Proficiency comes after successfully completing numerous linear Bargue drawings. It is now time to work on light, form and value. Making the Munsell grayscale chart is a great way to understand value, shading, and develop a soft touch. The next exercises and drawings will demonstrate the importance of the value scale.
Michael A. Cooley, Grayscale Chart, 2012, Graphite, Independent Study. This is the Munsell grayscale chart and seamless grayscale strip used to help the artist understand value. It is critical for an artist to understand light, form and value. Light, form and value are the basic elements that gives a drawing realistic 3 dimensional appearance.
Michael A. Cooley, Sphere, 2011, Graphite, Independent Study.
Drawing the sphere is a great exercise for teaching light and how light affect form. When an artist begin making a tonal spherical drawing he/she will notice how light shines on the subject. The sphere will display highlight, light, halftone, shadow, core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow. In the cast shadow there will be a darker (umbra) and lighter area (penumbra).
After successfully gaining the necessary experience of making the Munsell grayscale chart, the seamless value strip and the sphere, I was ready to move on to the next set exercise, copying the Bargue tonal lithographs.
Michael A. Cooley, The Foot of The Gladiator, 2011, Graphite, Independent Study.
The foot of the Gladiator is a Bargue lithograph drawing of an important sculpting. Art students from classical academic programs regularly make copies of the Bargue lithographs prior to taking on the task of drawing plaster casts.
Michael A. Cooley, The Psyche of Naples, 2011, Graphite, Independent Study.
The Psyche of Naples is a beautiful drawing made by Charles Bargue. Many students chose to copy this drawing. Though moderately complex, copying this drawing further builds upon the skills aquired from drawing The Foot of The Gladiator. This is my rendition.
take care until next time,
Michael