Hello Charcoal, My New Friend!

I am taking an awesome class right now taught by Misty Mawn. Last week I was introduced to toned paper and charcoal. Specifically, how to manipulate the charcoal on the paper. LOVED it! So I've been experimenting. These photos are in order from my most recent (top) to my first attempt (at bottom). I finished the top photo last night (my favorite so far). I don't know why there is a green tint at the bottom of the photo. I don't have any green in this.  :/

Here I was experimenting with more loose strokes; something that is very hard for me. I immediately want to blend, blend, blend! :-) But I love the raw look of the effect when other artists use it. I have a lot of practicing to do before I get it the way I want it to look. Still not enough marks on this one:

Here I was going for tones and blending. I actually like this one:

This was my first attempt with the charcoal. Kind of rough but I was happy to be playing with it and seeing a face come "alive" as I worked:

Now we are working on painting our sketches. I will show my first painting soon.

I hope you are all well. Spring is making a brief appearance here in the next couple of days, then it's back to temps in the mid-30's next week. :'(  Have a great weekend!

Skyline in Winter

Hello! Remember me?  ;) I have had a Looong dry spell with my art. Ugh. That is why there have been no posts. Nothing to show.  :'(

But I am slowly getting back into it. I'm taking a few art classes right now that have really inspired me. This painting came from a lesson in creating backgrounds. It's called "Skyline in Winter". Speaking of Winter, I am OVER it already. Come on Spring!!  :-)

If there is still anybody out there, I'm glad you stuck around. Thank you so much! I am definitely working on more pieces even as I type this (waiting for the paint to dry). More to show soon... Hugs to you all. Have a great weekend!