Roche
 

Charcoal and white charcoal on Canson, 22"x 18"

Here's a sketch from last week, via a group I am lucky enough to paint with on Fridays. The older I get, the slower I seem to get:) In a 2-3 hour stint, I can never get far enough in oil to feel like I am doing much useful pracitce.

And wouldn't you know it, I show up with only charcoal, and we have a gorgeous model, rich in color, great clothing. Sigh.

You've done a strong head and sense of character. I like it a lot Chris, especially the way you handled edges along the outside. In 3 hours maybe I'd finally get set up and ready to start in oils :D

Even in your big, full color oils, there is a sense of freshness and immediacy that are direct kin to drawings such as this. There's great character and movement in this profile. I get a sense of richness which - in a way - suggests color.

I'm with Carl on this one. I can paint a gourd or perhaps a wine bottle in a 2 hour session. A portrait? Oof, I really need to be on fire to have that happen.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Chris,

Rob is right. Even without "color" your work is exuberant and exuding with color effects! There is so much energy and life in this portrait. The way you use black and white, they are colors. Well done!

Garth

Gentlemen (and yes, you are),

Thanks for your very kind words. The white charcoal pencil is a wonderful tool, since it can be handled delicately (not my strong suit!), and still leave room to go lighter and brighter with a touch of White NuPastel.

Gratitude
 

Chris, EVERYTIME I see one of your paintings I am filled with gratitude that I can study with you at Scottsdale Artists' School. Your work exhibits the very qualities that I wish someday to demonstrate in my own paintings: beauty and strength. I know that certain music can bring forth a rush of instant, unplanned emotion, but so does seeing your beautiful work. Just the act of seeing your work, Bill Whitaker's, Linda Brandon's and Sharon's K.'s, causes something to grab me around the throat and make me want to cry. What IS that?!!!

My appreciation for your insightful expertise grows with every painting that I paint, guessing at the hours of effort that have gone into the creation of such paintings ... a humbling experience.

Carol Norton

Carol,

Your kind words have made my day. Thanks.

Wow, what a goregous piece Chris. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Wow Chris, I agree with all above!

This looks like a drawing that would take more hours than three, but it has the spontaneity of a quick sketch, meaning your work is so fresh and never overdone!

I keep your book in my lap, you would think a bit of this had rubbed off by now! ;)

So strong and fresh and lush, like so much of your work! Congratulations on a lovely drawing, Chris.