Figure Drawing In Charcoal
Thought Processes and Techniques for Rendering Mass - By Eric K. Wallis

Table of Contents
How mass drawings differ from line drawings and the thinking behind the techniques. Exploration of some differences between working from photos and working from life.
1. Standing Front View
2. Standing Back View Concentration on light and shadow shapes to create muscle masses and structures of the back. How to use a plumb line.
3. Standing Outdoors Acetone and powdered charcoal make an abstract background seem like a dense forest.
4. Seated Front View Water and powdered charcoal on a gesso'd panel for a soft, abstract tone. How to measure the reference with a pencil and apply the measurements to the drawing.
5. Forshortened Figure Some keys for successful foreshortening. Using plumb and level lines to align shapes. And an explanation of overlapping arches, forms that create a receding illusion.
6. Seated Back View Using head measurements. Contrasting curves of the figure with geometric background shapes. Keeping a drawing loose.
7. Reclined and Foreshortened Drawing from the hip: Using a reference point at the plevis to align the torso, head and legs. Low key drawing and the indroduction of white charcoal highlights.
Gallery of Drawings
Appendices

1. Creating An Even Tone

2. Notes on Hair