I’ve been trying to make up for my lack of formal art training by taking a few art classes. Here are a couple of charcoal studies on newsprint. Unlike the comic style I usually work in, I’m trying to convey form and volume with light and shadow as opposed to relying on line work.
In the second image I was trying to capture the strong light source at the top left as well as the power of the pose. I think I was somewhat successful.
I’ve found I’m pretty messy with charcoal and usually forget it’s on my hands. Afterwards I look like a mechanic that’s just come out from 7 hours under a VW Microbus.