The Man In The Shadows

So Today I Bring You ..

'The Man In The Shadows'. He was derived using a method that I have used often in the past called blind contour drawing.

For those of you just tuning in and wondering what I am talking about, Blind Contour Drawing is when you look only at your subject while you attempt to draw what you see. You never lift the drawing tool off of the surface nor ever look at the drawing until finished! So the process is referred to as ‘Blind’, and contains ONE continuous line.

I Found My Inspiration..

As I was browsing the several thousands of pictures on my phone and came across one I took several years back. There were several of us out at a brewery in South Eastern Pennsylvania.. having a good old time too! When I looked over at my cousin and he was sort of sitting back into the shadows. All I saw was his eyes, teeth and beard hairs reflecting the light in a neat subtle way. I captured the moment quickly before he noticed I was taking the shot. He's not one that likes his picture taken.

Inspiration Photo ..

So I Have My Inspiration Gathered ..

A rather cool shot, or so I think, and a need to sketch out another blind contour drawing. I gather what I need for this small exercise; One 7"x11" piece of paper, one black standard point Sharpie, one eraser, one rag/paper towel, my box of charcoal, and a little bit of enthusiasm! :-D I've got it all covered. I am ready to begin..

Materials Close At Hand ..

First I Pick My Starting Point ..

By choosing a facial feature, for example an eye or some other basic feature. Now I usually start someplace I know I will not have to backtrack too much from. I really do not want to do that. I start with the eye on this piece and slowly move my hand in sync with my eyes. I trace all of the major features using this method; as my eyes move so does the drawing instrument. When I think I am finished, I take my FIRST look at the finished product! It looks good!! Yes a bit grotesque, and possibly a little creepy, but neat.. at least in my opinion. Sometimes I attempt a blind contour and end up tossing it out, because it looks like nothing but a bunch of squiggly lines on paper. I may of had a bad eye hand coordination type of day when that happens. No biggie, I just try again later.

Starting Point Chosen ..

Now That The Drawing Is Complete ..

I move on to some shading. There are times when I just leave the drawing be and frame it as it is, But this time I want to just apply a little shading in order to highlight a few features. It will appear more like the original inspiration picture now as well. Not that this is my goal, just saying it may. hehe. I think the drawing comes alive a little bit more now.

Completed Blind Contour Drawing ..

I Am Using My Antique Charcoal Pieces ..

to layer in shading to allow the tonal values to pop a little. I have found it hard to get layers of charcoal to build up. I get to the point where I try and lightly blend the shades and just succeed at NOT creating the value change and depth I was looking for. I just can't get the dark areas dark enough. I do not have a lot of experience in using them, so thus I do the best I can. In the very final stages of shading, and when I think I am just about finished, I use an eraser to remove some of the charcoal to create highlights. It is SOOOoooooo hard not to get charcoal where you don't want it, so an eraser will become a good friend to you. You would be surprised to know that it takes the charcoal up pretty easily without too much pressure asserted.

Shading Progress ..

I Finish The Piece ..

By placing my signature on it and will apply sealer when the first nice day rolls around (it dries a tad quicker in warm weather). Sealing these charcoal pieces is almost essential to its survival. Otherwise the charcoal will smear or wipe off with the gentlest of touches. I don't want that to happen.. so hands off till I seal-er up!

The Whole Process ..

Here are all the photos in one in case you want to see them all together. I like making these so you can get a quick look at things, instead of scrolling all through them again.

Thank You For The Visit!

I hope you like my creepy guy in the shadows. Let me know what you think!

If Your Interested In Purchasing Any Of My Work:

They can be found for sale in

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If you don't see the piece in either shop, It may still be drying. Let me know and I can upload it as soon as possible to be available. Or you can always make me an offer (in SBD or STEEM) in the comments section of this post. If we agree on a price, I will then ship the painting to you. (shipping costs will be determined by your location).

Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!

All words, pictures and art pieces are the sole property of B D Miller Gallery, unless otherwise noted and credited, and are not to be reproduced or copied without the prior written consent of B D Miller Gallery.

About Me ~ The Artist

My art work incorporates a wide variety of subject matter, including landscape, seascape, cityscape, and still life images. My works are the product of a continuing process of exploration through which I seek to portray personal and visionary interpretations of my surroundings. My paintings are impressions of places and events from everyday life, an interpretation of my imagination, and personal responses to what I see and feel on a daily basis. More recently I have invested generous amounts of time into my landscape painting. I am surrounded by natural and man made beauty, which inherently presents itself in the tri-state area, and almost demands that I paint it.

Not everything is art. Art is not everything, but it comes close. Art is everywhere and all the time. Art makes you experience the beauty of the world, the people in it, and the places we call home. Art itself is so influential that it can tell stories, show feelings, and express passion or fury. Art exists in addition to language; expression of sensations and thoughts, revealing a way of thinking too subtle and delicate for words.

For me art requires love, honesty and perseverance. In return, it reveals some personal, non-analyzable, and creative untamed passion. For the public, art with its magnificent beauty, improves mood and health and builds better human beings and communities. It engages the intellect, softens the heart, strengthens the soul and frees the spirit.