Charcoal dust? You mean how easily charcoal smudge? I use fixative in the end so that it won’t smudge. And this is combination of vine charcoal and graphite. For the background, I use vine charcoal at first so that it’s easily erased if I make mistake. Once I’m happy with the shape of my background mark, I begin “enhancing” it with my dark charcoal pencil from derwent or 8B graphite from staedler. Both of them aren’t as dusty or get smudge easily, and more permanent.

I used to draw tight portrait from corner-corner top-bottom even for the background, but I get bored quickly and I just feel I’m only copying someone’s photograph. There is no creativity in my art and there is no “me” in it. Then roughly 1 month ago I started to extensively experiment a lot with abstract background. Didn’t work out so well. First portrait felt awkward and took me about 4 times drawing the same portrait over and over again until it feels right. I’m still learning and still searching. This is my fifth drawing using this look. Basically combining smooth photo-realism which I always prefer anyway (plus costumer and friends love them) and abstract shape background.

It’s interesting, it has almost a collage effect. With the strong black swirl lines that continue her hair+outline then crossing over the scratchy texture in bottom left… it’s musical score! Does anyone else see that or is it just me?

Bro, thank you for your appreciation. I really appreciate this. But to be honest my abstarct background in this portrait feels a little bit too much and heavy for my taste. I’m currently drawing my next portrait which has lighter background (hopefully)..

Thank you Christel.. ☺

Thank you Jan Tomorrow I’m going to upload my newest drawing. I want to sort of compare the background between the two and see which one people prefer. This drawing feels “too heavy” for me personally.

Isuki Thank you for the appreciation. I started using this look since 4 months ago. Check out my youtube channel if you’re interested in watching the timelapse..