Minds Over Realism

'More geometric shapes and lines, less curves' is a thought how I should approach charcoal figure studies more. This is a start. This drawing was to exemplify a more raw state, with sharp lines jutting out. Normally, I tend to make shading more realistic and smooth; however, I'm trying to work a different aesthetic. Realism was the last thing I wanted to approach. These studies were drawn over Christmas break.

Perhaps because I'm starting to turn in a different place in my life, at the moment, it may be spreading into my work. Beginning with a new medium incorporating into new artwork, I went ahead to run in a different direction - with watercolors. Usually shying away from watercolors and opting more thicker material such as oil, I wanted to examine the fluidity of watercolors and the effect of my usual charcoal figures. Working in a burnt umber shade and small use of light lemon, I fused the graphite drawing with enough water and a small dose of the colors.

It wasn't exactly the way I intended for it to work, but it definitely pleased the cloudy effect of charcoal and water. The loud hint of umber in both drawings hardened the delicate figures.


Untitled, December 2010, 6" 12", graphite and watercolor.

Untitled, December 2010, 6" x 12", charcoal and watercolor.