10 minute poses in charcoal

Lon Haverly · 06-13-2003, 02:28 PM

Here is a sketch in vine charcoal done on charcoal paper of a couple who posed individually at my kiosk. It took twenty minutes. 18" x 24"

I once saw a portrait artist at a fair with a sign which read, "A smudge and a smear - your likeness will appear!"

Here is one for the smudgers.

Linda Brandon · 06-17-2003, 12:54 AM

Hi Lon,

Good to see you posting again! Thanks for posting such a relaxed and pleasant drawing. I'm continually amazed that you are able so work so quickly.

Lon Haverly · 06-18-2003, 01:56 AM

Hi, Linda!

I enjoy drawing not-so-pretty people without improving or flattering them. These two had teeth issues, but were not self-conscious about it. I like to bring out the best without changing things. That is part of portraiture, and also part of the joy of working from life, and not getting to choose who the next subject will be.

Charcoal is a wonderfully sponteneous medium, and great for public drawing. It is flambouyant, expressive and fun. You don't have to think. Talk about drawing from the right side - hah! How about no side!

John Zeissig · 06-18-2003, 09:30 PM

Hello Lon,

It

Lon Haverly · 06-18-2003, 10:09 PM

Well, John, I am flattered that you try to reproduce my drawing techniques. My style really is nothing more but the shortest route from start to finish. If you think about it that way, the choices that you make will determine your style, too. That is what is so cool about charcoal.

In this subject, I drew the lady first, but when I drew the man, I had him put his right elbow on his knee for the close-in effect.

Before I start drawing, I place my spreaded hands approximately where the two heads will be on the layout.

Keep up the public drawing, John!