Compressed Charcoal Sketches, Bristol 1991-4

On returning to Bristol in 1991, I found I continued to favour square compressed charcoal sticks and 24” by 36” ‘penny bond’ paper for quick (5 to 7 minute) life sketches, to the extent that I mail ordered these materials from the USA at significant expense when I could find no near equivalent for sale in England. I used them in the Queen’s Rd life room and at home in Montpelier, where I sometimes drew friends and sometimes hired professional models.

I always allow my models to choose their own poses, wishing them to make the shapes that are natural for them and reveal their own body language, mood and character. I observed that models in the UK are generally less adventurous than the models I had drawn in the USA.