Untitled #14

Untitled #14

22" X 30"

Charcoal on Paper

2012

Around 2010 or so I began to use some of the Pan Pastel Sofft Tools when working in charcoal from life. While they do have their limitations with respect to getting a tight hard edge; nothing comes close to the way they leave a mark. Another idiosyncratic distinction is that it often takes a bit of work to fill the tooth of a paper with them, which is a good thing. 

The Sofft tools are very much like sponges or make-up applicators. This softness makes them the perfect tool on a delicate surface like Stonehenge paper. Also, when working larger, you can cover a substantial amount of area in very little time without a lot of vigorous effort. Which is a real virtue when working within the time constraints of a posed model.