After watching Stan’s Critique video I decided to go back and do a completed version of the Bernie Wrightson skull study. This time focusing on one piece instead of multiple I found was much more beneficial for my line. The most useful thing I got from this study was I discovered I could do much more with my graphite pencil than I originally thought and used a big range of strokes on this study.

Here are my line studies of Bernie Wrightson. I settled on Bernie because of his use of line weight to indicate light and shadow. I love the illusion of depth on these pieces as the lines get thicker and bigger the farther away from the light they are so I tried to capture that. I tried my bets to ignore the anatomical and shadow shapes and focus purely on the lines. My understanding improved as I moved on to the skull and standing figure but I think I may have started copying at some points in the face since it was my first attempt. I also tried to ignore my personal taste for style during this project since it’s more about how the use of line makes these pieces interesting and not meant as something to develop my personal style since I am still a beginner. If anyone has any tips on how to properly study masters to better my skills without becoming distracted by the spectacle of their style and just start copying the piece instead I would really appreciate it.

I chose to try the contour and the shadows.

Here are my attempts. The first image is Hierarchy of Importance and the second is Light and Shade. The light and shade attempt was a little confusing but I think I understand what to look for when simplifying shadows to lines. Feedback is appreciated!

Here are my attempts at the warmup exercises. These felt great in that they are challenging enough to get me in the zone for a drawing session.

Here are my attempts plus the references used. The first second page was a result of me not being satisfied with the first page as I kept trying to find something that would work.

Here is my first attempt at the level one project images. Looking at them now it feels like I might have been too stiff. Feedback is appreciated!

Here is something I drew just from my head on the spot. I wanted to see if I understood what the video is trying to demonstrate. I am not moving my arm robotically to get these lines but I’m not sure if they are actually tapering like they should. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Here are my attempts at the tapered stroke. The first one was done in lead with the side of the pencil and I felt more loose but the lines were too messy. I then redid it with a dull blue carbon pencil and I had trouble feeling the taper of my strokes but I feel it came out better.

Here is part 1 of my results after the 2 - week drawing project.