3-1c: Reverse Drawings

White on Black

When white is surrounded by black, the optical contrast between the two values is intensified. The black looks blacker, and the white looks whiter. Chiaroscuro artists such as Caravaggio used strong value contrasts to convey dynamic drama in their compositions.

Drawing with white charcoal on black paper is essentially working in reverse. With a sketch that’s on white (or light-colored) paper, you’re typically starting with light shading and working towards deep shadows. The opposite is true when working on black paper; a dark ground is already there, so you've got to transition from pitch black to medium grey to bright white marks.

You will create 4 reverse value drawings for this activity.

Exercises 1 & 2 are due by 6pm, W (4/15)

Post them to the Critique Padlet: https://austincc.padlet.org/courtneycone/bdo9922j07fqd7rq

Materials—

• black paper/cardstock— 4 sheets, at least (8x10”)

  • • You can cut a single 16x20” (or larger) sheet into 4 smaller sheets

    • Black illustration/poster board is okay to use, but DO NOT use the glossy/coated side—the charcoal won’t adhere to it.

    • Paper with a rough texture (“tooth”) will provide better grip for your charcoal.

• white charcoal (compressed/pencil)

• black charcoal (compressed/pencil), for drawing #4 (only)

• blending stumps and/or small paintbrush (to blend charcoal)

• kneaded eraser

• Black or dark paper/fabric

• Blank paper/sheets to protect your 4 drawings (tracing paper, plain paper, parchment paper, etc.)

  • Note— you can also spray a light coat of hairspray or fixative on it after you finish. You won’t be able to erase anything after it’s sprayed (unless you use a “workable” fixative).

• Optional (recommended): directional light source (lamp/clamp light)

Exercise #1: White Object (White Charcoal on Black Paper)—

1. Draw your object using white charcoal (compressed and/or charcoal pencil) on black paper.

2. Create convincing volume in your sphere, shade/blend the values (light to dark).

3. Background should be black; object should have a shadow.

Take your time!

WHEN YOU FINISH #1—

• Take a photo of your drawing.

• Cover your drawing with a sheet of tracing paper (you can also use printer paper or parchment paper) to keep the charcoal from smearing/smudging or falling off the paper.

Upload your photo to the Critique Padlet: https://austincc.padlet.org/courtneycone/bdo9922j07fqd7rq