Thanks Mischa, that is very clear. I am very motivated to do it seriously.
More questions: which paper? Simple Fabriano liscia ? Is there anything else I need?
The book is arriving just two days before I leave and I am an early packer and won't be able to run around in art shops at the last minute anyway.
I used to do graphite work when I started my illustration course, using points as sharp as needles and a very light hand. I hope I will be able to do it again, haven't been working like that for twenty years...
Ilaria

Ciao Ilaria, I wish I was going to Italy. I hope to stop in to get some Umbria the end of August. You can get all the supply's you need in Italy except the kneaded rubber I prefer. Sharp point and a light hand is what you will use here as well. So, you of to a good start. ;-)

we used a light toned of white Canson. Not to much tooth but enough to hold the graphite. Think about a smooth finish rather than the grainy look.
Sand paper pad,
Knife to sharpen your pencils.
2B 7mm led and led holder work fine.
A board to tape your paper on side by side,
string for measuring, make sure the string does not stretch and red is good
ruler to draw the plumb line with but all measuring is done with the string and by eye
kneaded rubber I prefer Design 1225 brand, it if soft but it is firm when you need a sharp edge. others are to soft. do not get a white kneaded rubber
a pencil type eraser that you can sharpen
a #2 da Vinci synthetic brush which you fill trim to a length of half a cm
a soft stomp

I think this is all you will need.

Think about copying a simple figure line drawing as well, good one to start with is Plll, 1&3. You can tape these on the other side of your board.

If you have any questions in regard to the proper setup, how to get started just let me know.

All the best

Dear Ilaria,

I don't know how you would overcome the perspective distortion by working at other that a vertical easel.

Well, I was just trying to be lazy and get away with it, my easel is spoiled, it loves to come on holiday in Tuscany every year...
I.

Ilaria,
You could use the cabinet door and tape the ref and drawing side by side.
Have a nice holiday.
Allan

Hi Ilaria,

When I'm on vacation, I just tape my Bargue 2D studies to the wall someplace and sneak away to work on them when nobody wants me for anything.

Bargue Plates
 

Ok, Bargue Groupies, how do I obtain/buy these wonderful training drawings? I use the airport, and other down-times to draw from life, but I'd love to have these wonderful training devices when I'm not out among 'em.

On The Move Art Training, vacation the airport etc.

If anyone wishes to get the most out of the Bargue drawings then they should not think that this can be done while on the move. I speak from experience. If you think otherwise you are or have shortchanged your self. The Bargue drawings need more attention than one can give while on the fly.

When on the move, I recommend, take with you a A5 sketch pad, 2B pencil, a kneaded eraser, and with these and the John H. Vanderpoel The Human Figure book in you hand, you will receive the training that you are looking for. You will, if you draw all the sample drawings in this book. Another excellent training tool is shape exercises.

Sincerely yours,
mischa