Category Archives: Pastel and Conté crayon

I usually like to use these materials for quick figure studies. I prefer to work on a toned pastel paper which functions as a middle ground onto which a few strokes of light or dark or both are enough to stimulate the imagination, allowing the figure, like magic, to emerge.

Figure Drawing February 12, 2018

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After a long (way too long) hiatus, I was finally able to return to figure drawing this week. What a delightful surprise to find that the model was one of my favorites(!). I distinctly remember when he posed for us last (about two years ago). That evening, almost every drawing turned out well, partly because he is/was such a good model: comfortable in his own skin and sensitive to what makes for an interesting pose. In the past (not knowing his name) I had called him Tintin, but as I learned this week his real name in Frederick. Thanks, Frederick!

In addition, during this interim I was able to pick up some additional skin tone pastel pencils and conté crayons which allow for subtle additions of warm accents. Yum!

These two toned drawings are 15 minute studies. Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon onpastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in

Figure Drawing, September 4, 2017

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A new-to-me model last night. Young, lithe and somewhat ambitious at least in her 4 minute posing.

Three 15 minute poses, one above and two below. Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on tinted pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Here below are some 4 minutes studies from last night’s session. charcoal or conté crayon on pastel paper (because I ran out of sketching paper). 32.7 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, August 28, 2017

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One of my favorite models, Soeren. A very tall, very skinny chap, with large hands and feet. Sweet temperament and with a good feeling for what makes for an interesting pose. Actually, he works at out local supermarket so we see each other regularly with his clothes on. Nice.

Three drawings of 15 minute poses done on tinted pastel paper with conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on toned pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

The drawings below are some 4 minute poses from the same evening. They happen to be conté pencil on pastel paper (because I ran out of my usual cheap sketching paper). I’m always happy if a drawing can convey something energetic about the figure. Four minutes (or less) are good for that – but not much more: tonality gets tossed to the wind. 32.7 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, July 31, 2017

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Two fifteen minute poses ended up being keepers from this evening. I like how there is a different chromatic feel reflected in the choice of different papers and the subsequent development of the image.

Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

And a four minute one as well. 30.5 x 40.6 cm. or 12 x 16 in

Figure Drawing, July 17, 2017

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Ina, from Peru or Bolivia (I’m not sure which). She has modeled for us on a number of occasions – when she is in town – because she lives on a boat with her little family, traveling around the world. A very nice lady but not the most inspired model, so I’m glad when a few drawings from the evening make the cut. The highlighted study on the right is actually a good resemblance.

Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on toned pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Below, a few of the four minute poses. Conté crayon on tinted sketch paper. 35 x 50 cm. or 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, July, 3, 2017

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Soeren, one of my favorite models. A tall, lanky guy whose body can never fully fill the page no matter how big the paper may be. The foreshortening in the reclining pose, below left, was particularly challenging so I’m especially happy with the way the final white highlights helped to define his splayed out body.

These three sepia toned drawings (plus one gray) are 15 minute studies. Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Two of the four minute poses below. 35 x 50 cm. or 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, June 5, 2017

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The model tonight was a young girl who (obviously) does a lot of yoga. These kinds of models are quite supple and with a good feeling for interesting poses. Embodied awareness. I’m especially happy with the highlights of the featured image here. I used light yellow, light peach and sepia pastels to contrast with the dark brown of the conté crayon

Below are some 15 minute poses on tinted paper with conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on toned paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

The four minute poses tonight went quickly and well. It’s always delightful to have a good model. 35 x 50 cm. or 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, May 22, 2017

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I find there is something disconcerting about a nude model, who decides to retain their glasses. When drawing, include them or not? If so, the hard lines and hard reflections from the glasses create an element where previously there were only organically flowing shapes. But still, I think the most successful drawing of the evening was the featured one here where the bright white of the glasses’ reflection forms the strongest highlight.

Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on toned pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.

Here below two of the four minute quick poses. Conté crayon on sketch paper. 35 x 50 cm. or 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.

Figure Drawing, May 17, 2017

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There are those rare occasions when a figure drawing session yields a number of drawings that deserve the spotlight. This evening there were three 15 minute poses that turned out rather well. I think the difference is that Bruno (our host) instructed the model (or maybe the model suggested it?) to bring a costume and pose with it, or even to pose semi dressed, in addition to fully undressed. Somehow I always find a partially dressed model more exciting/evocative. Chromatically, too, the situation offers more hues to introduce into the drawing – or not. Because with art it isn’t what you say that makes the difference – it’s what you don’t say.

Three fifteen minute poses. Conté pencil highlighted with conté crayon on pastel paper. 32.5 x 50 cm or 13 x 19 3/4 in.