Charcoal Portrait

[Mischa Milosevic]

Thank you Claudemir. The more I work the more I learn.

John, after each completed project, I've come to realize that there is more to learn. That thought, in it self, is like you say "spectacular" in my minds eye.
Thank you for the compliment.

Julie, I thought I saw something before I started and thought to strive for it. Thank you for noticing that something and letting me know that I'm there.

Olena, thank you and keep up the good work. I visited your web page and I can honestly say that art is what you should strive for.

We, as artists, are a strange bunch but its fun when you know you are not alone.

[Paul Foxton]

Mischa, that's an inspiring piece of work, and a very touching subject. I have a funny feeling the parents are going to want that drawing VERY badly!

I have to say, the control you have with charcoal just amazes me. Now where's my Bargue book...

[Mischa Milosevic]

Paul, I debated weather to post this or not but remembering the interest of some in regard to the Bargue method led me to post. Even though the Bargue book seems self explanatory it is not. Don't get me wrong, I think it is a excellent book but there is so much that is missing, like Bargue and the little hints how to.

I'm glad that I was able to given you something.

Wish you the best and keep up the good work. By the way I like your self portrait.

[Paul Foxton]

Thanks Mischa.

It's true what you say about the Bargue book. It has great coverage of the sight size technique but very little on how to apply the charcoal. Now that I'm getting onto the tonal plates I have many questions on that.

Just a thought, but since you have such excellent control over the medium, perhaps you could post something, maybe a demonstration of the techniques you use? I'm sure that I and many others here would find it instructive, if you could spare the time of course.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Paul, if you and others wish, I could take the time and walk you through the steps but you must be ready to do the work. To take photos as I work would be to complicated for me and it would take to much time, the time I just do not have at this time. A photo would not give you what one needs to understand.

So, if you really wish? This will not be easy and be ready to do what I ask.

Pick a plate from 1,5-1,10, out of the Bargue book, and set it up. I have described the set up process in a thread i think it was to Ilaria when she was headed for Italy. When you have the setup done take a photo and post it as a new thread. Anyone else wish to join please do the same. If one does not go through the procedure it will be difficult to understand, even if I explain. Even if one sees it being done, it will not be easy to understand and learn as the one doing it.

All the work on the Bargue plates is first to be done in 2B pencil. If you wish to go straight to the charcoal than I cannot help. I say this because it is difficult enough to learn the process and if you add the managing of the charcoal with it it will be to much to explain.

I hope this makes sense.

[Simon Bland]

Mischa,

It's difficult to believe that in years to come you'll look at this portrait again and say "I wish I had done better".

That's a drawing that you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

Simon

[Paul Foxton]

Mischa, that's very generous of you, I hadn't envisioned anything quite as involved as this, I was thinking more of some pointers on charcoal technique. But I'm game if you are. I don't want to cut into your time, but if you can do this I think it will be useful to lots of other people, not just me. Certainly I'm willing to do the work. If we start this, and at any point it becomes too time consuming for you, please feel free to call a halt. We can always pick it up later.

As it happens, I'm just about to start plate 5 having just finished plate 4. I've done all the plates in charcoal do far, you can see them here:
Bargue plates 1 - 4
That might help to give you some idea of where I'm at currently (I haven't posted the 6 small ears from plate 4 yet, they should be going up on the site tomorrow).

Whilst I'd rather continue with charcoal, I'll be happy to work in a 2B pencil if that's what you recommend. I should be picking up my full size blow up of plate 5 from the printers tomorrow, I'll start the thread once it's set up.

[Tom Edgerton]

The tonal sensitivity in this drawing is amazing.

Well done!

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by Tom Edgerton

The tonal sensitivity in this drawing is amazing.

Well done!

Mischa,
I am in total awe when seeing those values, it has tooth as opposite to being woolly.
The situation is so typical for the age, being present and experiencing the wonders of nature. Dandelion seeds blowing in the wind.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Marina, thank you and I know what you mean.

Allan, I would be in your area hopefully sometimes in the spring. Maybe we can share a few ideas. Thank you my friend.