Finding the large areas of value helps to establish the negative and positive space in and around the figure. This step should be done before any calligraphic, high contrast lines are added. There is no detail in this first step. You will find the figure retains its gestural quality when you use a brush and ink.



Note that the artist has used charcoal and graphite pencil - how has the change in media effected the gestural feel of the piece? There are very few actual lines yet this piece is well defined and has a strong sense of form. The artists has clearly defined their light source through the use of medium and dark value shapes.



The artist has used a strong calligraphic line to define the contour and cross contour lines within the figure. It is important to work within the figure to develop a sense of volume, this piece has very little value development. Your project objective is to use calligraphic gestural lines (both contour and cross contour) to create a figure with strong visual movement. You are also to use value development as you build the figure - this will create strong positive and negative space - the figure should have a an obvious light source.