What seven years can do!

In which I discover Bristol Board

On Monday I photographed and framed a handful of new pictures, mostly drawings. Here is a better photo of the drawing I shared in my last post. I discovered the best way of photographing my pencil drawings is outside in direct sunlight, makes it so much easier! 

'The Fear of Pain'  graphite drawing on paper.

I had drawn my drawings on large sheets of A2 paper, and it was almost impossible to move them without making creases or bends, I thought there has to be some other way! What do graphite artists use to draw on? I did a little research and discovered that most graphite artists use 'Bristol board' as a drawing surface. I ordered a couple sheets myself and they came in the mail today, in a tube to my surprise. I discovered it's not really board, but a kind of stiff card with a very smooth surface. I'm looking forwards to trying it out next week. I'll post about my discoveries then. 

Framed horse drawing

   I am sending out my second ever email newsletter soon so if you would like to receive it you can subscribe in the sidebar at right. 

New Horse Drawing in Charcoal

  In case you are wondering I really am alive and kicking down here. In fact I'm beginning to kick harder than usual. I suddenly realized it is less than twelve weeks until the spring A&P Show at which I plan to have an art stall so I had better get cracking and make a heap more serious pictures.

   So I have been doing that, and have made a very full schedule for myself with a goal for the amount of art I wish to produce each week. I have begun well this week and this is what I worked on yesterday.

  The proportions aren't the best I know, but I was trying out a new technique for me with charcoal. It is very fun as I discovered so I plan to create a whole series of charcoal horses. I have done two more today, however I don't know how I can take photos of them for awhile as all the camera batteries have been taken by Dad and my brother for their model boats! I stole my other brothers camera for this one, and I should be able to borrow it again. I might even be able to make some drawing videos with it.

Simba

Here's what I produced from that photo. The painting was inspired by this video, as soon as I saw it I wanted to do something like that and immediately began. I learn allot from watching these speed drawing/time lapse videos on You Tube, they are very helpful and fun!

So here is my picture, I did it in pastel and pastel pencil on pastel paper, which is very similar to sand paper. 

Tuppence

I hadden't done much with pencils in a while so I grabbed the first promising photo and had a dash at it.My brother took the reference photo. I changed the neck to what I think looks better. What do you think? Critique me!