Broadstroke on Stonehenge

Cosmos, graphite on Stonehenge paper, 9in x12in,
work in progress

This post is about using broadstroke pencil technique (used by Ted Kautzky and Ernest Watson) on Stonehenge paper.

Recently, I did a sketch of some cosmos that made me wonder whether I could get a nice effect with broadstroke technique on Stonehenge paper. Above you see the beginnings of my first trial run. Below is a run-down of my thoughts.

Broadstroke on Stonehenge:

• Broadstroke does get a nice smooth effect on Stonehenge paper. Although, I wish that I had remembered to flip the paper over, as I think I prefer the back side.
• Technique is clearly paramount when using broadstroke, I will still have to work on getting an even effect in large areas.
• This was done with a 6B lead. I'd really like to get a 9B in my next supply order, as I think it would be easier to get the darks that I am looking for.
• The effect of broadstroke on smooth paper is effective for flowers - it gives them a nice delicacy.
  

Quick Portrait

Portrait of Jeanette Jobson,
work in progress, 12 in x 12 in

This is a work in progress portrait that I started last night. The subject is the ever intriguing and ever kind Jeanette Jobson. Thanks to Jeanette for letting me use the photo for a little practice.

This was done with a 6B lead in my lead holder on drawing paper. I did some of this with the broad stroke technique, but not all of it. The paper isn't great for that sort of stroke, but it was good to try doing a portrait with it.

Clearly, there is more work to be done!

Ted Kautzky Book

I found the book above on clearance last weekend for $1. I'm so thrilled. It is a catalog of Ted Kautzky's work and contains some biographical information as well. I didn't know that this book existed, so I'm thrilled. I may still treat myself to a copy of the The Ted Kautzky Pencil Book (all four of his pencil instruction books in one volume).

Anyway, above you also see a quick copy of a sketch of his that I did. It isn't complete, there were more buildings behind the trees. I just love how the shapes of the foreground and background elements cut into one another. The rule about having light and dark next to each other is applied all over. With the broadstrokes Kautzky is able to create strong tone for the architecture and also the feathery lightness of the tree wisps hanging down.

Looking through the book, Kautzky drew some magnificent trees. He spent time in architecture as well and it shows, his handling of perspective and structure are excellent.

What's Ahead on Rose's Art Lines

Sketch of a rose from my garden while enjoying a summer's evening
Done in small hand.book journal

I've recently completed 325 posts on this blog! WOW. I have enjoyed it far more than I ever thought possible. Also, I have learned more than I thought possible! So, I definitely want to continue on. However, I am going to take a break from blogging for the next three weeks or so. I think a little break away will help me recharge the batteries.

I can't bear to leave the blog "empty" for that long, so I've set up a few posts to publish while I'm on break. The posts will be coming on Mondays and Thursdays for the next three weeks. I will let myself back into blogging in mid-July.

You'll have a week for each of the following topics:

• Broadstroke Experiments
  
• A look at my neighbor's lovely flowers
• Some art history gems
• Goals and Goals Reviews
  

Broadstroke Experiment

Above is a sketch I did while watching the children play outside the other night. I tried using the broadstroke technique I've been reading about. Thanks to Jeanette of Illustrated Life I changed out the lead in my new lead holder from a 2H to an HB. It still doesn't give me a full range, but it is better. I'll be on the lookout for softer leads.

Something about this technique really intrigues me. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it work for me, but I'm definitely into trying!