Loosening Up

From the moment I saw this pose, I liked it and wanted to do a drawing. The first thought that came to mind was a comic book action hero, with the dramatic, action-filled pose, and the interesting camera angle.


So, in keeping with the bold primary colors characteristic of comic books from the 50s and 60s, I jumped right in with red and green as the primary colors for the basic shapes, and blue, another primary, providing the shadows.

Also in keeping with the spirit of the pose, I made sure my strokes bold and free, with less of the blending characteristic or some of my other pastels. I was pleased with the speed and assurance which I worked, and have become better at putting the chalk away, before I think I am finished.

This image marks a bit of a departure, as I begin to explore more dramatic camera angles and foreshortening. I continue to have the figure shapes floating free from the background, yet tied to the edges of the page. The large areas of untouched paper actually is an idea that I picked up while looking at the work of Sam Francis, who I greatly admire. His affinity for strong colors "dancing" on white canvas is very striking.