Head Study ~ Morning Exercise

I know I should exercise. I'm not getting any younger. It would be good for my body and my mind. I know this; yet I don't usually do it on purpose. I find that I do exercise my brain and artistic ability every day though. In some way. Whether painting, drawing, or reading about artists or techniques. And studying other artists works in the hopes of expanding my own painting vocabulary. The drawing you see here is my exercise for the day. Well, not my only exercise, I do have a normal physically active Wednesday ahead of me. But I get a similar endorphin rush from both types of activity.

So, here's to Wednesday. May you also work your mind and your body today. Push yourself past your comfort zone and expand your own vocabulary.

Head Study in Charcoal
Approximately 12" x 16"

Today's head sketch

Did this quick sketch using the Planes of the Head bust I just got. Fun. About 12 x 16", charcoal.

Danny Allen

Danny Allen
Charcoal
Approximately 16" x 14"

Doc

My friend Doc hit a deer while riding his motorcycle and sustained some very serious injuries. There will be a benefit for him at the local park this coming Saturday, July 13th. This drawing will be part of the auction to help raise funds.

Doc
approx. 14" x 18
Charcoal

Guthrie study

I think this is the final on this study of Old Willie, A Village Worthy (1886) by James Guthrie. Guthrie was a member of a group of painters from Scotland known as the Glasgow Boys.

This is charcoal on paper approximately life size.

Buildings

Did this really quick charcoal sketch before work this morning. I like working fast and loose, makes me keep it simple.

Buildings
Approximately 12" x 16", charcoal

Drawing

Here's a picture of me drawing at a recent Bluegrass Festival. I had fun doing the demo and talking to many, many people.

Charcoal Head Study

Just playing with the charcoal a little bit.

Charcoal Head Study
20" x 16"

Kate Ellick

Kate Ellick was 61 years old when she was arrested for being homeless in Australia. She never had a family, or anyone to help her. She was sentenced to three months in prison. This is her mugshot.

I did this drawing over the last two days in my studio during Open Studio hours. Hope you like it. Thanks for looking.

Kate Ellick
20" x 16", charcoal

Inmate 1288

Did this drawing over the last couple of days during open studio hours.

Inmate 1288
20" x 16", charcoal

Barney Ford

Did this portrait this afternoon. This is Barney Ford. He was an escaped slave who prospered and became a prominent entrepreneur and black civil rights pioneer in Colorado. In 1880, Ford became the first black businessman in Breckenridge when he opened Ford’s Restaurant and Chop House. My current studio is next door to the Barney Ford House which he and his wife lived in for many years.

Also including a couple of pics of the snow we're having right now. We're supposed to have up to a foot tonight.

Barney Ford
16" x 20", charcoal

Bean

Bean, 15" x 20", charcoal

Charles

Approximately 15" x 20", charcoal

Johnny Newby

Here's Johnny. When I went to his shop he was changing the oil on his Harley. He told me that bike has over 200,000 miles on it. If you've never met him, you should. A little eccentric, and very intelligent. He wears the cap all the time, hardly ever see him without it.

Approximately 20" x 15", charcoal on distressed Canford Dread Gray paper.

Riley Guffey

Here's one of my grandfather, Riley Guffey. From a photograph taken about 19 years ago.

About 19" x 13", charcoal on Canson Mi-Teintes Sand colored paper

Dooley

Need a yard mowed? Tree trimmed? Dooley's your man.

20" x 15", charcoal

Herman

I talked with Herman a little today, and asked if I could take his picture. He knows me, but doesn't know my name. He drinks a lot, and can usually be found sitting on a bench on the shady side of the courthouse in the middle of our small town. Of course, the shade changes as the day progesses, so Herman moves around a little. He can also be seen walking through town and across the bridge over the Cumberland River, carrying his .22 rifle. Does some rabbit and squirrel hunting.

I showed him the digital pic on my camera, and he said, "There's Ol' Dad!" I think he'll get a kick out the drawing.

Herman, 15" x 20", charcoal

Gus

15" x 20", charcoal

Self Portrait Demonstration

Started this one last night, and took a few pics along the way to show my process. I meant to take more but I get to concentrating and forget. ;)   15" x 20", charcoal

The first pic is a quick 10 minute block-in using pan pastels and a small palette knife/trowel with soft tip as an applicator.

The next pic shows about 30 minutes work with an eraser, trying to find the forms.

Next is the first application with charcoal pencil. I rubbed down with a paper towel. About 30 more minutes.

Here's where I'm at now. This is after white was used, and again rubbed down to get the values closer together. This was about 45 minutes.

The process is about refining with each step. I see things now that need fixing. So each time I go back in, re-draw, brush or rub down, it gets more correct. At least that is the hope.

Worked on it about another hour tonight. I'm including the finish and a detail shot.

Kelly - June 13, 2010