Labratory Experiment

I got up the nerve to attempt a totally new approach to a drawing I've been thinking about for a long time. As I've mentioned, I don't get to make very many large drawings in a year so I work very hard to make sure each one really pushes my boundaries. A great deal of visualization goes into it. I spend significantly more time thinking about drawing than I actually draw. I feel that is my way of practicing.

This is the first time I've put down a drop cloth underneath and lowered my drawing board down almost flat. I'm giving up complete control on this. I found a large chunk of charcoal made by General's. The label says "hands-on primitive art", (I couldn't resist) using the oldest drawing medium known to man!

The subject is a bald eagle, wings spread, mantling over a salmon. The board which is very heavily gessoed measures 17"x40". So far I'm using only vine charcoal and that big chunk. There are crumbs and dust all over the board and my hands look like I've been cleaning the chimney. Just the way I wanted it.

This is as far away from detail as I can get and still have it look like a bird. Since this is a total experiment I have no idea what I'll end up with. Primitive to be sure, hands-on no question, exciting without a doubt. Just the way I wanted it.