Faces in Charcoal

Every September, we have the pleasure of welcoming Irene Pantelis. Irene is an exceptional artist and a wonderful teacher, who brings with her a natural sense of calm and serenity.

Today, our class was truly eclectic. The biggest challenge was trying not to get our hands too messy with charcoal 😊.

Photos by Flavia Pensavalle

Even so, the results were surprising. Each participant brought their own personality and a favorite photo as the basis for this exercise.

Photo by Flavia Pensavalle

Next Friday, we will continue this journey with another Open Studio Portrait Session in Charcoal.

This time, without our beloved “maestra”, we will practice together, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For the ones who want to join us

The technique we used was quite simple:

• we started by creating a grid

• then transferring the proportions onto a blank sheet of paper.

That is really the “secret” - draw the grid first, then gradually erase it as you develop the drawing.

By following the small squares of the grid, you can reproduce the proportions accurately and bring the portrait to life!

This method works on any type of paper with enough weight (or texture) to hold the charcoal.