Charcoal

Fot this drawing I covered the entire sheet of paper with charcoal and began to draw into it with a kneadable eraser (probably a gum eraser too).
This type of method is a great way for people who are afraid of drawing to start. It is very forgiving because you can always add more charcoal. I like working with charcoal and in this way because of the fluidity of the medium. The image evolves freely as I work it. For this I was working from a model doing ten to twenty minute poses. That is why there are three of her.

I find limiting the time I can spend on a piece helps make my drawings stronger. I am better able to get the essence of my subject down and I am less likely to overwork the piece if I put time limits on myself.