As I was drawing I just began to let my mind and hand wonder a bit. I was being informed by the model but I wanted to try and capture more than just the visual.
My drawing experimentation started with trying new techniques of shading on shorter sketches. I usually do a straight line shading, all in the same direction but that seemed more stylized than I would like. So I just started trying random techniques. This turned into me working much longer on one pose than I previously planned for but it was quite fun.
What I like the most was a variation in line through two different weights of charcoal plus different applications. The line and the value was being informed by the photo, if the area was light I would use the lighter charcoal and draw lighter. If it was shadow I would use a 2 or 3B and draw darker, pressing harder.
But not just shading in an area. I was trying to feel the angle of the body and trace my charcoal over the surface of the skin rather than on the newsprint. I soon found that this technique needed to be controlled though, it was too easy to let go and get way too haphazard with my strokes and line. I felt like I was walking on a thin line balancing between rigid control on one side and abandoned expression on the other. In the end it began to feel more natural, I may do more experimentation in the future.
My work on the Ecorche today let me to finishing up the rib cage. Here is what I learned.
- The first seven ribs are called “True Ribs”
- The next three ribs, 7,8,9, are called “False Ribs”. I think because they merge with the 7th rib close to the front of the chest.
- The last two ribs are “Floating Ribs”. The literally float, they are only attached to the spinal cord are are there to protect your kidneys.
