He used the comparative method. He set up so he would look at the model from the same spot and angle. He stepped back to view his work and the model about 3 drawing sizes back from the easel. In the studio he sometimes marks the floor with a piece of tape so he always looking from the same spot. He also closes the same eye to keep seeing the same perspective. He talked about using a skewer to help measure and locate shapes. Also can use a plumb line (He made one from string and a kneeded eraser.
He used mostly medium grade vine charcoal on the smooth side of gray canson mis tientes paper. He used harder vine charcoal and a kneaded eraser to blend. Then white charcoal at the end for highlights.
- Like Jim he started with the neck and shoulders. Then blocked in around the head before starting on the face. He worked from big to small. Talked about establishing the foundation. Treat hair like a big shape.
- He did a loose drawing of features looking at parts of face in relationship to each other.
- Checked proportions (hairline/eyebrow nose/chin - thirds) (jaw - cheekbone) before getting specific
- Drew shapes to get likeness. Look, draw, check. abstract simple shapes
- Shadows: Drew shape of shadows, then fill in. Put in strongest, darkest darks. then erase to pull things out. Don't worry if part of drawing is lost when putting in shadow.
- Check proportions, Look at big values. Redraw as needed
- Place in lights. kept charcoal and white separate with gray paper in between
- Modeling. Blending. Make sure form turns.