Large dark areas
Although I'm mainly a graphite artist, I'm not afraid of mixing mediums. Since I've gone larger and larger with my portraits, I've encountered a problem. When I draw say, a brunette, there's so much dark area, thus so much lead to put down, that it takes me longer to do the hair than to do the rest of the portrait. I've tried charcoal, but it just rubs off when I try to blend. I've got myself a compressed stick of graphite that I'm going to try, and if that doesn't work, I've got a black colored pencil and I'm going to try pastels. Any advice on shading those LARGE dark areas?
I'm not sure about the different mediums, but the problem I run into is the consistency of the black tone I am laying down. I am using graphite on Bristol Board and it's hard for me to get it really, really black no matter how many layers I lay down.Also, it starts to get 'shiny' which I don't want. I usually use a 4b to a 6b when putting in solid black. I could use some advice also. Anyone know any way to avoid this?
Re: Large dark areas
I'm a newbie to this site and to seriously trying to improve what artistic talents I have. As a result I've been experimenting with different media.
Hayden--Have you tried Conte crayons? They are harder than charcoal and stick to the paper better. They are square sticks so you can lay them on their side and cover larger areas much quicker.
Re: Large dark areas
A while ago, I stocked up on big, fat 9-b pencils and have been using them to do the massive black backgrounds on most of my pieces. I highly recommend you score some 9-b pencils.
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