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 2 reverse value drawings for this activity— a portrait

Exercises 3 & 4 are due by 6pm, M (4/20)

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

Materials

• Reflective/Transparent Object (glass cup/bottle, water bottle w/label removed, glass vase, etc.)

  • NOTE— if you don't have access to these objects/can't set up a still-life at home, you can choose one of the photos in this folder to draw: Glass Still Life Reference Photos

• 1 (~8x10") sheet of black paper

• white charcoal (compressed/pencil)

• Kneaded eraser

• Blending stumps, cloth, q-tips or small paintbrush (to blend charcoal)

• Cover sheet for drawing

• If drawing from observation/setting up a still life at home:

  • black or dark paper/fabric

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

Instructions for Exercise #3: Reflective/Transparent Object Still Life

READ: How to Draw Glass (from The Drawing Source)— https://www.thedrawingsource.com/how-to-draw-glass.html

This demo shows you how to draw a glass object from observation. It's an excellent step-by-step tutorial with photos. I recommend opening it on a new tab to refer to while you work.

Drawing from Observation—

1. Set up: place your glass (liquid optional) on a lighter surface with a darker background. You can use a spotlight/lamp to give more value contrast (optional).

2. Take a photograph of your glass still life.

3. Next, lightly sketch the still life onto black paper with either a pencil or white charcoal pencil.

4. Use your white charcoal (sticks/pencils) to render the drawing with value, showing surface quality, highlights/shadows to create depth.

5. Use your blending stumps and/or small paintbrush to blend your charcoal.

6. Use your kneaded eraser to clean up any smudges or stray marks from your white charcoal.

7. Optional: you can add layers of black charcoal to blend and darken the background/black paper (if you choose).

Drawing from Reference Photo—

1. Choose one of the photos in this folder to draw: Glass Still Life Reference Photos

2. Follow steps 3-7 (same as drawing from observation).

WHEN YOU FINISH #3—

• 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.

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

• (1) photo of your still life (or reference photo)

• (1) photo of your drawing

Exercise #4: Portrait

1. Look through the portrait photos in this folder: Reverse Drawing Portraits

2. Select one of these portraits to draw.

   • NOTE: if you prefer to use a different portrait photo, make sure you choose a black & white photo with chiaroscuro (high contrast) lighting; try searching for film noir portrait (or similar)

3. I recommend you print your portrait photo and use the printed copy as your drawing reference. If you can't print your photo, its okay, just work from your screen.

4. I made print-ready (upside down) copies of the photos in the Reverse Drawing Portrait Folder. They are all sized at 8"x10" and can be printed on 8.5"x11" paper. You can access them here: Upside Down Portraits

Once you have your reference photo—

5. Follow the steps in the (above) video tutorial to draw your upside down portrait with white charcoal on black paper.

6. Use your white charcoal (stick/pencil) to fill in the the lightest values/shapes, match the value shapes/lines you see (don't try to "draw" features or add anything that you don't see in the photo).

7. Use your blending stumps and/or small paintbrush to blend your charcoal to create depth; use your kneaded eraser to add shadows (remove charcoal).

8. Take your time, and don't turn your drawing right side up until you are finished!

WHEN YOU FINISH #4—

• 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

If you used your own photo, please upload a copy of it to the critique padlet!