2nd Level Bargue - Summary

 I have put together all the steps from the 2nd level Bargue for you to see the process in one post. The purpose of the Bargue drawings is: learn to measure proportion, value relationships, edge quality between values, and how to control the pencil. All of this is directly related to painting. The following photos show the progress from start to finish.

The construct which defines the outer edges of the subject as well as the shadow shapes inside.

The first layer of 2B pencil laid down in short, even strokes. Any dark spot or uneven patch is corrected in this layer. The paper is Mi Tienes Canson paper in a light cream.

First layer of 2B pencil is complete. Only the shadowed areas have been filled in by pencil. A stomp is used over this layer. The action of the stomp makes the surface uneven, but pushes or fixes the graphite into the paper.

The second layer of 2B pencil has been laid in. The value is darker, but still has room to go darker. All blemishes and uneven patches are cleaned up with a kneaded eraser and a very sharp pencil. The halftone on the neck has been put in with a HB pencil.

Halftone areas are filled in with an HB pencil. The strokes are short and even. The "bed bug" line is worked with a brush and the HB pencil.

                            
                               The darkest areas are worked up with an HB pencil. Some of the lights have been lifted out with a kneaded eraser. The transitions between values have been refined.

The result of all this work and time.