Working with charcoal on paper
Working with charcoal offers an incredibly powerful medium, characterized by its rich texture and the stark contrast between black tones and highlighted areas. This contrast imbues drawings with an intense emotional depth, while the medium's wide range of values introduces a three-dimensional feel, allowing viewers to experience the artwork's emotion as if present with the subject. My technique involves using smooth paper to minimize texture, enabling fluid renderings. I build up darker areas through layers of charcoal pencil and stick charcoal, blending with a soft cloth to achieve seamless transitions. Highlights are brought forward using a kneaded eraser and pastel pencil, enhancing the drawing's depth. To preserve the integrity of the piece, I wear a glove to prevent oils from my skin from transferring to the paper. This meticulous approach to charcoal drawing ensures that each piece is a vivid embodiment of pure emotion.
Working with oil on canvas and panel board
My oil painting process involves starting with a canvas or panel board that has minimal texture, essential for capturing the finest details in my work. For large-scale pieces, efficiency is key, so I opt for custom-stretched canvases. On these, I meticulously apply and then sand three layers of gesso, ensuring each layer is fully dried before proceeding. This preparation results in a flat, smooth surface akin to that of a smooth panel board, which is ideal for detailed work.
The inherent fluidity of oil paints, coupled with their slow drying time, affords me the opportunity to infuse my subjects with intricate detail, both in color and in form. I find the control that oil painting provides to be exceptionally gratifying. The strategic use of color and a full range of values add depth and dimension to my work, offering viewers an immersive experience, as though they were present with the subject.
