Portrait sketching of a woman on toned paper.

"Drawing includes three and a half quarters of the content of the painting. Drawing contains everything except the hue." Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres 

With experience we all realise the significance of the words as mentioned above in the beautiful quote by a Master artist.

In 2006, I created a series of portraits using the acrylic and charcoal medium. Back then I was not using toned paper for my charcoal works. After having worked with charcoal and white pastel pencil on toned paper I have developed a tremendous liking for it. Therefore I have decided to take this passion further by sketching portraits on a regular basis. It is challenging though as it requires an in depth understanding of facial anatomy. However I know from experience that by consistently working on a subject will definitely enhance my knowledge. Moreover I believe that learning is a process which has no boundaries. The learning curve steadily climbs up with time.

The charcoal portrait that I just completed is of  a "Woman from Kutch, Gujarat"with traditional jewelry. The morning rays of the sun are fall on her face, casting beautiful shadow of her nose ring. The light and shadow play on the face makes an interesting composition in portrait sketching. It helps me create a range of values. While creating this portrait I wanted to capture the glow, the happiness on her face. I have used Camlin charcoal pencil and Creatacolour white pastel pencil to create this portrait

The Glow
Charcoal sketching on Grey hand made paper
Size 6"X 8"

For portrait sketching I have always enjoyed selecting  "Traditional Indian women" with their colourful attire and exquisite jewelery as it speaks so much about the rich culture of the place that they come from. To browse through some of my other portrait works you can visit my PORTRAIT page.

Many of my paintings are available for sale and if you wish to purchase any of them you can Contact me for further information about the same. 

Portrait study work

Small portrait study work created on hand made paper using Conte a Paris white pastel pencil, General white pastel pencil, and Camel soft charcoal pencil. 

I am going to create a series of such portraits as and when I get time to get a better understanding of portrait sketching and drawing.

Portrait study work

Charcoal and white pastel pencil work on grey hand made paper

Size 5" X 7"

When I first did my Portrait study work on a grey paper, it was more of an experiment to see how it will work out and I had no idea that I will get addicted to doing this series. I am already on the next one which I am creating on Canson mi teintes paper which has a great texture on which charcoal and pastel get fixed with great ease. Will post it once it is done. 

Charcoal sketching of another tree trunk

In my last post I mentioned about having come across some beautiful trees and tree trunks

in Lonavala. After having created one tree trunk sketching, I decided to do another one. This

particular tree as in the image below caught my eye because of the deep hollow midway and the texture of the bark.

It is interesting to observe the different features that each tree has on its body and it gets more

interesting when the pencil movement has to be changed in order to get the texture forms.

The more I draw and sketch, the more I observe trees as I am travelling and I realise that today

I see more details in trees than just a simple standing form in nature. 

To me art is a lot about observational skills. We observe, we understand and then we put it down on paper. Creating something from nothing.

The handmade paper that I have used for this work is from Sun Enterprises in Fort as 

mentioned in my last post.

Standing Alone

Charcoal and white pastel sketching on grey handmade paper

Size 6" x 8"

I have personally liked this handmade paper and would recommend it to all those who use charcoals and pastels. It has a smooth side too but I have not used it so far but will try it out soon. I have started a portrait, a beautiful Indian face on the same paper and would be posting the image soon.

You can also view my works on Fine Art America and if you love Ethnic Home Decor products

visit my BLOG to browse through my designer NAMEPLATES.

Tree from Lonavala - sketching on toned paper

"Drawing is not the same as form; it is a way of seeing form." Edgar Degas

During my last visit to Lonavala, I came across some tree trunks with beautiful forms and shapes and interesting textures of the bark. I always marvel at "Nature's creations". There is so much art all around us. So perfect and so beautiful.

I decided to do the tree trunk on a textured steel grey hand made paper that I had recently

 picked up from Sun Enterprises at Bora Bazaar, Fort. This shop has a variety of hand

 made papers and some of them can be used for charcoals and pastels. One has to try

them out.

Tree Trunk

Charcoal and pastel painting on hand made paper

Size 6" x 8"

Posting an image of the three tools used to create this art work.

A. Camel soft charcoal pencil

B. General white pastel pencil

C. Kneaded eraser

Hope this helps. Thanks for browsing through my works and if you like my works please do leave your comments. 

Another tree sketching in charcoal and white pastel - by Manju Panchal

Using coloured sheet of CANSON MI TENTES paper, created another charcoal sketching of a tree using CONTE charcoal pencil and white pastel pencil and chalk.

Branching out

Charcoal and white pastel work on Canson paper

Other details regarding the tools used can be found on my earlier post wherein I have posted an

image of pencils and pastels used in creating a similar work.