Question: Can I do a charcoal drawing with just a splash of color?

Ballerina Green Apple, Pink Bodice

What's my story? Well . . . I have been enjoying a drawing fiesta . . . drawing every day. I have been working on some larger charcoal drawings (11x14 and larger) but I have been too lazy to 'photograph and post' compared to the 'scan and post'. I also spent many wonderfully magnificent hours laughing and talking about art with my talented and inspiring artist friend J. Rubio. Then . . . CJ sent me a text to stop drinking coffee and get back to work . . . and when CJ talks . . .

Question: Can I paint a ballerina without drawing it first using a limited palette . . .

I did this one around the time as the last one with a limited palette - maybe a month ago - I think I can 'up my game' a little bit since painting this one. Haven't really painted anything since (except for the next question: Would I enjoy painting by covering the canvas with umber and then wiping the image out with a cloth) so we will have to see. . .

Question: Can I draw a little 'more realistic' ballerina with arms extended over her face?

Not bad for a start! Someone said that Degas was 'the master of charcoal' . . . I would like to work on that as well!

Who loves the ballet too . . . Pal Fried

What an unusual name! Beautiful painting of dancer Katherine Dunham.

Self Portrait #1

The Charcoalist

Either one of these could be me - if I were young, slim, had long hair - and could dance . . .

Question: Can I draw several different scenes of a 'ballerina before the performance' . . .

Scene 2 of 5

The Violinist

Question: Can I draw several different scenes of a 'ballerina before the performance' . . .

Scene 1

sheet music

. . . and turn these sketches into oil paintings as if I were preparing for a show? Good question!