Initial sketch of baron

Shown below are my first initial sketches of how the Baron may look as I try to build his character in my mind. This process is very useful for several reasons as firstly it feels good to actually get something down on paper that begins developing his character. This exersice also allows me to evaluate my drawing techniques regarding tone and shade. The initial sketch was created using ink and a sharpened bamboo stick, I purposely used only one stick to see if I could get a variety of lines from using the same tool. Using this technique usually leads to each line starting thick and thinning out as you draw across the page as the stick does not hold much ink as there is no reservoir like a pen. Due to this I had to think more carefully about which direction lines should go and where to begin each line. This also meant that I was unable to create a more delicate image as would have been possible with a fine nib pen. However the benefit of using the bamboo was that it felt much freer than a pen and somehow more natural. This also lead me to be a bit more expressive and not so encased by technical aspects. I feel that the ink drawing does represent the character I was trying to portrait as my first thoughts or images were of the Baron being an older man, hence the reason he has so many tales to tell. The sagging skin under his eyes and cheekbones are testament to his age, the large bushy eyebrows also add to his demeanour. Trying to capture the essence of a man who has experienced life and endevoured countless adventures is the biggest challenge, one which has begun well with this sketch. Working with ink usually gives a lack of tonal range but using the bamboo allowed for deep thick lines and then also some delicate lines when there was little ink left on the stick. Some areas I have managed to create tone by using deliberate lines in a set direction, usually the thicker lines. However the thinner lines are not so deliberate and in some places are rather more loose to try and create texture and shading. Shading areas using this drawing technique was mostly thinking about shadows. The darkest areas are that of the Baron's hat, under his hat, nose and chin with shadows also being cast by his wig. His cheekbones and chin were deliberately left with very little mark making to highlight the areas of light on his face. Generally this has been an improvement on my exercise a number of weeks ago but there is still room for vast improvements in my mark making which will come with practise. The second stage was to introduce colour to try and further enhance tone and shade. To do this I used coloursoft pencils which immediately brought the Baron more to life. Rather than trying to blend colours into one another I wanted to try and continue with mark making. The technique seems to have added to determining the age of the Baron. The additional lines on his cheeks add to the looseness of his skin defining him as an older man although his nice brightly coloured eyes hint at the abundance of life within him. Using different shades of colour allowed for a greater contrast in tonal range and adds to the overall shading as lighter areas are far more prominent. The weakest area of this drawing on both is the wig, the detail level does not match the rest of the drawing, this is a lesson I shall take forward and try to develop.