Clouds on the crest
We don’t have a lot of clouds in the summer in Los Angeles - rain is just about non-existent - but when there’s some humidity in the air big thunderheads accumulate over the desert on the north side of the Angeles Crest National Forest (which is in the San Gabriel Mountains.)
Last weekend we took a drive up the crest to see these giants, and I decided to do a charcoal value study because the contrasts were so striking.
Because I am insatiably curious about nature of any kind, I looked some pictures of these clouds and I think they are either cumulus congestus (because of their height and distinctive cauliflower tops) or perhaps cumulonimbus - although those can be even taller and often have anvil-tops. Now, to those of you living in areas that get thunderstorms every day, clouds like these are probably nothing to get excited about. But you have to realize that in California, from May to November or longer, we see mostly blue skies. So, picturesque clouds are a welcome novelty.
I drew this with a small piece of soft willow charcoal which I sharpened occasionally on a piece of sandpaper - and I rubbed some of the powdered carbon into the sky also. I liked that it gave me more of a range of textures than pencil and was easier to get darker values without hours of drawing, which is helpful for a study. I think I can see about 7 values in this. What do you think?
This is beautiful, Karen. As in Texas so far as clouds go, but I am going to try tomorrow.
I *love* it! You did a fantastic job. Great composition. What a great idea to use charcoal. I always forget about using it.
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL!!! There is something so magical about these bumps of clouds coming up over the landscape ….!!
I think it is fabulous!! There are just some things that work so well with charcoal!
Karen, there are at least seven values minimum in your charcoal sketch! Thanks for looking up the name of those glorious thunderheads we
have around here. They are really spectacular sometimes! (Now if I can just remember the name!) Charcoal dust can be a great too I have
I have discoveredl. Too bad it’s so messy! Nice sketch! I love that you go “exploing” so often. Nature is grand and we are so fortunate to
live in this area where one does not have to go far to find it!
Great idea to use charcoal–I’d forgotten all about it and it can’t be beat for value studies. To me this looks more like a painting with a Japanese scroll look to it than a sketch. Beautiful composition and so rich and deep.
Karen, I think you did an outstanding job on this! I am getting really encouraged to try charcoals again. I understand your fascination with thunderheads, maybe it is from being short on clouds during the summer
months. Going through Nevada and Wyoming yeaterday the clouds were incredible, unfortunately, I can’t drive and draw or ride and draw. So I am taking lots of mental pictures!
I love the values. Great sketch!
This is a very beautiful drawing. I saw the peaks of these clouds from my home in Glendale. Being a northerner, I have to admit at times I find the endless blue sky oppressive so I get excited about clouds too.
Thank you, all
Tami - yes, give charcoal a try. It is so different from a pen or pencil experience but there’s lots to learn about value - it’s very painterly, I think.
Jana - I agree - the perfect tool for value without having to worry about color.
Nancy, I feel the same way about this area - Malibu on one side with breakers and surf, mountains to the east and north and desert all around - with a Mediterranean landscape in between. You can get anything you want here, practically.