Portrait of 'Jackie Kao'

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Here's another charcoal piece, it's done on 18" x 14" Fabriano paper called 'Celeste'. The color is much nicer than on screen. Most of the stronger white highlights have been played down, and some of the softer ones are practically washed out. The highlights are my favorite part of this piece, but I can't get it to come out right in Photoshop. Strange tho, that the blacks look pretty good. Thanks for looking.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

I was able to get a better idea of the overall color, but the white highlight is still not as intense as it should be. I have also included a closeup of the hatching.

[Rob Sullivan]

Sweet, I get to go first!

Great hatching in this, Jimmie. Thanks for the closeup (which, btw, shows a better separation of contrast for some odd reason) of your technique.

Your style, though readily apparent, does not detract from the drawing nor does it obfuscate the correct values (did I just say 'obfuscate'? ). This is a good example of how hatching with intent to show form is so much more successful than hatching for its own sake.

Nice stuff, as usual, Jimmie. I marvel at your output! Keep 'em coming!

[Richard Huante]

Excellent as always, Jimmie. You are a true master of your craft. I like the texture of the paper you used.

Best wishes,

[Andrea Cranmer]

Just stunning! Your compositions are as wonderful as your technique. Care to share any tips on composition? Or is it all instinctual? Thanks for sharing another great one with us.

[Patricia Joyce]

Really nice, Jimmie. I especially like the pose, the angles of her head to her neck to her collarbone. She is almost moving in this!!! Really reaches out to the viewer, with emotional pull. And, of course, I will be studying your hatching - I love it!!

[Jimmie Arroyo]

did I just say 'obfuscate'

You confused me too. I try to make each mark have its place in the picture, rather than just throwing them around.

Or is it all instinctual

I think almost everything I do is by instinct. If I think about it too much, I believe it becomes stale. It's tricky sometimes, especially with the hatching because I have an idea on where to place them, but at the same time I can't let myself follow a plan, or the process won't be enjoyable and it will show.

Hey Patricia, spooky, but I was just thinking about you because I noticed you have not updated your drawing in over a week, and here you are!

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

[Patricia Joyce]

Hi Jimmie,

Yeah, I have to start over on Christine in profile, but was sidetracked by some elective surgery. I haven't been able to draw worth a darn because of pain or pain meds. But each day is better and I am really itching to start her again.

I't nice to be missed!

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Jimmie,

I have seen several of your drawings and I am amazed of the energy they radiate.

You talk of hatchings. That is your only tool in this exercise and I believe that it would be natural that you follow your heart and evolve the style wherever it takes you.

Allan