Charcoal Series I: Million Dollar Smile by Kurt Garrett

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 Charcoal drawing from a photo. Dimension 18" x 24".

The synthesis of a charcoal drawing can give you a first-hand look at how to transform a piece of paper into an illusion using tones and lines. I think it's funny to think that an image can be inspired from charcoal and paper. Meanwhile, I am constantly looking for ways to extend a pretty rigid approach to drawing.

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Charcoal Series I: Full Hair by Kurt Garrett

Charcoal Drawing. Dimension: 18" x 24".

This charcoal drawing moves closer to finding the essence of a portrait.Laying charcoal down in layers at times resembles painting with water colors or other wet media.

Charcoal Series I: Red Popped Lips by Kurt Garrett

Charcoal drawing, Dimension: 18" x 24".

The charcoal is not gentle compared to pencil but has a quality that allows me to sculpt the face. Additionally, naturally high contrast (chiaroscuro)  adds a dramatic effect to the subject. The red 'popped lips' is pencil but I am anxious to try the same wit colored pastel.

Charcoal Series I: Bright Eyes by Kurt Garrett

Charcoal Drawing from Photo. Dimension 18" x 24".

This is the first in a series of charcoal drawings on paper aimed at finding the characteristics and particularly the limitations of charcoal. Compared to pencil (graphite of lead), charcoal is faster but does not blend as smoothly. Charcoal gives a rougher feel to a portrait but a classical art-feel. And charcoal is messy...but worth it.

Pencil Drawing: Man with Locks by Kurt Garrett

Man with Locks. Pencil. Dimensions: 11" x 14".

Pencil Drawing: Lady with Hat by Kurt Garrett

Drawing, Lady with Hat, 11" x 14"

This drawing of a typical hat-wearing congregationalist seek to capture the sassy bold attitudes often seen in churches and royal weddings.

Drawing Bilventionaire Avatar for Twitter by Kurt Garrett

Bilventionaire Avatar for Twitter. Pencil on paper. Dimensions: 11" x 14".  

                                              

The word Bilventionaire combines the words "invention" with billionaire. The artist uses Bilventionaire to describe an inventor/creator whose work output is equal to at least a billion dollars (USD). The avatar features a drawing of billionaire Mark Cuban with inventor Kurt Garrett and is used to draw attention to the need to bridge invention with finance to spur commercialization.

A Heart-Warming Story of A Rediscovered Artist

Vivian Maier- Photograper

I found this story on twitter and found it delightful. This woman completed an astonishing amount of work while working as a domestic primarily. At a property sale, the owner of the negatives, prints and undeveloped film bought 33,000 negative for $400. He found more stored materials and purchased them, at probably the same price, more or less. To date, the present value is unknown and priceless! What a great find for him and art-lovers. Get the full story at: http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com/ .