– Why are Charles Landston’s drawings
black and white ?-

How is it that Charles Landston sketches her drawings black and white ?

 

> This tribal art form

.  The question is simple … but all the work I carried out in this direction is a story which connects
to my basic curiosity and to the questions which gnawed at me :
> How to sketch tribal drawings?
> What is this art in black and white ?

.  These famous drawings in black and white, this art sketched on the bodies of some tribal groups.
I carried out a long process of studies, research and exercises before succeeding in acquiring
my personal technique until finally due to my advanced capacities I managed
to carry out completely some of my drawings in ONE unbroken movement.
> And also showing up light and shadow, volume and movement !
Thus it was for my first thoughts !

> Because I am passionate about drawing, painting and the graphic arts
I have never ceased being interested in the different artistic styles throughout the world.
So even if the question is simple, the answer, however, is more subtle …

 

1 – Why these designs in black and white and their meanings :
> this ancestral art

.  What is this art in black and white which has existed since the beginning of time
and is so appreciated by numerous people in different countries ?

I was simply intrigued by these drawings in black and white and their meanings.
So I carried long researches and studies on these tribal drawings
which have inspired the ancient traditions of different peoples.

.  The specific designs vary according to region and culture
and have characteristic aspects which gives to the bearer a look
which is savage, animal, real, warrior and mysterious … and close to nature and to humans.

> Despite the specific variations of the artistic expressions of each and every one, one thing remains undeniably identical :
the colour has always been black, since the beginning of time.
What sharpened my interest the most was justly that these tribal drawings were the exact opposite of my work and works.

As like all artists we all have our own “hand”, our own style and our own ways of expression.
And it’s just there that it becomes more interesting and pertinent for me …

 

.  Why the exact opposite ?

Simply because I use a lot of colour , shading, light and shadow, volume
and the search for movement and I play with these in my touches
and through my subjects and themes.
My impulsions are guided by the elation of a constant search
for expressions, sensations and emotions and for the beauty of nature and its specialness.

 

2 – How to draw differently by drawing in black and white !

.  My interest and enthusiasm to learn and know is there …
How to draw differently !
I love this personal enrichment.
Developing my techniques and progressing in my arts and accomplishments !
I’m never satisfied with what I’ve acquired. I am a glutton for aspiration and inspiration.

.  So, to learn, I took my pencils and sheets of paper and started copying very many black and white drawings by different peoples and from different regions.
> So I acquired knowledge and understood the meaning of each design on the bodies of men and women.
> I understood their desires of being themselves through how they behaved in the evolution of their lives, how to enter into the skin of an animal
and how to take hold of its behaviour and instinct.
Understand it and it’s reasonings and reflections.

.  I continued to draw and draw, never stopping …
Then one day I realised that I was sufficiently informed to take up the challenge …

 

3 – The challenge to carry out my own drawings in black and white :
> acquire my own Art

.  To progress and achieve my objectives I never stop defying and challenging myself !!!
That’s how I progress.

.  And my primary objective is to be able to carry out my own drawings in black and white
while adding my own personal touch.
> Because for me it is worthwhile to acquire and certainly to personalise
and to take hold of my style in transmitting my emotions, my sensations, my points of view and my feelings.
> To bring into play my own Art and to distinguish myself by my personal technique.

.  For that, still with my pencil and paper, I selected an animal I appreciate
and I started drawing.
And there also, I followed the same plan.
I drew and drew without stop.
The job wasn’t easy.
There was a lot of failure and dissatisfaction but I persevered
until I was satisfied with my results in black and white.

.  I became more and more satisfied with my work as, little by little, it began to take a sense of scale, beauty, animation, passion, liveliness, force, brightness, ardour and love..

The more I advanced in my work the more I had to set aside my problems so as to – despite complicating the task – surpass myself.
Always searching for something new.
Even unreal or impossible.
Or, better still … not yet carried out.
> And always I follow  my motto : never resting on my accomplishments
because I’m still discovering myself and surprising myself.

 

4 – My advance was due to my issues

.  So after having done many black and white drawings my first issue was dealing
with light and shadow.
> My second was to show volumes.
>My third to catch movement.
>The fourth, to bring alive my black and white drawings !
>The fifth, to give them a soul.
>And so finally to reach the liberty of expression right and proper for me.

.  After having outlined my issues which I had to and must continue to take into account
in my work of developing my black and white drawings, some of them
became truly living and powerful forces.

 

Each drawing is specific

.  Each has its own characteristics of expression thus becoming exclusive.
> Whether you draw a tiger or a horse, a skull or even just a fish, it is essential above all
to look for its distinctive feature.
> What makes it itself and not something else ?
> So before starting to draw you must observe closely your subject so as to bring out its strong points.
> Because it is on these strong points that you must work on, in your black and white drawings.

.  The peak was when I managed to complete some of my drawings in one unbroken line !
> Starting from point A I could completely draw the sketch finishing back at point.
A while at the same time taking into account light and shade and volumes, optimising them in their movements.
> This can be noted in the drawings of the eagle, the frog and the horse (only the eyes are added).

 

You are free to write to me for discussion, or to ask me questions !
With pleasure I can advise you or just simply have an exchange of experiences.

==> In the article, « How to do a line drawing in black and white » I will explain my working techniques for black and white drawing.
That will help you to find your own style of techniques for this black and white Art !

==>  How to create a vectorial drawing with the Pencil Tool ?

==>  Evil Wolf : le mix art et mode Made in France

 

–  Charles Landston’s drawings black and white  –