More Gourds

Thought it might be fun to do another step-by-step post, this time with the prepared ground technique. You saw last time what the prepared grounds look like, so I'll just start off with the actual drawing.
First, a quick sketch to get down the basic shape:

Then a full outline with details of shadows, complex shape, and the ground. This surface is really nice for charcoal. Since acrylic is so rubbery, it's very easy to erase mistakes.

Next, I started in with the sandpaper and alcohol (with a q-tip). The sandpaper rubs down the layer of paint fairly quickly, leaving it much lighter with a rough texture. The alcohol dissolves the paint, leaving a smoother texture and darker areas around the treated spot.

After this, I start in with the charcoal to define the shadows. I keep working with the sandpaper and alcohol to blend the 3 textures together.

Now this looks pretty good, but I want to really make the drawing pop dimensionally, so I go in with pastel pencils. These can come in a variety of colors, but for this piece I used a light blue-green and white. The pastel helps to define the highlights and reflected light, while subduing and smoothing some of the texture.

And there you have it! I think I am officially in love with this process.