Challenge #8: Mixed media #1 (of 4) Cast Eye in Pencil

Three years ago I did an exercise in drawing where I tried to compare different B&W mediums. The goal was to do 4 studies side by side for comparison of the same subject.Every time I started the new drawing I covered the completed examples on the page so as not to be influenced by previous renderings or how I sought to set the values. I thought it interesting to see the differences and similarities as well as the size and placement or any proportional changes. I also thought it a good way to learn the characteristics of how different mediums can give a different "feel" to the same subject which seems more apparent when you see them side by side like this. Thus resulted the "one of four" study page.



"One of Four-Ear" pencil,charcoal, ink, ink wash



   In 2012 it was a cast ear, (who doesn't need practice drawing an ear... right?) so I begin with the obvious pencil. Beside it I drew the same thing with same lighting in charcoal. The third one I tried pen and ink- a micron to be exact with the forth study in ink washes.

"one of Four-Inkwell" pencil, charcoal,ink wash, pen

   The next year I was more interested in exploring an object (inkwell)to get to know it for a future painting idea. I thought the "one of four" exercise would be a good one so I took a 1/4 sheet of printmaking paper, divided it into 4 sections (approximately 4x6) and did little still life studies in my varying mediums: pencil, charcoal, ink wash, pen & ink (micron). I played with the same inkwell, pen and book but instead changed the lighting and composition. I did get to know the object better but I also learned which medium lends better/worse in the size verses importance of detail ratio.



"One of Four-Eye" pencil

  This year it seems fitting to return to a plaster cast so thus I'm trying the eye this time. Same set up, same lighting... different B&W materials in which to render. The first one (as always) is done in pencil.