Croquis-Male-Broadside

Conte on 18"x24" newsprint. 
Gesture drawings (1 min.) performed "at" On Air Video's "The Croquis Cafe."  CC features live models on videotape in 1, 2 and 5 minute poses. 

These were begun using five broad strokes with the side of the conte stick to establish placement, core mass and rhythm.  This was done for the torso and both parts of each leg, and parts of the upper limbs (i.e. one broad sweep of the conte for each part mentioned).  After that, volumes were laid in bounding the core masses using sweeping containment lines drawn with the pointed end of the conte.  All of it was executed with the involvement of the whole body (standing) to communicate a felt rhythm - to put that rhythmic flow into the lines and shapes.  At the same time, measurements were made and proportions were checked.

Looks like chalk on a blackboard, eh?  It's just a digital reversal of black and white, which I think shows better the initial broad strokes.  In the black and white version, it's hard to identify the core mass.  The problem is that the conte slides too easily over the newsprint, even when I abrade it with sandpaper.  A soft vine charcoal works a little better for this - and conti on a heavier, toothy paper works better, too.  But these are warm ups.  We're not gonna break out the good stuff for it. 

Glenn Villpu liked to smudge in the core mass with a chammy, then work it over in cross-contour.  This is a little different from what I did with the conti, which is essentially what he calls the quick sketch.  But I'll use the chammy method, too, when working with charcoal.  ("No rules, just tools.") 

It's the same as with Martial Arts.  You analytically practice a variety of techniques and movements and drill them intensively.  Then, when it comes time to compete/  perform/ use it for real - you act instinctively.  God only knows what you will do next, which method you'll employ, what technique will leap to the fore in the moment.  But when it does and when it works, it's a thing of wonder and beauty.
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BTW-Larry and Sharyn Withers , who bring you the Croquis Cafe, have started a CC Gallery to showcase your work.  Check their page or website for submission guidelines.