Neal

Compressed charcoal on Fusain. This is Neal Schon, one of the founding members of the band Journey, who after 20 some years has been resilient of the band's existence and music journey.

Charcoal of this form is a challenge, and the ribbed texture of Fusain paper's adds to it. One has to master that subtle touch of the charcoal against the paper to get that effect you want. Once you have that accidental smudges you cannot forgive yourself because it's hard to erase them. You end up adopting them to something else and make them part of the equation. Careful with your hands and sleeves. 

One of the artists I've seen in youtube has a little notebook he uses on the side where he has a tiny study drawing of his subject and  some notes with it. As he starts his drawing he already has a plan laid out. I think that's a great and smart idea. Although it's not a common practice, but it is a great tool to remind you of the things to be done, saves your time figuring out what to do next. I like the idea of keeping you on track to your goal, and not going by your instinct as you go along. It's more driven purpose.

Compressed charcoal on charcoal Fusain paper. 12x18. Signed prints will be available soon. 

I'm trying to adopt some new ball game other artists are using- the compressed charcoal on Fusain. I have always stayed away from compressed sticks because I find it uncomfortable rubbing those sticks against a paper. I can't have that full control with them. And it's messy.  But compressed charcoal has this distinct effect on the drawing that it makes your art so "painterly", not the ones that one could hardly tell a finished work from a real picture. It takes out the "artsy look". 

This us supposedly Leo DiCaprio. The reference was a recent picture of his latest movie "The Wolf of Wall Street".

John M

Charcoal on 18x24. Gray toned paper. I included WIP pics to show you the process. 

I listen to Pandora while doing art. There has to be some good music to put me in the mood. I listen mostly to Ennio Maricone music, some movie themes, and classical music. I discovered some small string groups, quartets and duos, who play familiar pop music like classical rock, Michael Jackson's, Stings, Kathy Perry, Lady Gaga and the likes. It's very refreshing. Once in a while when something strikes my attention I have to check who's playing. And that's what's so awesome about Pandora, they feature the artist and the album where they pulled out  a particular song. In any case I want to purchase a song I know which album to find them.

If you haven't tried it, you should give it a shot how Pandora music helps.

D Day Lewis

Caricature of Daniel Day Lewis in ball point ink. 8.25x11 inches. 

Mo' Dinero

Caricature of Robert De Niro. Bigger eyes and nose, and narrower mouth. I'm not really quite sure of what I want here- less conviction. I didn't think more of it before I launch an attempt to draw. 

Lesson here is to plan what you want to do in your creation, and to articulate that in a simple but effective way.  

Mr. T

Caricature of Mister T. This is another easy drawing I did. I love it when I don't have to struggle, and come out with the result I want.  Unfortunately, it's not always the case, but struggles should always be a learning tool. As the old cliche goes, no pain, no gain. 

Natalie

Caricature of Natalie Portman in ballpoint ink. 8.25x11 inches.

There are characters that imaginations come easy even before I finish the drawing like this one. Others are just a struggle that no matter what I do, no number of attempts can get me the kind of result I'm looking for. I think it would be a true test of skill if I can do a good caricature of anybody regardless.