This was an exercise in adding and taking away using pencils, graphite powder, and erasers, leaving a history of mark-making on the page. I think I could have pushed it further, but I started to run out of daylight. I’ve found that I can work comfortably after dark with bolder materials such as ink and even charcoal, but for materials such as oil paint or (as it turns out) graphite, my studio lighting seems insufficient for me to see as much nuance as I want to. With the short days in Scotland these days, I’m going to have to either shift all my studio time back to the mornings, or figure out more lighting.
That’s a very strong face, and wonderful detail on it. Slightly jealous as I really struggle with faces. Hair and eyes are ok, but I can never get the mouth right.
You have my sympathy with the light. I’m right by the patio doors, and it’s still gloomy for a lot of the day.
I am enjoying this history of mark making on the page. All that action coming together to make a man’s face appear in the mist. Very nice!
I was impressed by all the detail you got from this man’s face. Such expressive eyes and a strong mouth, too. Very lovely.