Independent Project #2

For my second independent project, I drew the arms and torso of a model skeleton from observation. I used ink pen for my media and stippling as my technique.

To create this piece I first sketched the outlines, shadows, and contours of the skeleton in hard graphite. This was by far the most time consuming part of the process. I didn't use a viewfinder, but I made sure to visually line up the ribs in my field of vision so that I could draw all of the gaps and shadows and overlaps correctly. I then went over all of the lines and contours in pen, making sure to leave my lines for shadows in pencil. I used different pen widths for different contours—thick for the major contours and thin for the minor ones. I then began stippling based on the shadows on the bones. I used a very small pen width for this but used a larger one when I began the background. This piece evolved in that I didn't initially have a plan for the background and considered leaving it blank, but I thought it better to add some shadows using stippling to unify the foreground and background. I also like the texture that stippling creates, especially in anatomical drawings, which is why I decided on the technique. Another way that the piece evolved was that I didn't initially plan to have the right arm extended but I made this change to gain a better balance in the composition.

I chose to draw this skeleton not only because of the inherent intrigue and challenge, but to practice my observational drawing skills. I think that this practice was definitely worthwhile and something I plan to continue. This project relates to my specific interests because I liked the challenge of so many details and overlaps that the skeleton provided which made the process satisfying for me. I think this piece could be stronger if the background had a more gradual value transition and if I had added a little more to the neck, maybe even add some of the jaw so that it would stop nearer to the border. I am most proud of the rib cage and spinal column because I think I not only drew them accurately, I think the stippling is very precise and realistic. This piece shows my strength as an artist in my ability to draw from direct observation, and my weakness in the value transition.