This was really really cool. I followed along on the first watch, then had to watch the video again because I was caught up in my own drawing and forgot to watch what Steve was doing! This demo was valuable to me for two reasons. The first is the obvious one - the insight into the different ways line, tone, and texture can be used when designing shadows. I love the insight of introducing variance wherever possible, even via unconventional methods like hash marks in the core shadow. The second was Steve's emphasis on playfulness. I definitely can get stuck in the mindset that every mark I make on the page needs to be deliberate - it was nice to be reminded that playing around, pushing and pulling until you like the way it looks is a legitimate way of going about drawing. I can hardly argue with Steve's results - the way the finished product emerged out of his scratching and rubbing was like magic! I'm pretty happy with what I created given that it was my first go and that I was working digital, but I think I'll be doing a *lot* more figure drawings using these techniques until I can apply them consistently.

Steve's demo was very interesting, and I learned a lot from this lesson. I applied some of his advice to my Level 1 practice for the previous assignment. I really liked using the paper pen to make gradation.

Drawing along. This was very insightful, thank you Steven!

Wow, this lesson blew my mind!! I had never really thought about approaching drawing in this way before. Just playful and almost sculpting the image, adding and taking away. Just the part where Steve blended the charcoal into the background was eye-opening to me because I'd normally constrict myself to staying within the boundaries of the initial lay-in. I tried to follow along with the demo which was very helpful. I used graphite pencils because it's all I have, but I am inspired to buy some charcoal now. Thank you Steve!

Just wow. This course has made it possible to follow along with him and understand his decisions. He is doing so many decisions so fast and effortlessly!

A first try along with the video. Wish I would have chosen heavier, smoother paper and I still have to figure out which charcoal types to use for what part. I loved the process though, what a great video and instructions. Thank you :)

Amazing demo from Steve, he is an inspiration. Serious question, how does he wash his hands after getting that much pigment on them? 😯

Followed along in a freezing cold car with just 2b, 3b and putty eraser…added some 8b and even a charcoal pencil at home. Pure mimicry, no decisions loads of mistakes and errors, but… just copying the looseness and freedom and playful way Steve ‘makes marks’ was super relaxing. If I tried this on my own it would just be a ton of questions about the reference and self criticism - is that a core shadow, where should I put the terminator, is the arm too long, how should values around the tricep look etc etc.

hey btw, thanks for last class, my drawings are progressing really well in tonal value.

Wonderful instructor.

Amazing ! This lesson is great. I love the charcoal drawing lessons from Steve Huston and also Stan.

I find Steve's line control to be so wild. I feel like I would never just so quickly but down the detailed curves of the abs or tricep the way he does. It feels like he has so much confidence he can just put down incredible details on the first try. I think I would tend to simplify it as a single curve and maybe add in some slight indication of the detail.

This was very beautiful. I will try to remember to focus on connections.

Wow! What a great surprise for today! I wasn't expecting any new guest content, but I love the Steve Huston guest videos!