Compressed charcoal – projects135You need to light the subject from the side
to cast a shadow on the wall behind the
subject. Do this by using any light like an
angle poise lamp, and directing the light from
the lamp on to your object from the side. This
type of light source is very important, as the
way the light illuminates the subject and the
shadows that are cast will create the Trompe
L’Oeil illusion when drawn.
You now need to start your drawing with
the compressed charcoal, making first a linear
drawing as with the two previous drawings, by
fixing your composition on the paper as
accurately as possible and to scale and
proportion. The next part of the drawing is
different to the last two drawings in that it is
pure and very accurate observation, looking
at tone and texture in detail. Pay particular
attention to minor detail such as creases,
buttons, or lining. See example on page 134.
Don’t forget the cast shadows.