Elsie

Elsie's Winter Coat   charcoal/pastel   17 x 10.75

is a simple drawing.  My challenge:  using toned paper.  Using toned paper is something that appeals to many artists...it adds a twist to the usual black and white.  What we must keep in mind is that its inherent value must be considered as part of the drawing itself.  I started with a light midtone....values went up and down from there.  A band of ruptured color was added for excitement.  I tried to understate the spots while concentrating on the form of the cow.

Also a plus:  using a piece of paper that I had been hoarding for many years...its original intention completely forgotten.  That added some excitement to the mix.