surface with a tissue after dropping the charcoal on the paper. Anything darker was carefully placed with soft vine charcoal. It's not possible to erase without leaving quite an ugly mark on the paper so be careful. Fechin did it nicely.

Post please if you try this. I think they are beautiful!

[Claudemir Bonfim]

That's just beautiful.

[Chris Saper]

Whoa!!! Clayton, this is completely wonderful!