Unit 2 - Plein Air Charcoal Drawing

En plein air (French pronunciation: French for outdoors, or plein air painting) is the act of drawing and painting outdoors. This method contrasts with studio drawing and painting, or academic rules that might create a predetermined look.

Process

1. Go out into the world; ie. nature, public space, the wilderness, your neighborhood, the park, the zoo, museum, etc...
2. With a piece of vine charcoal, sketch out the main information you are viewing through your "Plein Air" lens.
3. Seek out and render the shadows with the charcoal stick.  
4. Blend mid tone ranges with black and grey toned charcoal.  
5. Add white chalk to blend in highlights.
   
6. Use a blending stump for smooth transitions between values.